Coulton's Catch-up 8th March
08-March-2010
Small business is the backbone of our local economy. I believe that small business is the most critical part of our economy – the source of much of Australia’s innovation, economic growth and job creation.
As your Federal Member, I value the contribution small business makes to our community. In their first Federal budget the Rudd Government scrapped almost $1 billion of worth of small business assistance programs. This decision came at a time of growing economic uncertainty and falling small business confidence and unfortunately, for many small businesses trading conditions have never been tougher.
I’m determined to keep working on behalf of our local small businesses. If you visit my website – www.markcoulton.com.au – under the ‘portfolio/small business’ section you will find a small business survey that will help me best fight for the issues that matter most to you and your small business.
As small business employs the bulk of locals in the Parkes electorate, it is crucial that in order to provide the right support to our small businesses I am aware of the difficulties our small businesses are facing.
Please take the time to fill out the survey, which you can either fax (02 6882 9935) or mail (3/153 Brisbane St, Dubbo 2830) to my office.
International Women’s Day will be celebrated on Monday March 8 in the Parkes electorate, across Australia and around the world.
IWD is a global day celebrating the economic, political and social achievements of women in the past, present and future. The central theme for 2010 is “Empowering Women to End Poverty by 2015”.
In 2000, Government Leaders from around the world came together and agreed on a powerful agenda for a global partnership to fight poverty - the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Central to the achievement of these goals is gender equality.
Women disproportionately suffer the burden of poverty, discrimination and abuse. But while it is important to acknowledge poverty in women around the world, it is also a time to celebrate women’s achievements.
Women throughout the Parkes electorate are high achievers in many fields from public life to science, the arts, sport and politics. They are CEOs, farmers, doctors, police officers, nurses, professors, and countless other occupations. They make an enormous contribution to the economy through paid work, caring responsibilities and volunteer contributions.
I would encourage everybody to help celebrate on Monday the contribution that women make day in, day to better the world in which we live.