Eric Abetz (Tasmania, Liberal Party, Minister for Employment) Share this | Hansard source

Mr President, I can indicate that I am not aware of the person or the comments to which the honourable senator refers. However I think we have had a debate in this country where the Prime Minister did take to the Australian people a very ambitious paid parental leave scheme which did not find favour in this chamber and, as a result, we have adopted a different approach.

What we are seeking to do is introduce another scheme that does not allow for double dipping, which is the terminology that has been used. We believe that, if the Labor Party wants to go to the next election championing double dipping, so be it, and let them explain that to the Australian people.