Kim Carr (Victoria, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research) Share this | Hansard source

I have heard from the National Party, who ought to be doing a lot more on these issues. I have heard from them, 'What are you doing?' We have put these matters before the ACCC. We welcome the statements from the new Chairman of the ACCC that he wants to explore the full extent of ACCC powers in these matters. The ACCC has extensive investigative powers and quite substantial capacities to ensure confidentiality. We know that these are very tough times for Australian manufacturers. We are dealing with a record high dollar. We are dealing with the effects of a prolonged drought and now, of course, with a past summer of disasters. What we have done through the resource rent arrangements, for instance, is provide opportunities for tax cuts. We are providing $150 million to assist manufacturers in the food industry to adapt to new circumstances as a result of climate change. We are ensuring that we have good news for Australian manufacturers. This is a government that will stand shoulder to shoulder with Australian manufacturers and Australian workers in the defence of jobs. (Time expired)