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

I do not know what studies have been undertaken in relation to that issue by the department of climate change, so I will take that part of the question on notice and see if I can provide further information. I would say this, Mr President—and I know some of the senator's views on these issues, which are on the public record—this government does see LNG as a critical industry for Australia. The government does see LNG as a cleaner burning fuel and an essential part of the global solution to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This government does see the importance of this industry providing jobs and opportunities in regional Australia. So on this issue I suspect, from the tenor of the questions, Mr President, that Senator Milne and the government do have a different view about the importance of this industry and our support for the industry. Having said that, we recognise this is an issue that the senator has some concerns about and I will certainly seek information. (Time expired)