Bill Shorten’s Labor Opposition is committed to holding the arrogant and out-of-touch Turnbull Government to account, and I am honoured to be given the opportunity to make a greater contribution with my appointment to the Shadow Ministry.

As Shadow Minister for Consumer Affairs, my first priority will be to ensure the Turnbull Government stops dragging its feet on payday lending reforms.

Right now, vulnerable families are being trapped with high-interest debt from payday lenders. The Liberals promised to address this issue but won’t join with Labor to fix it.

Local families caught in the relentless debt spiral that comes from payday loans deserve some relief and I will work to see that reforms are made in this area.

Bill Shorten and Labor recognise the critical importance of the resources industry in Western Australia which is the bedrock of Australia’s continued prosperity. I look forward to working with Shadow Minister for Resources Jason Clare in the resources portfolio.

I also look forward to working with Chris Bowen in the Small Business portfolio.

Small businesses are the lifeblood of the community. I grew up in Rockingham, and my mum and nan were small business owners who ran the Family Traders drapery store on Railway Terrace.

Small businesses drive economic growth and that is something our region needs.

Labor supports the interests of Western Australians and the continued development of the State. My appointment means that the West – and the people of Rockingham and Kwinana – continues to have a strong voice.

A Shorten Labor Government will deliver a Fair Go for Western Australians.