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

I do not know whether Senator Richardson enjoyed Jameson whiskey but I do know that Dr Wooldridge did.

I can say to you that the increase in the threshold, if passed, will deliver tax relief, which will help reduce financial pressures on many working families who have previously been subject to the Medicare levy surcharge. This bill provides an opportunity to actually relieve the pressure on ordinary Australians. It highlights the measure’s significance in the context of the new and dangerous phase of the global financial crisis. Two days ago the Rudd government took critical decisive action by releasing our Economic Security Strategy of some $10.4 billion to support Australians in these difficult times and to provide a boost to the economy—a boost that is essential to sustaining economic prosperity for this nation. This is an important measure and I commend this bill to the chamber.

Question agreed to.

Bill read a second time.