State govt urges people to buy local

Western Australians are being encouraged to back local businesses in the lead-up to Christmas, as part of a campaign that launches on Saturday.

The campaign, WA Small Business Day, is run by volunteers and will encourage people to share their local purchases across social media using the hashtag ‘mysmallpledge’.

The state government has spent $30,000 promoting the campaign.

Small Business Minister Paul Papalia said Western Australians should continue to support small businesses beyond the Christmas period.

“WA’s small businesses stepped up in a remarkable way earlier this year, with so many putting their businesses on hold to help protect their fellow Western Australians,” he said.

"The sacrifices our small businesses made over this period have helped to make WA’s economic recovery the strongest in the country, and now the community and wider business sector is reaping the benefits of this contribution.

"I encourage all Western Australians to make a small pledge to support their local small businesses in the lead-up to Christmas and beyond."

Premier Mark McGowan said the campaign would support businesses across a range of industries.