Stephen Conroy (Victoria, Australian Labor Party, Deputy Leader of the Government in the Senate) Share this | Hansard source

As I have just explained, the premise on which Senator Joyce is asking his question is flawed. I have just detailed exactly why it is flawed: $9 billion of investment into the region, so that the actual outcome will be significantly less because of that investment. This modelling has not included it, so the premise of Senator Joyce’s question is completely flawed. It does not take into account the critical information that I have provided here about $9 billion worth of investment.

Senator Joyce can continue to cry crocodile tears and he can continue to pretend he is in the same team as Senator Birmingham when it comes to these issues, but let us be clear: only one party has a solution to try and meet all of these balances, and that is those on this side of the chamber. For those on the opposite side to try and paper over their differences and pretend they are on the same team is quite comical. (Time expired)