Barnaby Joyce (Queensland, National Party) Share this | Hansard source

I know that we are arriving at the soft underbelly of exactly what the intrinsic issues are in this nation at this point in time. This is what the Workplace Relations Amendment (Transition to Forward with Fairness) Bill 2008 is all about: it is about taking away another lever to the control of our nation so as to mitigate that fall, so as to save Australia from the effects of an uncontrolled, unreasoned collapse.

I know the rhetoric that has been played around this place, but we must be strong and we must maintain some position. Although it may be unpopular, it is essential if we want to take hold of this nation. Our first job, even before guarding our own political skins, is to be a patriot to this nation. If this bill were not required, I would say, ‘So be it,’ but the original bill, now more than ever, is required. It will not be the panacea, but now, more than ever, we must start looking at an extensive and holistic view of the problems that are before this nation right now.

I believe, to be quite honest, Mr Swan is not up to the job. I am not making any personal assertions against his character but, for the job that is in front of our nation now, he is out of his depth. We have some major problems that are coming before us.