Southern Metropolitan Region
John BERGER (Southern Metropolitan) (12:54): (470) My constituency question is for the Minister for Small Business in the other place Minister Suleyman. What programs is the Allan Labor government providing to support small businesses? Over the weekend, the minister joined me at the Camberwell market in my community in Southern Metro, specifically in Hawthorn, where constituents continue to remind me that they dearly miss their former Labor member the hardworking John Kennedy. We spoke to dozens of small business owners from right across the state. This includes Mr and Mrs Shaheen, who travel all the way from Greenvale every Sunday to sell flowers. Our government knows the value of investing in small businesses. We are investing $17 million in our multicultural precincts, including delivering scholarships to help train and retain 500 staff members. These are practical solutions that will be tailored to the needs of the local communities. I know the minister is a passionate advocate for small business and supporting the locals of Victoria. I look forward to responses on this important matter for my community.