Bruce Billson has been elected Minister of Small Business as part of Tony Abbott’s unveiling of the new federal cabinet.
The decision has been welcomed by retailers and the surge in consumer confidence has been a reflective of this.
“The ARA is pleased to see small business elevated to the Cabinet and seeing such a strong advocate for small business and the retail sector, Bruce Billson, elevated to take on the much needed work for small business,” Australian Retailers Association executive director Russell Zimmerman said.
“It is now incumbent on the new Government to commence the long and difficult task to free up investment, lower costs and enable businesses to get on with doing what they do best.
“The ARA looks forward to working with all the key economic Ministers from Joe Hockey and Senator Eric Abetz to Senator Mathias Cormann and their colleagues who have all been outstanding Shadow Ministers in their new roles.”
Some pressing issues that retailers hope the government will address, include the abolition of the Carbon Tax and issues regarding the competition policy, which they hope as soon as possible, especially as Christmas draws closer.
“Retailers are absolutely counting on the warmer months and Christmas period to gain a boost in sales after what has been an exceptionally challenging year," Zimmerman said.
"The new Government must commence the long and difficult task to free up investment, lower costs and enable businesses to get on with doing what they do best."