Sam Rae (Hawke, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is to the Minister for Industry and Science. How has the National Reconstruction Fund been received by industry? Are there any threats to helping Australian industry access the fund?

Milton Dick (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The member for Barker will refrain from saying such statements.

Ed Husic (Chifley, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Industry and Science) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

We said before the election that we were very focused on addressing manufacturing self-sufficiency. We said we'd revitalise manufacturing, and a big part of that is the National Reconstruction fund. We said that this is what we would do, and we are not wasting any time in working on that.

I can report to the House that the consultations around the National Reconstruction Fund, which will be modelled off the successful Clean Energy Finance Corporation, have been very positive. Chemistry Australia described the NRF as a once-in-a-generation opportunity. The Tech Council of Australia says this is a landmark investment. Group of Eight says the NRF will be a strategic pillar in Australia's future economic prosperity. Orica says supporting the further development of Australia's industrial capability and sovereign strength is very important. The Minerals Council of Australia says the NRF will be an important vehicle to support regional industries. Ai Group—

Opposition Member:

An opposition member interjecting

Ed Husic (Chifley, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Industry and Science) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Exactly! Why do they hate the regions? Ai Group says the NRF elevates industrial transformation to the top of the economic policy agenda. The Business Council of Australia says the NRF is an important step towards diversifying and transforming Australia's industries and economy. It's supported by the Australian Investment Council, ACTU, Macquarie Group, Science and Technology Australia, Telstra, Universities of Australia—heaps.

Milton Dick (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The Leader of the Nationals will cease interjecting.

Ed Husic (Chifley, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Industry and Science) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

However, the only people that won't support the NRF are those opposite, a reckless indifference threatening not only Australian jobs but Australian capability and sovereignty. Liberal opposition to the NRF would result in us continuing to be reliant on foreign supply chains. On this side of the House we want to see more 'Made in Australia' labels on Aussie made products. That's what we're focused on. We know Australians will back Australian made goods. On this side of the House, Made in Australia; on that side of the House, made anywhere but. There's a big difference.

I have to say, I couldn't help noticing the industry minister from the coalition—I don't know if it's industry minister No. 6; it was like watching a David Jones food hall: you take a ticket, you wait in line and in 300 days another one comes back. Industry minister No. 6, the member for McPherson, said that the NRF would be throwing taxpayer money away. Fiscal rectitude from those opposite, after all the warning that they did saying that that would be the case. They have learnt nothing, support nothing, stand for nothing and will oppose everything. (Time expired)

Milton Dick (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

the Assistant Treasurer will cease interjecting, as will the Leader of the Nationals. There is far too much noise in the chamber. I want to hear the Deputy Leader of the Opposition in silence.