Parkes MP Mark Coulton says his new role as Assistant Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment will help him to better Gunnedah.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
“One of the reasons I took it... was that the economy of my electorate - Gunnedah is a great example of that - is underpinned by trade, so to be able to play a positive role of developing possible markets or developing trade contacts will be a benefit,” Mr Coulton said.
“The world is becoming a smaller place and we need to have as many outlets for our produce as possible.”
Mr Coulton’s new role will see him working side-by-side with Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment Steven Ciobo.
“When I’ve been sworn in and I’m in my new position, I’ll be having talks with him about the portfolio and what specific role will be.”
The MP’s new role will also bring him into close contact with former Gunnedah mayor and Minister for Tourism and Major Events Adam Marshall.
“I’m looking forward to catching up with Adam,” he said.
“After I’ve been sworn in and settled in, I’ll make catching up with Adam a priority.”
Mr Coulton said he will strive to maintain a balance between his new role and his responsibility to his electorate.
“It will mean a bit more travel than I’m doing, so I’m going to have to be very organised with my diary… but I will get extra staff to help me,” he said.
“I think with forward planning and organisation it shouldn’t impact too much on my electorate. And hopefully the other benefits for being in that position will flow back and balance it out.
“I’m certainly looking to where there are specific issues around tourism and investment as well. I always will be using this role to advance my own electorate; that goes without saying.”
“I was chairing parliament [on Thursday] afternoon and came out into my office and Michael McCormack was waiting there to ask me if i would take the role on and I really wasn't expecting it,” he said.
“I took a minute to think about it and rang my wife to talk over it with her because obviously it would impact our life, and she was supportive.”
