Joe Hockey (North Sydney, Liberal Party, Treasurer) Share this | Hansard source

But we are getting rid of the carbon tax because it is a cost to Australian jobs. We are getting rid of the carbon tax because it is a handbrake on Australia's economic growth. We are getting rid of the carbon tax because it increases inflation in Australia. We are getting rid of the carbon tax because it reduces our competitive position in relation to a whole range of other countries that we compete with every day in trade and commerce. We are getting rid of the carbon tax so that we can deal directly with the cost-of-living challenges for everyday Australian families. We are getting rid of the carbon tax because the carbon tax is a failed policy. It is flawed policy.

How ironic it is that, after yesterday addressing every question to the carbon tax and after opposing the repeal of the carbon tax on three occasions, today the Labor Party are not even asking a question. They are going to have to defend the carbon tax not just yesterday but for every day up to the next election and beyond, because the carbon tax and the Labor Party are one and the same.

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