Following Barnaby Joyce’s controversy-riddled resignation, Australian retailers and industry bodies have welcomed Michael McCormack as new leader of the National Party of Australia and Deputy Prime Minister.
Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Kate Carnell congratulated the Deputy PM on his appointment.
“Michael McCormack was a diligent and committed small-business minister, so we are particularly pleased with this outcome,” she said.
“Mr McCormack ran his own small business before entering parliament, so he knows what it’s like, and has great empathy for the challenges and opportunities small businesses face every day.
“We are pleased Mr McCormack will push for the small-business minister to have a seat in cabinet, as has been the case in the past. And we are confident the new Deputy Prime Minister will have small-business issues as a major focus.”
Council of Small Business Australia CEO Peter Strong said: “We have worked successfully with Michael McCormack when he was the minister responsible for small business and he is well respected by our sector. We know that we have a great voice in cabinet for the biggest group of employers in Australia.”
MGA Independent Retailers CEO Jos de Bruin said Mr McCormack would be a great asset to the cabinet in his new roles.
“He is a staunch supporter of small businesses and understands the needs and concerns of family owned businesses,” Mr de Bruin said.
“Last year Mr McCormack travelled around Australia on his Small Business Roadshow, where he met and talked to family enterprises and privately-owned-business owners in about 30 different venues.
“He gained valuable insights into their needs and was able to assess their vital contribution to the Australian economy. We are confident that he will continue to use his voice for small businesses in cabinet and we congratulate him on his important new role.”
The Australian Lottery and Newsagents Association (ALNA) also welcomed Mr McCormack to the position.
“As a former small-business owner, we know that Michael understands what keeps our members up at night and what it’s like to be responsible for providing a livelihood for staff, and keeping the door open,” ALNA CEO Adam Joy said. “We look forward to Michael taking that understanding and experience to the cabinet table.”