Tuesday, 18 November 2025

 Natalie SULEYMAN (St Albans – Minister for Veterans, Minister for Small Business and Employment, Minister for Youth) (19:19): Responding to the member for Prahran, let me make it very clear: our small and family businesses are the backbone of our local communities, and that is why this week this Parliament has laws before the house that protect workers – not only retail workers but also small and family business workers. We know that they are absolutely integral in our community, and that is why we will do everything on this side of the house to protect and support workers and in particular, can I also add, support small and family businesses not only in Chapel Street but across Melbourne and Victoria. That is why we will continue to provide the right supports, whether it is our mentoring grants or whether it is our multicultural precinct support grants, working in partnership with stakeholders. I met with the Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry last week and looked at opportunities to better support and grow small and family businesses in Victoria. But I am also keen to provide an update to the member on the programs and supports that are provided for small and family businesses.

A number of other matters were raised by members to ministers. I will make sure that these matters are referred to the relevant ministers for attention.

The DEPUTY SPEAKER: The house stands adjourned until tomorrow morning.

House adjourned 7:21 pm.