The Federal Coalition has appointed Luke Howarth as Shadow Assistant Treasurer and Shadow Minister for Financial Services, replacing Stuart Robert, who resigned last May.

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton says Mr Howarth brings a strong command of retail economics to the important role.

“Luke understands that small business is the backbone of the Australian economy,” Mr Dutton said. “He has previously run a family business before entering Parliament and has a strong understanding of the financial pressures many Australians are currently experiencing under the Government’s cost-of-living crisis.”