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

Senator, you are being unbelievably petty-minded. The question of the transparency provisions is one where I think we have highlighted that you are seeking to exploit what you see as a populist manoeuvre for base political reasons. Our position on transparency has been way in excess of anything you did when in government. The powers we are putting into this bill are the same powers that were in the previous bill. You are seeking to appeal to that element within the press gallery which is fundamentally hostile to this industry, and you are making assertions that there are some secrets that we are seeking to prevent public disclosure of, as if there is no such thing as commercial in confidence for any other part of business.

The Automotive Transformation Scheme, as outlined in this bill, provides for much higher levels of transparency than has ever been the case. At a time of acute international pressure on the Australian industry, we would have a reason to expect the opposition not to take the dog-in-the-manger attitude that you have taken. I say to you, Senator: the reason the industry has expressed concerns about your approach is that they understand what is in the interests of the industry and the 200,000 people in this country who depend upon it. It is unfortunate that you do not. I can only repeat to you, Senator, that you abide by the advice of your leader, who in 2002 made a point about what it would take to damage this industry. I trust you will reconsider your position when this matter is put to the chamber.