Media Release
January 20, 2020
MGA was part of the round-table of small business representatives that was called in Canberra by the Prime Minister, Scott Morrison, the Treasurer, Josh Frydenburg and the Minister for Small and Family Business, Michaelia Cash. The interests and concerns of our members and their communities that were adversely affected by bush-fires were the major priority of business. Jos de Bruin, CEO of Master Grocers Australia, said that , “As a member of the Council of Small Business Organisations Australia (COSBOA), MGA is delighted with the generous Government response that has been made to the small businesses, that have suffered such devastating losses during these unprecedented disasters. We have been in constant communication with our small business members and their communities who are scattered throughout some of the most deeply bush fire affected regions. We know of those who have lost their homes, their possessions and businesses and are desperately in need of help, both financial and emotional, if they are to restore their lives for themselves and their families”.
Mr. de Bruin continued, “It was heartening to see that the Prime Minister, Scott Morrison, has understood the desperate plight of our small retailers, who have spent decades building their local businesses, only to see them disappear before their eyes in a few minutes. We now know the extent of the damage to these small businesses and at a time when there seemed little hope of their desperate cries for help have been heard. It is comforting for those of us who are removed from the personal trauma of having lost their entire lives to know that there is hope for these communities in the future. We thank the Federal Government and the State Governments for their generous support.”
The Government has provided information on all the facilities offering immediate assistance to small businesses for their recovery. These include a dedicated single contact point, support line, grant funding, loans and tax relief
Jos de Bruin concluded by saying, “With the massive Government support available we are confident those small business communities, who have contributed so much to the unique character and appeal of country Australia, will be able to rebuild their lives and restore their communities to a new level, that we know will be better than ever before.”
Source: Jos de Bruin
Chief Executive Officer | GAICD
