New England consumers are being called on to get behind the ‘Go Local First’ campaign in support of small businesses facing a downturn in trade.

Member for New England, Barnaby Joyce, said the Australian Government-funded campaign will urge people to ‘Go Local First’ when they are purchasing products and services to help the small business sector get back on its feet in the COVID-19 economic recovery.

“Just like we did during the drought, we’re calling on local people to back local business and put their community first,” Mr Joyce said.

“We demonstrated how we could do it before following drought, fire and flood and now we need people to show they can do it again.

“The Government is doing its part with record spending in financial stimulus and other assistance measures but we need people to also spend their money in town to help keep people in jobs, businesses in trade and money ticking through local cash tills.”

Minister for Small and Family Business, Senator the Hon Michaelia Cash said this campaign would combat the many challenges facing Australia’s 3.5 million small businesses.

“Now more than ever Australian small businesses need local communities to back them and support their recovery by choosing to shop with them either in-person or online.

“Australians know when they make the choice to go to their local small businesses, they are supporting their community and the national economy as a whole.”

This campaign will feature numerous small businesses including cafes, chemists, retailers, trades, hairdressers, butchers, accountants and bookkeepers from across Australia.

Over the coming months, Australians will see the ‘Go Local First’ message on TV, radio, online and in their community.

For more information on the campaign visit: www.golocalfirst.com.au

(ENDS)