Joe Ludwig (Queensland, Australian Labor Party, Manager of Government Business in the Senate) Share this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Moore for her second supplementary question. In the debate on the government’s flood levy senators were able to put nuances and thoughtful contributions on the public record as the Senate considers this matter, so I will not go to the substance of that bill. The announced flood levy and associated saving measures are the sensible course of action to manage the Commonwealth’s financial obligations.

While the government has been consistently working and delivering for the reconstruction of Queensland, what we have heard from the Liberals opposite is nothing but pure politics on this issue. The Liberal senators have spent much of their contributions to this debate attacking the member for O’Connor, Mr Crook, settling petty party squabbles, rather than addressing the national interest of supporting the rebuilding of Queensland, New South Wales—