Business Council urges ‘thoughtful’ spending of stimulus dollars
Posted 11/03/2009
The Bendigo Business Council is hoping that the economic stimulus money being distributed to families and taxpayers will be spent thoughtfully.
BBC executive officer Kevin de Vries said today that the Australian Government's stimulus measures will work best if the money that consumers receive from today ultimately finds its way into the business economy.
"The biggest risk in these recessionary times is unemployment. At the moment businesses need assistance to sustain turnover and maintain jobs. The economic stimulus package will support businesses and therefore employees if it finds its way into cash registers across the nation."
"We aren't going to suggest ways for families to spend their money, that would be presumptuous and each individual or family circumstance is different. What we are saying is that if ever there was a time for making a wise purchase decision that time is now."
"Whether spent on a major purchase such as whitegoods or electrical products, or spent on clothes, services, entertainment or day-to-day expenses; the benefits of the stimulus money will support businesses to meet their costs and keep Australians in employment."
"Additional consumer spending will benefit retailers, wholesalers, manufacturers, producers and importers; every business in the supply chain."
Mr de Vries said that he was dismayed by reports that in some cases the December stimulus package was wasted on gambling through poker machines.
"In the current economic circumstances people need to make well-considered decisions about what is important to them," Mr de Vries said.
"Even reducing debts such as mortgages or credit cards will subsequently lessen family interest costs - leaving more money for household purchases."
"The business community is acutely aware of the compound risks of unemployment. The Bendigo Business Council hopes that well-thoughout-out spending of the government stimulus money will support businesses and maintain jobs," Mr de Vries said.
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