Gray defends his ministerial role

The last time Julia Gillard spoke with students from Kolbe Catholic College she was Federal Education Minister.

The conversation was via a video link-up, in which Ms Gillard was at a Melbourne high school, spruiking the Rudd Government’s Laptops for Schools program with her Labor colleague and Brand MHR Gary Gray, who was on the other end of the line at the Rockingham school.

Fast forward four years and Kolbe was again at the centre of Ms Gillard and Mr Gray’s catch-up.

This time Ms Gillard was talking to students as Prime Minister, and Mr Gray as the new Minister for Resources and Energy, Small Business and Tourism.

Speaking to the Telegraph after last week’s visit to Kolbe, Mr Gray said he wanted to ensure there was consistency in his respective portfolios following his promotion to Cabinet by Ms Gillard.

“I think the important thing is to ensure that, to the extent possible, it’s business as usual,” he said.

“That confidence is given to our big resource investors, that we keep the progress that’s being made to support small businesses and that we understand the tough times that tourism’s going through around the country.”

Brand Liberal candidate Donna Gordin was critical of Labor’s “revolving door” of ministers for small business.

Ms Gordin said the electorate deserved better than a divided and dysfunctional government, who she claimed was more interested in itself than the country.

“We’ve seen six small business ministers in six years — and five ministers since late 2011,” she said.

“What small business needs is strong, stable and reliable Government to give the community confidence in the economy.”

Mr Gray said he was confident he could juggle his ministerial responsibilities and represent the electorate.

“I think I am uniquely placed to represent the people of Brand,” he said.

“I understand how to work within Government, industry and the community to achieve positive outcomes.

“I do not make empty promises and people can be sure they know where I stand on an issue.”