Labor and Liberal 'good for business', says Chamber

The Peninsula business community is "guaranteed to have good local representation" whoever wins the Federal election, according to Peninsula Chamber of Commerce president Mr Matthew Wales.

Mr Wales' statement comes after Federal Treasurer Mr Wayne Swan and Shadow Treasurer Mr Joe Hockey paid separate visits to the Peninsula earlier this month.

Both senior politicians met with members of the Chamber to discuss the importance of small business to the national economy and election commitments.

Mr Wales said that it was clear that both sides of Federal politics saw the Peninsula as an "important part of the electorate" and a "key battleground" leading up to the election.

"The Chamber was honoured to have the Federal Treasurer Wayne Swan and the Labour candidate for Robertson Deborah O'Neill as our guests at a morning tea at the Ettalong Beach Club on August 2, where he met with around 50 prominent business people," Mr Wales said.

"Mr Swan came to Ettalong in part to honour an early commitment to meet local business people.

"The Treasurer's focus was the importance of small business to the national economy and the measures he proposes to support business growth if they are re-elected later this month.

"Following Mr Swan's visit, the chamber had the pleasure of hosting a luncheon at the Aqua Vista Restaurant at Ocean Beach for the Shadow Treasurer Mr Joe Hockey and Liberal candidate for Robertson Darren Jameson.

"The lunch was attended by 70 business leaders who came to meet the Shadow Treasurer. "Mr Hockey set out the Coalition Government's plan for the economy should they be successful at the election.

"There is no doubt that both Mr Swan and Mr Hockey are capable and passionate politicians who clearly see the Peninsula area as a key litmus test for the wider electorate.

"It was also pleasing to see two local candidates who have close community ties and a firm understanding of the local issues.

"Whoever wins the upcoming election, the local business community is guaranteed to have good local representation with two highly credible candidates.

"The Peninsula Chamber of Commerce is looking forward to continuing to work with both sides of politics."

Press release, 11 Aug 2010 Matthew Wales, Peninsula Chamber of Commerce