Mark Furner (Queensland, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

I rise this afternoon to partake in this debate on taking note of those answers that have been provided to questions asked of Senator Evans and Senator Arbib. The previous government senator spoke about the need for discussing policy in this chamber. I think that is quite a relevant matter on this particular date and at this time. Senator Ronaldson spoke about protesters out on the lawns of Parliament House, claiming they were protesting about certain issues they have with this government. Surely they have also come here to listen to what policy the opposition has? When it comes to policy, we hear silence. Those policies that they have put forward are not going to deliver.

If I reflect on one of their policies on climate change, it is going to deliver nowhere near its intention and what is claimed. In fact, we know now it will cost this country $70 billion. There is a $70 billion black hole created by those opposite as a result of their thoughts on creating a policy on how they will deal with climate change. That is the sad reality in this particular matter. When it comes to Mr Thomson, I do not know a great deal about this gentleman—