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

Slightly is a matter for evaluation and observation by looking at the figures. We did not reduce these payments lightly, because we know they are essential to support growth and jobs in the near term. We have decided on this small reduction while maintaining the overall effectiveness of the government’s plan, which is supporting jobs and growth, while taking into account the views of others. I did outline earlier in more detail how we have been taking into account the views of others. I do not intend to repeat that outline to the Senate. The government is acting responsibly to protect our economy, jobs and businesses by ensuring these bills are passed, and we are commending these amendments to the Senate.

I would certainly, as I argued in more fulsome lengths in my earlier comments when I moved the amendments that just passed, call on the Senate to act responsibly to support this $42 billion fiscal stimulus. It is critical that this package pass the Senate. As I made the point earlier, if this package fails to pass, we would be the only country in the world where such a fiscal stimulus has been proposed by a parliament to reject it. My colleagues and I have canvassed the arguments extensively about why we need a fiscal stimulus. I do not intend to go over those now, but we are at this point because of an irresponsible opposition whose catchcry is: ‘Let’s wait and see—do nothing!’