Kim Carr (Victoria, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research) Share this | Hansard source

Mr Bracks was the first Premier to appoint a minister for innovation, in 2002. We are lucky to get someone with the national and international experience of Steve Bracks. We are lucky he has agreed to take time out from his important work in East Timor. This is a global industry. I am sorry if the senators opposite seem to be unaware of the significance of the automotive industry to the Australian people, to the Australian economy and to the Australian society. They seem to be concerned about one person’s job. I am concerned about the 60,000 Australians’ jobs that are on the line here. I am concerned that the opposition seem to have learnt so little about the significance of this industry. I am very concerned that Mr Bracks is being attacked in this way. Mr Bracks has worked tirelessly to attract foreign investment to Victoria. He is the sort of person that the opposition cannot stand, because he is the sort of person that can sort the wheat from the chaff.