In the lead up to Christmas, Farrer MP Sussan Ley is encouraging shoppers to ‘buy local’.

“Our electorate has over 12,000 local small businesses, many of those with an item at the top of someone’s Christmas wish list, home to a range of gift ideas or stocking a unique product no one else has.”

“December and January is one of the busiest times of year for our retail and hospitality sectors – shopping locally and encouraging visitors to do the same brings a vital injection of cash and confidence into our community.”

“It’s estimated some $340 billion is contributed by small business to Australia’s economy every year, accounting for about four in ten local jobs.”

“Maintaining and growing a stronger local economy helps our small business employ locals – particularly younger people – keeping money flowing through our local area.”

“While on-line browsing and purchasing is growing in popularity, this close to Christmas the advantage of shopping locally, seeing and touching a product, and taking it home comes into its own.”

“Where possible this holiday season, I really want to encourage you to ‘think small and buy local’ – our region really benefits when you do”, Ms Ley concluded.