Michael Ronaldson (Victoria, Liberal Party, Minister for Veterans’ Affairs) Share this | Hansard source

The first thing I would say is that honourable senators and those listening today should reflect on what the first question was in this chamber. The first question was about politics—not a question in relation to the future of the car industry but a political question. Senator Carr through Senator Wong started off today talking about the last four days. The last four days have been about the Australian Labor Party playing politics. Have we heard from Senator Carr or Senator Wong in her first question one word about the industry people who survive on the car industry and others? Not one word.

I will make it quite clear where the government is in relation to the car industry. Then I will talk about what Senator Carr did when he was the industry minister, and that is a very long diatribe. I will say this: the government has made it quite clear that we believe in a stable and sustainable motor car industry. Holden themselves have made it quite clear that they agree with our plan for the Productivity Commission timetable. You know, Senator Carr, as I know that there will be an interim report before Christmas. There will be a final report before the end of March. Unlike the Australian Labor Party and unlike Senator Carr, we are running a no-surprises government, and the car industry knows full well— (Time expired)