Mitch Fifield (Victoria, Liberal Party, Assistant Minister for Social Services) Share this | Hansard source

I thank colleagues for their contributions to the debate on this motion and I also thank the chamber for granting leave to move this motion. This is an important moment for the nation. As these are matters which were the subject of significant debate and public discussion in the lead-up to an election and about which the Australian public cast a verdict at the ballot box, it is very important that they are allowed to be resolved, that there is debate and that we do reach a conclusion. All the government has sought to do over the last week and will seek to do this week is bring to a conclusion the repeal of the carbon tax, a matter which the public voted on at the election.

Senator Milne asked me a question in relation to the other place, and I can indicate that the other place will do what they need to do in response to the decisions that are taken in the Senate. I thank the chamber for facilitating this motion to manage proceedings for the remainder of the week. Those of us on this side of the chamber and a number of crossbench senators—indeed, I believe a majority of senators in this place—believe that the carbon tax should be repealed. That will be what results by the end of this week according to the indications of a majority of senators. On behalf of the government, I look forward very much to that happening so Australians can receive some cost-of-living relief. I should also remind colleagues that the carbon tax compensation which was put in place by the previous government will be kept by this government. So there will be real benefits for Australians and their household budgets as a result of the repeal of the carbon tax. In conclusion, I thank colleagues for their cooperation with this motion.