Michaelia Cash (WA, Liberal Party, Assistant Minister for Immigration and Border Protection) Share this | Hansard source

Yes, I can confirm that today the full bench of the Federal Court did uphold the MUA's appeal. We are currently considering the decision.

Senator Sterle, if you want to come in here and be proud of your side's efforts to close down the offshore oil and gas industry then, quite frankly, you should hang your head in shame, because those of us on this side of the chamber will take every step that we can to ensure that one of the most productive industries—not just in this country, but globally—is able to do business.

Look at the offshore oil and gas industry. This accounts, in terms of the Australian economy—Senator Sterle, let me give you a lesson, which your mates in the MUA clearly have not given you—for 2½ per cent of gross domestic product, generating $28 billion a year in revenue. On this side we want to ensure that they are able to continue to generate those levels of money and, if possible, to increase. The sector, Senator Sterle—through you, Mr President—employs 2,500 people, and it is estimated that the number of flow-on jobs is at least 10,000.

What those on the other side just do not understand is that if you take steps to destroy this industry your people will lose their jobs. I am actually taking steps to try and protect the jobs of those in the MUA. Everything you are doing, Senator Sterle, is completely contrary to that, and you should hang your head in shame.