Seven issues it’s worthwhile to learn about new Small Enterprise Minister Stuart Robert
Minister Stuart Robert. Source: AAP / Mick Tsikas.
Liberal Minister Stuart Robert is the new Minister for Employment, Labor, Skills, Small and Family Businesses following a cabinet reshuffle announced yesterday.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced that Robert would take over Michaelia Cash’s small business portfolio after serving as Secretary of State for Government Services for nearly two years.
With Morrison Roberts declaring new role “a critical area for government economic strategy,” here are seven things you need to know about the new minister for small business.
1. He is a close ally of the Prime Minister
Stuart Robert is reportedly a close ally of the Prime Minister and their relationship has been going on for a number of years.
In a press conference on Monday, Scott Morrison praised Roberts’ achievements as Secretary of State for Government Services and said “he can be rest assured that he is delivering the services Australians rely on”.
2. Small business lawyers support his appointment
Australian Small Business and Family Business Ombudsman Bruce Billson has welcomed Robert’s appointment to a role he once held.
Billson said he looks forward to working with the minister “to make Australia the best place to start and grow a business”.
“Secretary Robert has a business background so he knows firsthand what it takes to own and run a growing business,” Billson said Monday.
3. He has an MBA
Robert graduated with a Master of Business Administration from CQUniversity in 1997 after receiving a Master of Information Technology from Queensland University of Technology and a Bachelor of Arts from the Australian Defense Force Academy.
He attended Rockhampton Grammar High School.
4. He worked in counseling before entering politics
Before Stuart Robert started his political career in 2013, he was the managing director of GMT Consulting, a management consultancy based in Brisbane.
The member for Fadden was previously Assistant Secretary of Defense, Secretary of Human Services, Secretary of Veterans Affairs, Assistant Treasurer and Secretary of State for Government Services and the National Disability Insurance Scheme.
5. His career has not escaped controversy
Most recently, Robert was criticized for his involvement in setting up the controversial Robodebt system while serving as Minister for Government Services. The system miscalculated the debts of thousands of welfare recipients.
Robert defended Robodebt until 2020 it was found unlawful by Australian courts urging the government to repay $ 721 million in social security benefits paid back.
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In 2018, Robert’s expenses as assistant treasurer came under scrutiny after Prime Minister Scott Morrison opened an investigation into his personal internet bills.
Robert had used up to $ 2,800 a month in tax dollars to pay internet bills at his home on the Queensland Gold Coast. According to ABC, he repaid nearly $ 38,000 to the government.
6. What the Prime Minister said about his appointment
Scott Morrison was asked about Robert’s eligibility for promotion to secretary and said he did an “excellent job” in his previous role.
“When someone does a good job … he shows that he can take responsibility and do things for the Australians,” said Morrison at a press conference Monday.
7. His plans as Minister for Small Enterprises
In his new role, Robert is committed to helping the government achieve its key priority to create more jobs.
“As Minister for Employment, Labor, Skills, Small and Family Businesses, my priority will be to continue the comeback by building a workforce who can promote Australia’s prosperity,” he said in a statement.
“We also need to ensure that the backbone of Australia’s economic prosperity – small and family businesses – have every opportunity to flourish.”
