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

Thanks to the member for Reid for that question. Her electorate is home to many scientists and researchers who are employed in terrific businesses within the electorate. The member for Reid knows, like many of us do, that Australian science and research will be the key to unlocking a lot of opportunity for Australian industry—a future made in Australia, where we see advances in manufacturing, clean energy and agriculture through to critical technologies.

We want Australian scientists and researchers to earn more and keep more of what they earn, and Labor's tax cuts, that passed the House today, will help terrifically. A scientific assistant working in South Brisbane earning $63,400 will get a $1,264 tax cut. An earth science lab technician working in Perth earning $70,000 gets a $1,429 tax cut. Also, a lab technician working on soil testing in Adelaide earning $60,000 will get a $1,179 tax cut.

The contrast couldn't be clearer. This side wants Australians to earn more and keep more of what they earn. That side wants them to work longer for less. It is a clear contrast.

Now, I'm asked about risk. The biggest risk to our plans is the confusion and chaos of the Liberal and National parties, who wanted to talk about literally anything else other than the cost of living. When it came to forming a position regarding our tax cuts, they were everywhere and nowhere at once. We had the Deputy Leader of the Opposition committed to absolutely rolling back our tax cuts, before she was rolled back absolutely!

And the member for Hume—boy, you've had a good week! The member for Hume, our good friend, was breathlessly attacking us on Sky News, including a bizarre reference to the PM studying Marxist economics. The star of Lenin, friends, goes to this man, who has socialised the means of overreaction! Fantastic!

Meanwhile, on Nemesis, Tony Abbott blames Malcolm Turnbull; Malcolm Turnbull blames Scott Morrison—oh! The serial censor!

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