Stephen Conroy (Victoria, Australian Labor Party, Deputy Leader of the Government in the Senate) Share this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Abetz for his question. Those opposite, and their leaders are the only people in Australia who welcome difficult economic news because it suits their short-term political interests. Never forget that these are the people who think that the global financial crisis, which is buffeting advanced economies everywhere, has been hyped up. They are the same people who tried to smash the surplus we are now using to provide relief for families and to strengthen our economy.

Since the budget the luxury car tax revenue has been revised down by around $20 million in each of the forward estimates. This is not the result of the increase in the luxury car tax. The downward revisions are the result of two factors: firstly, the weaker economic outlook flowing from the global financial crisis is expected to result in fewer car sales; secondly, the increased luxury car tax threshold for vehicles with fuel consumption not exceeding seven litres per 100 kilometres.

Once again those opposite are using difficult economic news as an excuse to oppose our measures. Their usual political sniping will not deter us from the responsible decisions. And they can continue to try and campaign against this and show nothing but—