Businesses urged to use programs

Mal Brough MP, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Workplace Relations, Employment and Small Business, has urged Peninsula business people to take advantage of Government programs and policy initiatives.
Mr Brough was speaking at a briefing at Ettalong Beach Memorial Club arranged by Robertson MP Mr Jim Lloyd through the Peninsula Chamber of Commerce.
He was supported by a number of other speakers.
They were: Ray Lyon, Executive Officer, Area Consultative Committee; Gary Corrigan, Employment Advocate; Paul Burns, Industrial Suppliers Office; Christine Drakeford, GST Signpost Officer; and club manager Peter Hale, who is also chairman of the Area Consultative Committee.
In no more than one hour, guests were bombarded with a wealth of information. A large number of brochures, discs and publications were on hand for those who required more detail on any aspect discussed.
Mr Mal Brough said: "As I've talked to small business owners around the country, I've found that many businesses are unaware of the range of Federal Government assistance that is available to them.
"I am visiting your area with information on how you can take full advantage of the Government's initiatives to help your business grow.
"I am also very interested in your views on how Government could better serve your local business community."
Information was provided on a wide range of programs and services available locally.
These included Business Entry Point; Job Network providers, Wageline, the Area Consultative Committee, the Regional Assistance Program, the Small Business Enterprise Culture Program, Small Business Incubators, the Indigenous Small Business Fund, Indigenous employment wage assistance, the Fax-on-demand service, small business information line, GST start up assistance, the New apprenticeship scheme, Australian Workplace Agreements, and, the Industrial Supplies Office.
Further information on any of these can be obtained from the office of Jim Lloyd on 4325 1604.