ON Monday, shadow finance minister, Senator Jane Hume, accompanied by Wannon MP, Dan Tehan, visited Hamilton seeking firsthand information on the effect the cost-of-living crisis has had on small regional businesses.

Senator Hume and Mr Tehan visited four local businesses including Elders Real Estate and Sportspower before continuing to Ararat to participate in a cost-of-living forum allowing business owners to share their ideas and recommendations to help address the issue without adding to inflation.