The Nationals’ support for an effects test presents a massive challenge for new Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and his government, Australian Greens spokesperson for Small Business and Competition Policy Senator Nick McKim says.

Yesterday, the Nationals backed a Greens motion in the Senate to advocate for an effects test in competition law, a crucial change that was recently squibbed by the Government.

Greens spokesperson for Finance, Small Business and Competition Policy expresses his disappointment at Prime Minister Abbott’s indication today that he is crab-walking away from introducing an ‘effects test’

Senator Whish-Wilson said, “This morning it was splashed across our TV screens and newspapers that Small Business Minister Bruce Billson was introducing an ‘effects test’ to Cabinet today and that although there were divisions it was going to pass.