Alannah Mactiernan (Perth, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

In a month's time, the people of Canning will have the opportunity to pass judgement on the Abbott government and let Tony Abbott know whether or not they agree with his assessment that he has had two great years in government. It does not look all that great from WA. There is no jobs plan to help us deal with the winding back of the commodities boom. In fact, the reverse is the case. We lost almost 1,000 jobs as a result of the wrecking ball that he put through the renewable energy industry.

The residents of Canning really 'get' renewables. In fact, the rooftops of Canning are ablaze with solar PV and hot water systems. About 49.8 per cent of dwellings have these—one of the highest rates in the country. They have embraced this technology. They want cheaper power, they want to do their bit for the environment and they want a 21st century industry in WA.

Canning residents will also note that WA seems to have been cheated out of a fair crack at building the new generation of offshore patrol vessels. WA built the last 14 patrol boats, but now the PM has pre-empted an open and competitive process by committing the project to South Australia.

Labor will campaign on Western Australian jobs and industry, on strategic infrastructure and on being real about climate change.

See this speech in context