John Williams (NSW, National Party) Share this | Hansard source

I just asked a simple question of Senator Lambie, and I hope she remains civil during this brief question I am going to ask Senator Wong. I have the right to ask these questions. The point I have made I made to my side and other sides. We have got 735,000 unemployed Australians in this country. The unemployment rate for Tasmanians aged 15 to 24 is 16.1 per cent. There are 7,100 youths who were unemployed and 21,200 youths who were not in the labour force, a total of 28,000 youth. The point I am making in this whole debate that has been going on for months is: why aren't unemployed Australians doing this work?

As far as your amendment goes, Senator Lambie, I think it is unfair. I will give you an example. I am just being civil and asking you a civil question. A shearer comes out here from South Africa and after six weeks breaches the $18,200 and is paying 10.5 per cent tax. A shearer shearing 200 sheep a day will earn $600 a day and $3,000 a week. In six weeks they will breach the $18,000 mark. Why should I be shearing alongside a shearer from South Africa when I am paying—