Gai Brodtmann (Canberra, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

This morning on Canberra radio 2CC, during a debate I had with Liberal Senator Gary Humphries, talkback host Mark Parton asked us about the coalition's plan to slash thousands of jobs from the ACT and outsource an unknown number more. This is splashed across the front page of the Canberra Times. Senator Humphries accused me of only caring about the people of Canberra. It may come as a surprise to Senator Humphries, but as the member for Canberra I have been elected by the people of Canberra to represent and advocate for the people of Canberra, and to advocate for a strong, stable public service and a strong, stable private sector for growth, prosperity and jobs. As the member for Canberra, that is my job.

The electorate of Canberra—my electorate—is under threat from the impact of up to 20,000 job losses which will be brought about by the coalition should they win government. I admit, I am not as concerned as Senator Humphries about jobs in other electorates because, quite frankly, that is not my job. I am here to represent the people of Canberra. I will fiercely protect and represent the people of Canberra.

Mark Parton, the host of the 2CC morning show, also seemed bit taken aback when Senator Humphries talked about the big picture and refused to say if he supports or opposes the comments made by the member for Goldstein that thousands of jobs will be taken out Canberra or axed altogether. (Time expired)