I welcome the Prime Minister’s announcement today that will see two new appointments to the Treasury portfolio.
I look forward to working closely with the Assistant Treasurer Josh Frydenberg MP and the Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasurer Kelly O’Dwyer MP to build a stronger, more prosperous economy for all Australians.
They will be important members of the 2015 economic team and I congratulate them on their promotions.
I wish to place on the record my deep appreciation to Senator the Hon Arthur Sinodinos for the way in which he has handled his resignation.
Arthur is a man with immense capacity. He is someone who has a major contribution to make to Australia above and beyond his already considerable effort.
I also thank Steven Ciobo MP for his tireless commitment and significant achievements as the former Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasurer.
His outstanding efforts this year, particularly in relation to the successful G20, will ensure he will be well prepared for the many challenges in his new role.
I am certain he will serve the nation proudly and diligently as the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Trade and Investment.
I would also like to place on the record my enormous appreciation for the significant work that Senator the Hon Mathias Cormann has contributed as acting Assistant Treasurer.
I am confident that with the strong economic team of the Assistant Treasurer Josh Frydenberg, Minister for Finance Senator the Hon Mathias Cormann, Minister for Small Business the Hon Bruce Billson, Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasurer Kelly O’Dwyer and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Finance Michael McCormack, we are well placed to meet the challenges of 2015.