Tania Lawrence (Hasluck, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

Good gracious, really! The attendees at the green energy round table that I hosted last year and the industry players that are putting significant funds on the table need the confidence that the government actually has clarity around the targets and goals that have to be backed in to de-risk some of these ventures, which—it might be a little hard for you to comprehend—are new ventures. We can either be on the back step or be on the front step, get on the global stage and be the world economic global leader that we can be.

Thank God we don't have another decade of your lot holding us back; it was enough and it's over. This $15 billion is a down payment. Suddenly, those on the opposite side are concerned about government supporting industry. They didn't have any concern with providing support for oil, gas and coal all these years. They had no problems supporting those sectors, but they're a little bit anxious about providing support to renewable energies that will create the jobs of the future. It's absolutely extraordinary! Do you have a problem with the Inflation Reduction Act as well? It's extraordinary that you'd want to leave us behind. Stay back in your dinosaur age. God forbid we should ever have you guys elected in this parliament again. It's disgraceful. But I'm happy to say: you are absolutely in the minority, as evidenced by the members of this parliament. You are absolutely in the minority. Western Australia sent you a very clear message. I suggest you take heed of it if you want to be relevant to the Australian population ever again.

Back to my constituents, who actually matter: Midland Brick. I had a fabulous visit with them. Their parent company is BGC. They've been a staple in the WA manufacturing sector for over 75 years. They were absolutely thrilled that the government has finally got clear targets and clear guidance as to where the investment dollars need to flow. It's an absolute commitment from them. They are in one of the highest carbon-emitting industries, and they are prepared to set a target.

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