Nationals’ Senator, Senator Barnaby Joyce, today welcomed the statement in the acceptance speech by Dr Brendan Nelson which noted small business as the key constituency.

“I look forward to the development of a strong policy stand by a future Coalition to protect the rights of the Australian small business owner to operate in a fair trading environment.

“Small business must be protected from the overarching powers of those who provide the key trading commodities, such as retail space, and centralised purchasing powers or supply powers.

“On the path toward the re-election of a Coalition Government, small business support will be essential in showing the Australian public that we look after the key mechanism of employment, opportunity and self-determination of the individual in our Nation.” Senator Joyce said.