Former small business minister Michael McCormack becomes deputy prime minister

Former small business minister Michael McCormack has been elected leader of the Nationals Party this morning, making him the nation’s incoming Deputy Prime Minister.

In a statement on Friday, McCormack stated his intent to run for the position of leader of The Nationals, after Barnaby Joyce stepped down from the position last week.

“I want to acknowledge Barnaby Joyce for his leadership of The Nationals over the past two years and thank him for being a true advocate for the needs of regional areas. His legacy will endure. I wish him well for the future,” McCormack said.

The result means the nation now has a deputy with a strong focus on small and regional businesses, with the former small business minister long championing the importance of making it easier for Australians to do business, particularly out of city centres.

During his time in the portfolio, McCormack advocated for legislation to amend the Competition and Consumer Act to implement an effects test mechanism to level the playing field for SMEs, as well as committing to help more small businesses win government contracts. Read more

Caleb Triscari - Smart Company - 26 Feb 2018