Tuesday, 24 May 2022

Hawthorn electorate tech businesses

Mr KENNEDY (Hawthorn) (19:12): (6371) My adjournment matter this evening is for the Minister for Innovation, Medical Research and the Digital Economy and Minister for Employment. The action I seek is for the minister to join me in visiting the Australian headquarters of Xero, located in my electorate of Hawthorn. Xero is one of a growing contingent of successful tech businesses deciding to call Hawthorn home, and honestly, why wouldn’t you? I have spoken before in this chamber about businesses like Quest Payment Systems and Compass. They are all at the coalface of the digital transformation that so many businesses are undergoing, and they are paving the way for other startup businesses to join them in Hawthorn. As we move into the digital age it is imperative that we continue to support these businesses making Hawthorn and Victoria innovation hubs.

This government has supported businesses like this with measures like the latest round of the small business digital adaptation program, which will allow our small businesses to apply for rebates to access a range of digital tools. Xero products are an integral part of the suite of tools available to these businesses, and they have often been claimed through these grants. Businesses like Xero allow other businesses and organisations to run better. This reminds me of how Australian tech success story Atlassian has greatly assisted me in running my office.

We saw through the pandemic that nobody supports Victorian businesses like we do. Whilst the Liberal federal government was happy to play politics, allowing JobKeeper to be rorted and then ending it prematurely, we have been consistent in doing everything we can to support Victorian businesses and Victorian workers. Regardless of this, it would be a pleasure to host the minister at this fantastic business headquartered in Hawthorn. We all know that only a Labor government can support our businesses and that only a Labor government can continue to deliver record low unemployment in our great state. These businesses matter. They allow Victorians to access cheap useful goods while providing skilled, stable, secure jobs. I am looking forward to the minister’s visit.