Anthony Albanese (Grayndler, Australian Labor Party, Deputy Manager of Opposition Business in the House) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Mr Speaker, I wish to make a personal explanation.

David Hawker (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Does the honourable member claim to have been misrepresented?

Anthony Albanese (Grayndler, Australian Labor Party, Deputy Manager of Opposition Business in the House) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Yes.

David Hawker (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Please proceed.

Anthony Albanese (Grayndler, Australian Labor Party, Deputy Manager of Opposition Business in the House) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

During question time today, the Minister for Foreign Affairs alleged that I was not interested in the impact of climate change on our Pacific neighbours. In fact, in January of this year, the shadow minister for overseas aid and Pacific island affairs and I released a policy document, Our drowning neighbours: Labor’s policy discussion on climate change in the Pacific, which had a seven-point plan, including a Pacific climate centre, assistance for mitigation and adaptation, assistance with intracountry evacuations, training, an international coalition to accept refugees, assistance on cultural heritage, and establishing a Pacific climate change alliance.

David Hawker (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Order! I think the member has made his point.

Wayne Swan (Lilley, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Treasurer) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Mr Speaker, I wish to make a personal explanation.

David Hawker (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Does the honourable member claim to have been misrepresented?

Wayne Swan (Lilley, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Treasurer) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Yes.

David Hawker (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Please proceed.

Wayne Swan (Lilley, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Treasurer) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

In question time today, the Treasurer said that my article in today’s Australian contained a proposal to abolish the top or the bottom marginal tax rate. That is untrue; it did not. It was, however, an argument for tax reform—particularly for middle and lower income earners. I can only conclude that the FA18 flight suit that the Treasurer wore last week must also have cut circulation to—

David Hawker (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Order! The member has made his point. The member will resume his seat.