LAURA JAYES:
But first for immediate reaction, I spoke to Victorian MP Bruce Billson who is also the Small Business Minister. This is what he had to say about these twin announcements today.
BRUCE BILLSON:
Well it’s hugely confronting and challenging news for the staff that are directly affected by these decisions. I’m encouraged that both of the companies involved have spoken positively about what their plans are to help with their staff to adjust to this change in their business circumstances. What I see is our responsibility though, is what our responsibility always needs to be and that’s getting the fundamentals right in our economy so that this is a good place to invest, to start and grow a business that’s why we’re focusing on cutting costs through the abolition of the Carbon Tax and cutting barriers to investments such as the Mining Tax and making sure those fundamentals are right at a time when, as we’ve seen from these announcements, it’s a changing global economy. There are investments happening elsewhere. We want to make sure we win and secure those investments for our nation and the opportunities that flow from them to the Australian community.
LAURA JAYES:
This is another big blow in particular for your state Victoria. What assistance should the Abbott Government provide here?
BRUCE BILLSON:
Well there’s a couple of parts to that question, one is the broader economic setting and we’ve touched briefly on that. There’s also the specific fund that’s been established to support new investment opportunities, new job prospects, that’s been systematically worked through. I know a number of people have come to me with ideas and initiatives and pointed to many positive signs of what’s happening in the economy more generally so it is a mixed picture. Some are doing well and securing new markets. It’s also why the upcoming trade mission to China is important so that we can access new markets, new opportunities and convert those into employment and economic prospects for our country.
LAURA JAYES:
Is the Federal Government’s salvage package for the car industry in disarray? There’s reports today that just $72 million of the promised $100 million has being raised. This is a concern for Victoria isn’t it?
BRUCE BILLSON:
I wouldn’t have suggested it’s in disarray. My insights are some very productive and constructive and collaborative discussions with not only the businesses and the industries affected but more broadly with those that see bright opportunities and very positive prospects in the Victorian economy. What needs to happen is a thoughtful considered response to the announcements of the motor vehicle assemblers that has a 2 to 3 year window. We’re making sure that we work within that window and put forward very practical steps that’ll build the economy, that’ll take advantage of the strengths in the Victorian and South Australian economies and look to the future economy that our nation needs and that work takes time, we just don’t want to throw money around recklessly in the name of looking like something is being done in a hurry. We want to make sure that that money is invested wisely and that’s the work that’s going on.
LAURA JAYES:
Are you confident, still, that 1 million jobs can be created in 5 years?
BRUCE BILLSON:
Yeah I’m very optimistic. I travel widely and I keep hearing from the small businesses of our country that they are keen. They’re optimistic. They see some encouraging signs and they know there’s a government in Canberra very committed to the success of small businesses and very prepared to do the work that’s needed to make sure our economy supports investment and growth and the jobs that flow from them, so I’m optimistic about that. We’re working hard. Just today I’ve announced some franchising reforms that will bolster that very important part of our economy. Some red tape reduction measures, the bane of many businesses lives and those broader fundamentals that we talked about at the beginning of the interview.
LAURA JAYES:
Bruce Billson thank you.
BRUCE BILLSON:
Thanks Laura.