Penny Wong (SA, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Opposition in the Senate) Share this | Hansard source

I have just a few responses. The first is that we do think this is a role for the federal government. But we also think that where there are substantial powers vested in any minister, as they are by this legislation—including to cancel agreements that elected state governments, elected territory governments and elected councils are engaged in—a modicum of notice and reasons for decisions are pretty reasonable propositions. I don't think that derogates from the central proposition asserted, which is that the federal government has responsibility for foreign relations.

I will just respond very briefly to your defence of your government, Senator Paterson, when it comes to the car industry. I'm from South Australia. I've worked for unions which have had members at Holdens and as part of the supply chain. I'll say this to you: every worker and their family knows what happened. Your Treasurer—