Minister for Small Business Bruce Billson today officially launched the inaugural Wide Bay Australia 2014 Bundaberg Business Expo.

Federal Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt welcomed Minister Billson to Bundaberg.

“Minister Billson’s visit is a show of the Coalition Government’s commitment to small business in regional Australia,” Mr Pitt said.

“After the Expo, I hosted a roundtable session to give Hinkler small businesses and representatives from the Hervey Bay Chamber of Commerce an opportunity to meet Minister Billson.

“I also took Minister Billson on a short tour of Bundaberg’s industrial precinct, and showed him how far the town has come since the 2013 floods.”

Minister Billson said he was excited to travel to Bundaberg to talk face-to-face with local business owners.

“Small businesses are a key driver of growth and jobs in communities like Hinkler and it’s great to see so many people come along to the Expo to make new business connections,” Minister Billson said.

“I was delighted to outline some of the Coalition’s policies to help small business grow and create jobs. We’re working to ensure fair competition between big and small businesses, and removing unnecessary red tape to save businesses time and money.”

Bundaberg BEC Manager Peter Peterson thanked Minister Billson and Mr Pitt for their attendance at the Expo.

“Well over 300 people registered for the event,” Mr Peterson said.

“It is events like these that enable businesses to share ideas, seek advice and be inspired.”

Mr Pitt congratulated Mr Peterson for putting together such a worthwhile and long overdue event.