Bill Shorten has moved to reassure the corporate sector that Labor would work with big business, but was committed to its policies that are causing some concern.
The Opposition Leader has told the Australian Financial Review Labor could win the election despite its controversial policy agenda, which included higher taxes on capital and an economy-wide approach to cutting emissions, because "the times suit us''.
He's reaffirmed one of his priorities for the first 100 days in office was to invite business, along with unions and others, to a summit to discuss the economy and wages. But he indicated Labor would stick to its policy agenda.
"We've got a clear plan but I respect the contribution that all can make.''
And he said he would also not be beholden to the union movement, saying he would work for all Australians.
"... to do that I will work with the different parts of the Australian economic life - big business, small business, farmers, contractors, franchising, franchisees, start-ups, workers, unions, state and local governments."
Mr Shorten was also unfazed by criticism of the cost of Labor's climate change policy.
"The times suit us, we reflect the national mood better than the dads' army of climate deniers infesting the government ranks,'' he said.
