Business owners and operators are invited to a virtual business roundtable with their Federal Member and Labor’s Deputy Leader, Richard Marles.

Federal member for Blair, Shayne Neumann said he is holding the forum for businesses in Ipswich, the Somerset Region and Karana Downs area on 5 October 2021 via Zoom.

“With the many challenges posed by the pandemic, including ongoing border closures, the threat of lockdowns and the pace of the vaccine rollout, I know local businesses have been under extreme pressure,” Mr Neumann said.

“One of the things the pandemic has highlighted is the need to support Australian businesses, particularly Australian-made manufacturing and Australian-made products.

“On a local level, I believe it’s been vital to support local businesses and manufacturers, including our small and emerging enterprises.

“The roundtable discussion will provide an opportunity for local businesses to outline what measures the local business sector needs to recover from the financial shock of COVID-19 and to stimulate the local economy.”

The roundtable will feature Richard Marles, Labor’s Deputy Leader as well as the Shadow Minister for Employment, Skills and Small Business.

Mr Neumann said the lockdown measures have kept Mr Marles in Victoria, prompting the use of an online meeting format.

The Roundtable is on Tuesday 5 October at 5:30pm via ZOOM.

RSVP to [email protected] to receive the meeting link.