Glenn Sterle (WA, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

I am glad that the National senators in the corner over there have woken up, because this should get them jumping. It is very important for all those out there listening to understand that the neglect over 11½ long years of a Liberal coalition government was under the watch of National Party ministers. Senator Ronaldson, I am letting your side off. We cannot blame the Libs entirely on this, because the Nationals think that they have this God-given right to be ministers for transport.

I want to put on the record that I have the greatest respect for not only rural and regional Australians but those involved in agriculture and farming. Without them, Australia does not eat. I want to acknowledge that. I have always acknowledged the importance of farming communities to Australia’s prosperity and substance. I look across the chamber and I see farmers or ex-farmers: Senator Heffernan; Senator Ferguson, the Deputy President and ex-President; and Senator Fisher.