Nick Sherry (Tasmania, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Superannuation and Corporate Law) Share this | Hansard source

I am sorry, yes, Senator Fielding. But I do not question your sincerity and passion, Senator Joyce. We will disagree on some of the issues and solutions. The government strongly believe this is an appropriate package for the times. Australia would face a more severe economic downturn and greater unemployment if this package were not passed. I have great respect for Treasury, not just because we are now in government; I had great respect for Treasury in those long years in opposition, often dealing with them in Senate estimates. As best they are able to do—I believe they have done their very, very best—Treasury have given us an estimate that as a consequence of this package there will be about half a per cent higher growth in 2008-09 and around three-quarters to one per cent higher growth in 2009-10. I do understand, Senator Joyce, that there will be an increase in unemployment—