It is a great honour to be elevated to the Shadow Cabinet and be appointed Shadow Minister for Small Business.

The elevation of Small Business to Cabinet demonstrates Labor’s commitment to Australia’s two million small businesses.

As the Australian economy transitions, the role of our small businesses as job-creating drivers of economic growth and prosperity has never been more important.

Small businesses are at the forefront of innovation, productivity and opportunity.

The sector is as diverse as it is large.  It includes many home-based businesses and sole traders, who rely on access to reliable and affordable communications; many women; and many migrants, all of whom are making an invaluable contribution to our economy.

Labor particularly recognises the individuals who comprise Australia’s small business community whose courage and determination continue to highlight the entrepreneurial spirit of our nation. I look forward to continuing my ongoing engagement with individual small businesses, as well as its important representative bodies, as Labor continues its policy formulation.

I thank Labor’s former Shadow Minister, Bernie Ripoll, for his outstanding work and I look forward to building on the solid foundation he has laid.

I am also extremely pleased that the role of Citizenship and Multiculturalism has been elevated into the Shadow Cabinet.  Australia is a proudly multicultural nation.  Labor is committed to ensuring we build social cohesion and maximise the economic potential of all our citizens.

TUESDAY, 13 OCTOBER 2015