Rudd & Gillard talk business at Warner’s Nurseries, Victoria

Victorian production nursery, Warner’s Nurseries, showcased the nursery and garden industry to the Australia’s potential new Prime Minister earlier this month when it played host to Opposition Leader Kevin Rudd and Deputy Leader Julia Gillard.

Mr Rudd, the clearly preferred candidate for the country’s top job according to the polls, chatted informally with staff about various aspects of their daily work as they toured the nursery site inspecting facilities and growing areas.

Rudd and Gillard also addressed an audience of staff and local media, introducing new La Trobe candidate Rodney Cocks and speaking about Labor’s industrial relations policy for small business.

“It’s good to be here at Warner’s Nursery to look at a small business which is prospering and doing well after 93 years,” said Mr Rudd.

“It’s a great family business and a family business which shows great relations with its employees.”

Business owner Michael Warner said the occasion had been a very good opportunity to profile the industry.

“We may not be the biggest or the best nursery, but we have a long record in the industry and I think we did a good job of showing it in a positive light,” he said.

Nursery & Garden Industry Victoria CEO Steven Potts congratulated Mr Warner and his staff, saying, “Michael and the Warner’s team were fantastic and showcased our industry at the highest level.”

Warner’s Nurseries is a family owned production nursery growing an extensive range of trees and shrubs. Established in 1914, the business has grown and prospered through four generations and now operates from a purpose built site on the outskirts of Melbourne.