I will serve in shadow ministry if asked: Fran Bailey

Former small business minister Fran Bailey says she is keen to take a place in the shadow ministry and retains a strong interest in small business policy.

Former small business minister Fran Bailey says she is keen to take a place in the shadow ministry and retains a strong interest in small business policy.

Bailey was yesterday confirmed as the member for the central Victorian seat of McEwen after the Federal Court ruled she had won the election by just 27 votes.

Uncertainty over the result for her seat meant Bailey turned down the offer of a shadow ministry, but she says she is now ready to take on a more substantial role.

“It’s up the leader, but I would be keen if asked,” Bailey says. “Obviously I’m used to working at a very busy level, and that is something I’ve missed.”

With her strong interest in the area undiminished, Bailey would be able to make a strong claim to the Opposition small business portfolio, currently held by Steven Ciobo, in any reshuffle.

“I’ve always retained that interest in small business. One of things I’ve been running very hard on is the Government’s abolition of the Commercial Ready program. I’ve been talking to a lot of industry people over that particular program and I will be doing more work on that,” Bailey says.

Read more on Commercial Ready and Federal Government cuts