Member for New England Tony Windsor and Nationals Senator for NSW John Williams both spent time in Inverell businesses.

Mr Windsor took his turn behind the counter at the Australian Café under the watchful eye of owner Leslie Green and co-workers Annie Herman and Cathy Johnson.

He did his part by flipping burgers, making sandwiches and delivering food orders to tables, much to the delight of the customers.

This was the first time Mr Windsor had worked in a food outlet and treated his staff member and local media to a specially made ‘Windsor’ lunch.

Mr Windsor said he enjoyed the experience of being in a small business operator’s shoes for a day.

“The Pollies for Small Business concept is a good one and I thoroughly enjoy participating each year,” he said.

“While brief, the experience is a great reminder of the vital role small business plays, particularly in regional areas.”

Senator Williams worked at Arlington Gasweld and Stieger Electronics on Tuesday.

“I have owned and operated a small business and know how vital they are,” Senator Williams said.

“That is why I am such a staunch campaigner for small business and those people they employ.

“They are the wealth creators for our nation and I enjoyed spending time with the staff at Arlington Gasweld and Steiger Electronics.”

Today, Member for Northern Tablelands Richard Torbay will be working at Armidale Jewellers.

“I’m sure owners Lynda Hennessy and Paul Harrison will have me hard at work and I’ll try to use some of my powers of persuasion to sell lots of jewellery and giftware,” Mr Torbay said.

The Pollies for Small Business Program was created to look at the concerns of small businesses.

NSW Business Chamber CEO Kevin MacDonald said with much of the focus on the big picture issues, some politicians can lose sight of what small businesses need to deal with.

“Pollies for Small Business puts our politicians at the coalface and gives small business operators the chance to raise their concerns directly with their local MP”, said Mr MacDonald.