Cairns small and family businesses must be given certainty and a pathway out of the pandemic ahead of Christmas.
Leader of the Opposition David Crisafulli spent another day in Cairns joined by Shadow Treasurer and Deputy Leader David Janetzki to call for certainty after a tough 2021.
“Cairns is hurting and what they need more than ever right now is hope,” he said.
“Vaccination is our ticket to freedom, it’s also our ticket to security and certainty.
“We need to find more ways of delivering the vaccine to Queenslanders such as drive-through clinics which is working in the southern states.”
Mr Crisafulli said a 20-year tourism plan would harness the golden opportunity that the 2032 Olympics offers.
It would incorporate the period leading up to the games, during the event and the post Olympics period, he said.
“We need to deliver new products to create a visitor experience that puts us back on the top of the world, and we need an aggressive strategy either side of the games.
“While the eyes of the world are on us, this is our chance to go for gold.”
Shadow Treasurer David Janetzki said genuine support for small and family businesses would give them the confidence to get through to Christmas.
Mr Janetzki said the State Government had failed to deliver with businesses in Cairns still waiting to receive the support they were promised.
“Many are also missing out as the government isn’t offering support to businesses with a turnover of less than $75,000 per year,” he said.
“That means small businesses like hairdressers, bookkeepers and lawn mowing aren’t eligible.
“These small businesses are the same ones that make up the largest proportion of Queensland businesses.”
Mr Crisafulli said it was the Government’s responsibility to give Cairns hope and certainty for the future.
“Every day small businesses are losing hope and are making the tough decision to shut up shop for good,” he said.
“Small business owners and their staff deserve better from this government.
“Now’s the time for the Government to step up and deliver for Cairns.”
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