Eligible voters had until 8pm yesterday to make sure their name was on the electoral roll, as the federal election looms.
Small business became the focus in Narrabri this morning, with the arrival of the biggest moving billboard in the southern hemisphere.
It was all part of the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s ‘Small Business Too Big To Ignore’ campaign, putting issues faced by small businesses firmly in the spotlight as the election draws near.
Narrabri Shire voters will find out later this week the list of candidates running for the seat of Parkes, with nominations closing at noon on Thursday.
Cutting down red tape, simplifying the tax system, making it easier to employ people and building better infrastructure were the key messages on display in Narrabri this morning as the largest mobile billboard in the southern hemisphere rolled into town.
The ‘Small Business Too Big To Ignore’ campaign is an initiative of the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and is grassroots election year initiative.
“This is stop eleven on a 50 stop trip,” said Greg Pattison, spokesperson with the NSW Business Chamber, which is a founding partner of the campaign.
“At the core of the campaign is the message that small business employes seven million people, 60 per cent of the work force, and that small business is part of a good vibrant business community which means a good local and national economy.”
The billboard was assembled in the car park between The Crossing Theatre and the Visitor Information Centre.
The 16 metre high sign requires a trailer, weighing 30 tonnes, and a prime mover weighing 10 tonnes.
“It takes about an hour to put up, and they’re doing it twice a day so they’re getting plenty of practice!” Mr Pattison said.
The campaign aims to show that small business plays a vital role in Australia, particularly in rural communities.
“If a local business goes, where do people get jobs?” Mr Pattison said.
“The government needs to help small business, and can’t assume they can keep laying it on businesses.”
He said the campaign isn’t directed at a particular political party, rather an initiative aimed at encouraging the community to arm themselves with information from candidates.
“It’s about getting people engaged, to talk with their local candidates to see who will be best for business and then make their choice,” Mr Pattison said.
Richard Orr, president of the Narrabri Chamber of Commerce, said the main problems facing local businesses are similar to those faced by others around the country.
“People just don’t want to open their wallet and spend, they’re not confident to spend in a country with no leadership,” Mr Orr said.
The billboard was due to arrive in Tamworth tonight before moving on to the Hunter Valley and finishing on the Central Coast.