Sophie Mirabella (Indi, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Innovation, Industry and Science) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is to the Prime Minister. I refer the Prime Minister to the comments of the Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research regarding the cash-for-clunkers program that the government cannot guarantee when the cash-for-clunkers program will start and has not sorted out the design and delivery method. When will the Prime Minister admit that this program has lost its way and dump a program that is unaffordable, unworkable and undeliverable?

Julia Gillard (Lalor, Australian Labor Party, Prime Minister) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I thank the member for her question about the cleaner car rebate. I refer the member to the Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook, which makes it clear that the start date of the program has been moved to 1 July next year and that it is in a consultation phase with industry. We want to make sure that we get the design of it right. As members would be aware, our transport system—the use of cars—is a very considerable contributor to greenhouse gases. We want to make a difference to that. The cleaner car rebate is one way of making a difference. Our mandatory standards for light vehicles are another way of making a difference.

Sophie Mirabella (Indi, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Innovation, Industry and Science) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Mrs Mirabella interjecting

Julia Gillard (Lalor, Australian Labor Party, Prime Minister) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I know, of course, that the member for Indi does not believe in climate change, does not believe in acting on it, is very keen to wreck everything in this area and certainly played a role in making the Leader of the Opposition the leader so he could—

Harry Jenkins (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The Prime Minister will resume her place.

Christopher Pyne (Sturt, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Education, Apprenticeships and Training) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Mr Speaker, on a point of order: the Prime Minister was asked a question about the cash-for-clunkers scheme. She is now just engaging in an old-fashioned slag and bag, and you should sit her down.

Harry Jenkins (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Order! We will not debate a point of order. I got the point of order. The member for Sturt needs to be a little careful with his descriptive use of language that is misinterpreted by some listeners or viewers. I just give him that hint. On the point of order, I simply say to the member for Sturt that what he had some trouble with was a result of the person who had asked the question continually interjecting throughout the answer. That does not necessarily mean that those interjections should be responded to, but quite often they are—and I understand why they are. It would helpful if there were fewer interjections and if ministers, in answering questions, would ignore the interjections. The Prime Minister is answering the question.

Julia Gillard (Lalor, Australian Labor Party, Prime Minister) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

In conclusion, this is one way of tackling climate change. We will get on with the job of doing it.

Sophie Mirabella (Indi, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Innovation, Industry and Science) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Mrs Mirabella interjecting

Harry Jenkins (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The member for Indi!

Julia Gillard (Lalor, Australian Labor Party, Prime Minister) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The opposition will continue with its wrecking strategy and with trying to paper over its current divisions on the question.

Sophie Mirabella (Indi, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Innovation, Industry and Science) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Mrs Mirabella interjecting

Harry Jenkins (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The member for Indi is warned, and the warning is a precursor to naming.