Family businesses are the backbone of our nation.
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They are among Australia’s most recognisable names and brands. Many of our biggest and most loved companies started off as a family business.
Included in these are Coopers Brewery, Akubra Hats, Rossi Boots, Raine and Horne, Myers, Ugg Australia, Bundaberg Brewed Drinks and even Speedo started life as a family business, and many of these remain family owned today.
There are nearly half a million family businesses that contribute to our economy. Last Monday, September 19, the first ever Family Business Morning Tea was celebrated on National Family Business Day.
This was an opportunity to recognise the enormous contribution the $4.3 trillion sector makes to our country.
For places like Queanbeyan, family businesses are the foundation of the community.
They are the local butcher, bakery, news agency, hairdresser and more, all providing the highest quality of service and a familiar smile.
This year was the fifth annual National Family Business Day, which recognises that family businesses employ 50 per cent of the Australian workforce.
It also makes up 70 per cent, which is nearly half a million, of all Australian businesses, both big and small.
Much of the Australian economy and culture have been shaped by the contributions of family businesses.
Prior to politics I ran the family business for 20 years, manufacturing windows and doors here in Queanbeyan.
My parents were Italian migrants who came to Australia in 1968. Their hard working example instilled in me a strong value of family, community and business.
I believe it’s important we celebrate family businesses for making Australia the nation it is today.
I encourage all who work in a family business across this great state of New South Wales to get involved in future National Family Business Day events.
It can be as simple as sharing a morning tea and memories with your family and colleagues.
- John Barilaro,
Member for Monaro