Popular Penny causes a stir
THE Federal Government road show rolled through Top of Town yesterday and there was no doubt Minister for Finance and Deregulation Penny Wong was the star of the show.
Senator Wong was joined by Federal Ministers Simon Crean and Brendan O'Connor for coffee at the Cactus Espresso Bar, where they spoke to local business owners and Ipswich residents.
Forget musicians and sports stars, 16-year-old Kaitlyn Clancy was overwhelmed to meet her idol in the flesh.
"She is so cool, just awesome," Ms Clancy said.
"I find her so inspirational.
"She gets judged for all the wrong reasons but she doesn't care about sexuality, gender or race."
Ipswich resident Carmen Stevenson also made the trek to town to meet the popular politician.
The Raymonds Hill resident was joined by her sister Tanya, who was visiting from Canberra, and both women said it was a privilege to meet Senator Wong.
"We just came here to meet her, that's all," Ms Stevenson said.
"Whenever I've heard her speak she is the most wonderful communicator.
"She is honest, forthright and always respectful.
"I believe she is the most creditable politician in Australia.
Local business owner Michael Melling stepped away from the counter of his home wares store to talk about issues affecting his business.
Mr Melling, who ran in the recent council election in the seat of sitting Councillor Heather Morrow, was keen to take advantage of the opportunity to talk about federal issues affecting small business.
"I spoke to Simon (Crean) about NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme) and disability," he said. "I spoke to Penny about small business issue and importation. I found them both to be pleasant and engaging."
Following the meet and greet, Ministers Wong and O'Connor announced changes to small to medium enterprise (SME) legislation designed to ensure government agencies pay invoices in a reasonable time frame.
If agencies fail to pay invoices on time, SMEs will automatically be paid interest on the outstanding payment.
"Currently, businesses have to issue separate invoices to agencies if they want to claim interest on late payments," Minister Wong said. "This change will see agencies more likely to pay invoices on time to avoid having to pay the additional interest."
PENNY WONG
Senator for South Australia.
First Asian born Federal Minister.
First openly lesbian member of Federal Parliament.
