SENATOR PETER WHISH-WILSON
Senator for Tasmania
Greens Small Business Spokesperson
Small businesses in Tasmania: 36,777*
What is your small business story?
“In 2003 I moved to Tasmania and began planting vines and studying botany, plant physiology, soil science and chemistry. This process grew into the establishment of my small business, ‘Three Wishes Vineyard,’ in the Tamar Valley which has a vineyard with a cellar door and sells wine to restaurants all over Australia.
Prior to entering the Senate I ran the business with my mother and the name of the vineyard refers to the three generations of my family who continue to contribute to the business.
My wife also runs a successful small business in Launceston.”
What has your experience with small business taught you?
“My experience with small business has taught me about the creativity and innovation that is necessary to run a successful small business.
I also know about the risk and the hours of work that small business people put into their businesses.
The inherent challenge in running all the different facets of a small business is something I enjoyed immensely.”
What message do you have for Australia’s small business owners?
“My message is that as the Greens small business spokesperson I understand where small business people are coming from and I will continue to advocate for the sector.
The Greens recognise the people behind small business and the work they do. In an era of politics where big business lobbying has captured the policy direction of the major parties, the Greens will always represent small businesses because we recognise that they are the engine room of the economy.
Visit Senator Peter Whish-Wilson’s website at www.peter-whish-wilson.greensmps.org.au.
* Source: “Australian Small Business – Key Statistics and Analysis”, Australian Government Department of Industry, Innovation, Science, Research and Tertiary Education, December 2012
We will be releasing small business stories from Australian politicians regularly in the lead up to the election on 7 September 2013. Read other stories that we have published here.
