In the lead-up to Christmas local MP Sussan Ley is encouraging communities across Farrer to back small business and ‘shop local’.

“One of the great benefits of a large and diverse electorate like ours is the wonderful variety of stores and businesses I get to drop into and snap up a unique gift or bargain”, Ms Ley said.

“Small businesses and family enterprises are the economic life blood of communities in our region – the Federal Coalition wants to see them prosper.”

“We need to encourage and nurture small business operators – they are taking risks, providing employment growth and opportunities for others within our towns and cities.”

“Absolutely one of the best ways to ensure retail competition and improve the prospects of our local small businesses is to support them at the till during the Christmas and summer holiday season”, Ms Ley said.

Griffith Business Chamber President Paul Pierotti also encouraged the local community to shop small, spend local, eat local, enjoy local and support the businesses which support your community.

“Local business is the backbone to society and we must continue to support them where possible to ensure they can thrive”, Mr Pierotti said.

The local campaign echoes Minister for Small Business Michael McCormack’s call for consumers this Christmas to ‘buy local’.

“On average it is estimated each one of us plans to spend around $955 this holiday season, so why not spend this in a local small business.”

“By backing small business this holiday season you are supporting the 5.6 million hard-working Australians which they employ – make this Christmas merry and shop local,” Mr McCormack concluded.