Chris Evans (WA, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Government in the Senate) Share this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Abetz for his totally inane, low-brow question—because quite frankly, it adds nothing to parliamentary debate and reflects the fact that he has no interest in the issues that Australians are interested in. They are interested in climate change. They are interested in a proper policy debate about it, and that is why we will bring legislation before this parliament to facilitate a proper discussion and give the parliament a chance to vote on the issue of climate change.

In terms of achievement, I am happy to take you through again the ones in my own portfolio. We have 80,000 more students at universities as a result of this government's policies; we have more students from low SES backgrounds—

Senator Abetz interjecting—

Ms Gillard did do it actually; again, those were her policy changes. She was the relevant minister. We are driving that home. There are thousands more kids who can now go to university, get a good education and get higher paid, higher skilled jobs. We are very proud of that. (Time expired)