Minister for Northern Australia welcomed

SEPTEMBER 22, 2015: A DEDICATED minister for Northern Australia is a big step in the right direction and I welcome the appointment of the Hon Josh Frydenberg MP as the Minister for Resources, Energy and Northern Australia.I have been speaking to Minister Frydenberg this morning about a range of issues affecting the north and he is keen to get up here, meet people and hear about these issues firsthand.Josh, formerly the Assistant Treasurer, has been working on a solution to the Northern Australia insurance issue, so he comes to this role with some understanding of the region.It’s a big step forward to have a dedicated minister for Northern Australia, who is also the minister for resources, because resources are a huge contributor to the north’s economy.The fact that Mr Frydenberg is from Melbourne does not concern me.The important thing is to have someone in the role who can understand the issues faced by the north and act upon them, and I believe Josh Frydenberg will be a great advocate for us.The indigenous minister isn’t indigenous, but he still immerse himself in their concerns and act in their best interests.