A big thank you for the chance to spend time with you on Darkinjung country, in a really beautiful part of Australia which is also an indispensable part of our national economy.
You couldn’t ask for better local representatives or supporters than Gordon and Emma, and Pat up the road too, and they’re really valued, cherished and effective parts of our team as well.
We’ve been working closely with Gordon to be here today and with Joseph, Scott and the Business NSW crew who put this together – please show them and the staff of the Mingara Recreation Club our appreciation for hosting us at Tumbi.
We’re joined by a couple of Davids – Harris and Mehan – Liesel and Adam from the state parliament; plus Patricia and Alex from the University of Newcastle, and another David, John and John from Council.
I’m sure I speak for all the political representatives when I extend a big thank you to all the business leaders for the jobs and opportunities you create on the Central Coast and beyond.
Today’s the perfect opportunity to get out of the capital cities once again and reflect a bit on your contribution, and to focus particularly on housing and small business.
And it’s perfectly timed because the PM and I made some announcements yesterday I want to flesh out for you before we get to the panel conversation.
Last time I was here I joined Scott and many of you a bit outside Gosford at the Chamberlain Group – an important employer in this region and home to some big Australian success stories in manufacturing and business.
That was on the 27th of February last year, one year and one day before war broke out between the US, Israel and Iran and unleashed chaos on the global economy.
So it hasn’t been long since I joined you last, but we are in a very different situation today, and I welcome the opportunity to discuss some of that with you and how our Budget fits into that.
