Kim O’KEEFFE (Shepparton) (19:04): (523) My adjournment matter is for the Minister for Public and Active Transport, and the action I seek is that the minister retract the decision to enter into a vending machine agreement with Coca-Cola Europacific. This decision will result in the loss of business to a long-term Shepparton business owner. Mr Greg Coghlan has owned and operated Goulburn Valley Vending Service at two regional rail stations, including the Shepparton station, for over two decades and has been given just 30 days notice to vacate, which effectively shuts down his operations with no warning or consultation. Greg and his team have been an integral part of our local economy, providing a reliable and efficient local service. The decision to replace his small business with that of a multinational corporation has a significant impact on Greg’s livelihood and that of his three staff, and as you can imagine, it was a shock to be told that he no longer had a business with just 30 days notice. Greg is bewildered by the lack of consideration and transparency of the procurement process, which led to this contract being given to a multinational company. This is not a position that he planned to be in, and it is due to no fault of his own. Greg was not given an opportunity to provide a proposal to continue his successful business and faces an instant loss of income. Greg has mentioned that he would be keen to have a chat with the minister and to work with the government. Small businesses are the backbone of communities and they have faced significant challenges in recent years. They need to be valued and supported, and once again I urge the minister to retract this decision.
Categories: Local Issues, Speeches
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