Robert Simms (SA, Australian Greens) Share this | Hansard source

This motion highlights the impact of the TPP on the potential of national procurement policies to protect the steel industry. Recently, as part of the Senate inquiry into the future of steel here in Australia, I went to Whyalla and spoke to workers in that industry. It was very clear to me that people in that industry are very concerned about the impact of the Labor and Liberal party policies in this area—economic policies and free trade agreements. The TPP is selling off and selling out our national interest rather than protecting the interests of Australian workers and Australian jobs. We note the position of the Labor Party on this, the contradictory and inconsistent statements that have been made, and we call on the Labor Party and the Liberal Party to side with us in supporting Australian jobs.