Ed Husic (Chifley, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Industry and Science) Share this | Hansard source

In the member for Dawson's contribution, I think the only thing he got right was 'Good morning'. It all went downhill from there. The apex of the asinine was the suggestion that ministers were divided and that we're arguing about the end of coal and gas, and yet he can produce no proof. In the world of the coalition, no proof is required. And yet I as a minister have said that there is a need for gas and coal, particularly as I have fought for industrial manufacturers, and there will be a continuing need for a period of time. But, as the rest of the world is, we are obviously trying to ramp up sustainable energy generation longer term, and you are seeing the huge investment in it. That's all being done. I know that there are talking points that need to be rolled out and I know that you're trying to build this theme, but at some point even a tenuous connection to fact might be helpful in making those points.

In terms of what manufacturers need—and we've had a number of people from the coalition talk about that—we are certainly thinking it through. The member for Bennelong asked about having a joined-up policy approach and ensuring value for money. Certainly we have been putting in place, apart from the NRF, the Industry Growth Program that you referred to, making sure we've got grants available for small and medium-sized enterprises and new firms as well. That's what we're hoping that we will get through the Industry Growth Program. We want consistency so that, from the starting point through to maturity, we have that level of support at different levels.

As we have often said, we want Australia to be a country that makes things. We want to rebuild manufacturing capability in this country. We have certainly looked at prioritising the needs of manufacturers—for instance, in terms of skills. Skills shortages are a big issue. Those opposite let it just drag on and did very little about it. We are trying to invest in people's skills here—for example, with TAFE fee-free places, the investments we're making in higher ed and making sure that those skills are available for manufacturers, as well as, where we need to, bringing in talent, reforming our visa system and making that a reality.

In terms of energy inputs, we have done what we have needed to do—and we'll always do more if we have to—to stabilise prices, bring them down and make sure those energy inputs are reduced. The growth capital that is available to ensure that firms that want to grow can do so is very important. That growth capital, particularly through the NRF, is really important. I like to help the shadow minister for industry. I'm very concerned about your repeated references to certain things, and I don't want them to ricochet. I am a nice guy. You just have to ask me. A number of times you have referred to our 'lack of consultation'. We had over 200 submissions with the NRF. We had a Senate inquiry process and we've been consulting with industry on it. They recognise that, at a time when it is hard to get that growth capital, it is there. I'm just concerned that you keep making those claims, and I don't want that to ricochet towards you, because, as I said, I'm a caring soul.

An honourable member: You're a nice guy.

I am a nice guy, but I also want to point out to the coalition that I'm just a bit worried about their constant hypocrisy. You can't say you support manufacturing and then vote against the National Reconstruction Fund. You can't.

Opposition members interjecting—

Let me come to that. You can't say you're for lower energy prices and vote against it.

Honourable members interjecting —

I might take that interjection. I note that the shadow minister and the other shadow minister have picked that up and pointed out our use of paper stock. They made inquiry about the paper I used because they are high flyers! We need them at a high level on policy; they're down here.

An opposition member: You shut down all white copy paper—

Honourable members interjecting—

No, no. Hang on. Now it gets inconvenient. I don't like wasting money. I use their paper stock. They bring it in. They want the fancy paper stock, the born-to-rulers, and then chip me about using their paper stock. But the reality is you had paper mills shut—in some of your electorates as well—during your time in office. Never heard that level of care!

As is often the case, the only time those opposite care about manufacturing is when there is a photo opportunity. The only time they care about blue-collar workers is when they're in opposition. We believe that they deserve more, and we are delivering just that. (Time expired)

Proposed expenditure agreed to.

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