Eric Abetz (Tasmania, Liberal Party, Minister for Fisheries, Forestry and Conservation) Share this | Hansard source

There are a number of issues in that question by Senator George Campbell. First of all can I indicate to the honourable senator that in fact the idea of doing community consultation in relation to wind farms, I understand, was first raised by the former Labor member for McMillan, Christian Zahra. So before the honourable senator gets too excited about that issue he might like to look to his own troops to see where that idea came from.

Having said that, one great thing about this government at all times has been our willingness to consult with the community on the difficult issues of the day. That has been one of the hallmarks of this government. Senator Ian Campbell, whilst he was Minister for the Environment and Heritage, did a very good job in consulting with the community. Senator Campbell has now been given the very important task of undertaking human services—he is still within the cabinet—something that millions of Australians are very concerned about. We on this side believe that it was in fact a vote of confidence in Senator Campbell that he should be looking after these millions of Australians, whereas of course Senator Ray thinks anything to do with human services is a belittlement and a degrading of position. But we embrace all those people who rely on the human services portfolio of this country. We are not ashamed of them. We think that is an important role, and that is why it is rightly in cabinet with Senator Campbell representing it.

Can I turn to the issue of nuclear reactors. Before Senator George Campbell gets too excited about that issue, can I simply remind him that under Australian legislation as it stands at the moment we will not be having nuclear power stations. Therefore—