Nick Champion (Wakefield, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Yesterday, in the city of Elizabeth, the Holden Dream Cruise was held. Thousands of Australians came to pay their respects to an industry that provided employment for generations of workers and created truly Australian motoring icons—the EH, the Monaro, the Torana, the Commodore. It was a bittersweet moment for the community. They have immense pride in Holden's achievements in the postwar era and immense pride in a workforce that, right up until the very end, made Holden Elizabeth the No. 1 GM factory in the world for quality—unheard of in a factory facing closure. These workers were defiant up until the end. They look to this parliament for economic leadership and they know Bill Shorten and Labor came to South Australia, had a policy and provided leadership on jobs. But where was the Prime Minister? He was kayaking around Sydney Harbour—'Mr Harbourside Mansion' himself paddling in his pond and making speeches to seagulls!

Tony Smith (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The member for Wakefield will resume his seat. The member for Wakefield will refer to members by their correct titles. The member for Wakefield has the call.

Nick Champion (Wakefield, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Well, for the member for Wentworth, it's not too late. This Friday, don't go kayaking; come to Holden Elizabeth, watch the last Australian-made car go off the line, apologise for your predecessor and the damage that this government has done. You're all guilty men and women. You've shut the car industry. You've cost thousands of jobs.