Penny Wong (SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Finance and Deregulation) Share this | Hansard source

There are substantial challenges in relation to capacity building. We understand that. That is why we put in place a range of policies prior to the election and have made further commitments which are about increasing the capacity of the Australian economy. But one of the most significant challenges is the fact that those opposite are intent on saying no and tearing down and wrecking any sensible economic reform. During the election campaign, amongst the things that Mr Abbott proposed to cut were the trades training centres, Computers in Schools and the National Broadband Network. It is quite clear that those opposite wish to tear up any of the investments which go to the long-term challenges that the nation faces, because they are unable to put forward a sensible agenda to boost productivity, boost participation and increase the capacity of the Australian economy in the years ahead to meet the challenges that we know exist.