A Dubbo retailer received a pleasant surprise when she was mentioned during NSW Treasurer Dominic Perrottet’s Budget speech in Parliament this week.
Member for the Dubbo Electorate Dugald Saunders took the Treasurer and Deputy Premier John Barilaro to several Dubbo CBD businesses, including Lazy Sunday Lifestyle, when they were in town last week.
“It was a great opportunity to take the Treasurer to meet some of our amazingly innovative and resilient business-owners in Dubbo, and for us to hear directly from them how the NSW Government’s COVID-19 support grants have impacted their businesses,” Mr Saunders said.
Mr Perrottet purchased a blue and white checked tie at Lazy Sunday Lifestyle, and owner Kate Griffiths was “pretty excited” to learn he had worn it when delivering his historic Budget Speech on Tuesday.
The Treasurer even mentioned Kate by name.
“People like Kate, from Dubbo, who was able to keep her shop going and take it online with the support grants she received,” Mr Perrottet said.
“And I’m very proud to be wearing the tie I bought at Kate’s shop last week.”
Ms Griffiths said the three MPs nearly cleared her shop out of ties.
“It was nice to get a shout out to a regional area,” Ms Griffiths said.
“[The grants] helped us get back on our feet and spend a bit of money on marketing when we reopened.
“And in the New Year, I’m about to do a bit of a new store fit out!”
Mr Saunders said it was great to see Dubbo starring in the NSW Budget – in more ways than one.
“As well as the money already announced for the drug rehabilitation centre, the zoo and the hospital car park, the Budget also delivered $20 million for a Dubbo-based pilot of digital school upgrades,” Mr Saunders said.
“We’re delivering for families with 15 hours of free preschool per week extended to the end of 2021, and $100 worth of Out and About vouchers for every adult resident to help inject new energy into our hospitality and entertainment businesses.
“There’s also $2.8 billion in payroll tax cuts, including increasing the threshold to $1.2 million to lower the cost of creating jobs, and businesses that are under the payroll tax threshold will receive $1,500 vouchers to cover government fees.
“Business owners like Kate have already embraced the stimulus funding on offer, and the measures announced this week will only further drive our region’s economic recovery!”
As for the Treasurer’s tie, Lazy Sunday Lifestyle is expecting new stock in time for Christmas for anyone wanting to get their hands on one.
“Be quick! Christmas is coming!” Ms Griffiths said.