Luke Hartsuyker (Cowper, National Party, Assistant Minister for Trade) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is to the Minister for Foreign Affairs. Would the minister update the House on the current economic and political situation in Venezuela? Is the minister aware of any alternative views on this situation?

Ms Julie Bishop (Curtin, Liberal Party, Minister for Foreign Affairs) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I thank the member for Cowper for his question. The Australian government is deeply concerned about the deteriorating political and economic situation in Venezuela, which was one of the richest countries in Latin America until it turned to socialism in 1999. The government then embraced anti-private-sector policies, spent recklessly and racked up huge amounts of debt. Today, the IMF has noted that the GDP of Venezuela has halved over recent years. It is predicted to fall a further 15 per cent. Unemployment is currently at 30 per cent and hyperinflation is running at 13,000 per cent. The currency has been devalued by 99.9 per cent. There is massive starvation across Venezuela. The hospitals are overcrowded. Sickness is rife. Malaria has emerged after being eradicated years ago. The homicide rate is one of the highest in the world. There is violence and intimidation against critics of the government, and the human rights abuses are widespread.

Mr Hill interjecting—

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

The member for Bruce is warned.

Ms Julie Bishop (Curtin, Liberal Party, Minister for Foreign Affairs) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Imagine my surprise when I received a letter from the CFMEU urging me to publicly applaud the recent corrupt election of this brutal regime in Venezuela. The CFMEU holds up as an exemplar of governance the corrupt regime of Venezuela.

Mr Feeney interjecting—

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

The member for Batman is warned.

Ms Julie Bishop (Curtin, Liberal Party, Minister for Foreign Affairs) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

This is the same CFMEU that is the principal supporter of the Leader of the Opposition. This is the same CFMEU that is the major benefactor of the Leader of the Opposition, the same CFMEU that is part of the close advisory circle of the Leader of the Opposition, and Venezuela is their idea of a democracy to be applauded by the Australian government. I tell you: the Turnbull government will continue to produce policies that build a stronger economy, that build more jobs and that ensure we have a safer environment so that the Australian people are kept safe and secure. We will do all we can to ensure that the CFMEU and its political arm, the Australian Labor Party, never wreak a Venezuelan nightmare on this country. I table the letter. By the way, the letter is copied to the queen of aspiration, the member for Sydney.

Mr Watts interjecting—

Ms Burney interjecting—

Dr Aly interjecting—

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

The member for Gellibrand and the member for Barton will cease interjecting. I remind the member for Cowan that she's already been warned. I also remind members that interjecting while I'm addressing the chamber is highly disorderly and leads to an immediate suspension.