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

I am aware of the report to which Senator Milne refers. I am also aware that the government took a position previously with which Senator Milne was, if I may say, unhappy—did not agree with—on a range of policy measures which were not regarded as falling within the remit of the G20 agreement. I will take on notice what additional information I can provide from the Treasurer on this issue, but I would say to the senator, given her previous public criticisms of this issue, that I doubt that the government has changed its position. You might recall that a number of the issues which would have been included in that list from the senator's perspective from her public comments were issues which the government has chosen not to alter in terms of the recent budget decisions, notwithstanding that there was some public suggestion of consideration.

As I said, I will see if I can get any further information on what has been done in the G20 context on the subsidy issue. But I would say to you, Senator, that our position has to my knowledge not changed since our previous position and that I am aware that you have previously criticised it.