George Brandis (Queensland, Liberal Party, Attorney-General) Share this | Hansard source

Senator Smith, I am sorry to say that I am aware of threats to Australia's future prosperity from those who stand in the way of this necessary reform so that we can get the budget under control, so that we can afford schools and hospitals and good social welfare provision not just for this generation but for future generations. That is why the Prime Minister has said that this is not merely an economic plan but the fulfilment of a moral duty.

Might I, at this first question time of the new parliament, address myself in particular through you, Mr President, to the crossbench. We see the Australian Labor Party as the primary obstacle in this chamber, but we do see among the fresh faces of the new crossbenchers and re-elected crossbenchers men and women who have come into this parliament with the right sentiments, with an intention to play their constructive role for the future of our country. (Time expired)