The Member for Epping Greg Smith today worked in Banjo Books at Epping as part of the NSW Business Chamber’s annual Pollies for Small Business program. 

“It’s always a very rewarding experience to spend a day in someone else’s shoes,” Mr Smith said.

“The Pollies for Small Business program allows Politicians to get a glimpse of the problems and issues that local small businesses face,” he said.

“We are fortunate enough to have many fantastic local businesses in the electorate of Epping and Banjo Books, with its friendly service, extensive range and great coffee is one of the best."

“I had a lot of fun working in Banjo Books helping with the Christmas catalogue orders, meeting customers and I was even fortunate enough to sell a copy of The Howard Factor. It’s a great experience for Politicians to see the challenges for local small business and how local small businesses are responding to global changes on a local level.” Mr Smith said.

Business Chamber CEO, Kevin MacDonald, said that with all the attention given to big picture issues like climate change, occupational, health & safety and interest rates by our politicians, this program is a fantastic opportunity for politicians to see first hand how these issues are actually affecting small business.

“Last year we had 90 Members of Parliament participating and involved members from all political parties and the independents”, Mr MacDonald said.

“This is a great program and our chambers and businesses throughout NSW have found it very useful in helping businesspeople and MPs understand each other better.”

“I anticipate this year many politicians and businesses will chat about climate change and particularly about how it will impact such things as electricity and water bills and the creation of a carbon trading scheme.”

The NSW Business Chamber Pollies for Small Business program is run in cooperation with the local Chamber of Commerce network.