House debates

Monday, 12 September 2016

Constituency Statements

Fisher Electorate: Small Business

4:25 pm

Photo of Andrew WallaceAndrew Wallace (Fisher, Liberal Party) Share this | | Hansard source

As a parochial adopted Queenslander, I am proud to say that my electorate of Fisher on Queensland's beautiful Sunshine Coast is home to some very innovative and forward-thinking small businesses. One such business is Aussie Red Crab. Based at Mooloolaba, Aussie Red Crab operates 12 fishing vessels and employs nearly 30 staff. It is the world's leading spanner crab exporter, currently exporting its famous Fraser Island spanner crab brand to China, Japan, Hong Kong and New Zealand. Earlier this month it was my pleasure to host the Hon. Steven Ciobo, Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment, in Mooloolaba and introduce him to the manager of Aussie Red Crab, Mr Jason Simpson. Jason took us on a tour of his processing facility, and it is easy to see why his company has enjoyed such success. Its success has not come by chance but rather through the pursuit of excellence and an understanding that only through sustainable business and environmental practices can the company continue to employ locals and export the premium Fraser Island spanner crab to the world.

Increasing trade opportunities is at the heart of the Turnbull government's plan to create jobs and support economic growth. We continue to pursue an ambitious free trade agenda to open new markets and export opportunities for Australian businesses, including those on the Sunshine Coast, just like Aussie Red Crab.