Wednesday, 7 October 2026
When women in business have the networks and support they need to succeed, the benefits can extend across the community.
That was the spirit behind the recent luncheon I hosted at Zilver in Chatswood. We have a remarkable community of Chinese women in business in Bradfield, and my event was an opportunity to bring together the women who are building businesses, leading organisations and contributing to our local community.
The room reflected the diversity of modern business: established business owners alongside entrepreneurs, professionals and influencers, all at different stages of their careers. What connected them was a willingness to make introductions and learn from one another.
For many small-business owners, having access to those networks can be just as important as having access to capital, customers and skilled employees. A conversation with another businesswoman can lead to new partnerships and new insights into challenges someone else has already faced.
Listening to small-business owners is an important part of my work as your Federal Member.
Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, employing five million Australians and making up 97% of all businesses. Yet our tax and regulatory systems too often treat local businesses like a corporation with hundreds of employees. I have seen firsthand how red tape and complex compliance requirements can discourage businesses from growing. That is why I am working to simplify taxes and compliance, introduce scaled obligations for growing businesses, and ensure small-business owners have a voice in the regulations that affect them.
Supporting small business is ultimately about supporting people who take risks, create jobs and invest in their communities. By strengthening the connections between women in business, we can help those building businesses today, and provide opportunities to open doors for the next generation.
