My Plan for Thriving Local Businesses
Building a Thriving Local Economy.
Box Hill should be the best place in Victoria to start, grow and sustain a business.
A thriving local economy is the foundation of a thriving community.
A thriving local economy is the foundation of a thriving community. When local businesses succeed, they create jobs, support families, strengthen our shopping precincts and help build the vibrant, connected Box Hill we all want to live in.
From family-run cafés and multicultural retailers to health professionals, tradies, manufacturers, start-ups and home-based businesses, Box Hill's diverse business community is one of our greatest strengths.
As your independent representative, I will champion the interests of local businesses in Parliament, advocate for practical solutions and ensure government investment strengthens our local economy rather than leaving businesses to bear the cost of change alone.
The Challenge.
Box Hill is one of Victoria's most vibrant commercial centres, but running a business is becoming increasingly challenging.
Local businesses are facing rising operating costs, workforce shortages, increasing regulation, rapid technological change and changing consumer expectations. Major infrastructure projects and ongoing development are also creating uncertainty for many traders and business owners.
Through my work with local businesses, multicultural organisations and community groups, I have seen how many business owners spend more time navigating complex government systems than growing their businesses. They deserve practical support, clear communication and a representative who will ensure their voices are heard in Parliament.
Keep Box Hill Open for Business.
Government projects should strengthen our community — not come at the expense of the businesses that keep it running.
I will advocate for:
- Stronger business impact assessments for major infrastructure projects.
- Better communication and consultation with affected businesses.
- Safe pedestrian access, clear signage and practical support during construction.
- Greater accountability from government agencies delivering major projects.
- Measures that help local businesses remain accessible and visible throughout periods of disruption.
Reduce Complexity.
Running a business is hard enough without unnecessary bureaucracy.
Government communication should help people genuinely understand — not simply translate documents. Businesses deserve information that is clear, practical and culturally accessible, so they can spend less time navigating bureaucracy and more time serving their customers.
I will advocate for:
- Reducing unnecessary bureaucracy that takes time away from running a business.
- Improving access to government grants, programs and business support.
- Ensuring government information is communicated in plain English and supported by high-quality, culturally appropriate multilingual resources.
- Working with multicultural business associations to improve communication and consultation.
- Ensuring new regulations properly consider their impact on small and family businesses.
Grow the Businesses of Tomorrow.
Box Hill has the opportunity to become one of Victoria's leading centres for innovation, entrepreneurship and professional services.
I will advocate for:
- Greater support for digital capability, cybersecurity and responsible AI adoption.
- Stronger partnerships between business, universities and TAFE.
- Programs that encourage entrepreneurship and business innovation.
- Practical initiatives that help businesses improve productivity and compete in a changing economy.
- Building a future-ready local economy that attracts investment and creates quality jobs.
Support Fair and Flexible Workplaces.
Flexible workplaces benefit employees, families and businesses when they are designed to work for everyone.
I will advocate for workplace reforms that:
- Support flexible work where it is practical and appropriate.
- Recognise the different needs of different industries and workplaces.
- Balance employee wellbeing with the operational realities of running a business.
- Reduce unnecessary disputes through practical guidance and consultation.
- Ensure small businesses have a stronger voice when workplace reforms are considered.
Invest in Local Enterprise.
Government investment should strengthen local businesses, not leave them behind.
I will advocate for:
- Greater opportunities for capable local businesses to participate in government procurement.
- Stronger support for local shopping precincts and community activation.
- Investment that encourages people to shop, dine and spend locally.
- Partnerships that promote innovation, entrepreneurship and skills development.
- Better consideration of local economic impacts whenever major government decisions are made.
How I'll Deliver This.
As your independent representative, I will:
Meet regularly with local business owners and trader associations.
Advocate directly to Ministers and government agencies on issues affecting Box Hill.
Work collaboratively with Whitehorse City Council, business groups, education providers and community organisations.
Push for practical reforms that reduce unnecessary barriers to business.
Report back to the community on progress and continue listening to local businesses throughout my term.
My Vision.
Local businesses don't just drive our economy — they shape the character of our community. As your independent representative, I'll work every day to ensure Box Hill becomes the best place in Victoria to start, grow and sustain a business.
“Box Hill should be the best place in Victoria to start, grow and sustain a business.”
Listening first. Advocating always.
As an independent, my role isn't to make promises on behalf of a political party. My role is to listen to our community, advocate for practical solutions and ensure the voices of Box Hill businesses are heard in Parliament.