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

In relation to the carbon price, I would again remind a senator, we have a very substantial amount of assistance through the jobs and competitiveness package. We recognise also that many businesses will be able to pass on the price increase to consumers and that is reflected in the assessment of the appropriateness of household compensation. That is why we are providing additional assistance to Australian households, to reflect the fact that there will be some prices that will be passed on. I would remind the senator his party supports an increase in the company tax levy to fund the Paid Parental Leave scheme that the shadow cabinet does not support. I would remind the senator that his party supports a policy which will cost Australian families $1,300 additional tax, for which they will not get any assistance. So, if he really cares about ensuring that our transition to a low-pollution economy is managed sensibly, he certainly would not be supporting the position that Mr Abbott is proposing.