Carol Brown (Tasmania, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Assistant Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Tourism) Share this | Hansard source

Before I start my contribution here today, I would like to just take up one point in Senator Rennick's contribution, and that is about teachers. We have a former teacher right here in Senator O'Neill, who is a very good teacher. I also would like to say on behalf of all teachers out there: I'm sure they can, Senator Rennick.

I want to draw the Senate's attention to the plight of Tasmania when it comes to the attention of this government, the Morrison government, because it has become sadly clear that Tasmanians are being overlooked and left behind by Mr Morrison. There is a litany of broken promises, job opportunities missed and people and businesses doing it tough who have been abandoned and left behind by this Prime Minister. It's become a story of a flood of dollars for mates on the mainland compared with a trickle of cents for those in need in Tasmania. When it came to his own backyard, the Prime Minister, Mr Morrison, had no difficulty in finding the funds needed to build the second airport in Sydney, off the back, mind you—and I know Madam Acting Deputy President Faruqi will know this, as she is from New South Wales—of a dodgy land deal. Mr Morrison has no trouble splashing cash on his mates, but when it comes to investing in or supporting jobs in Tasmania all we get is spin and reannouncements with no substance. In fact, the Liberals have repeatedly dangled projects, like the new bridge across the Tamar River, in front of Tasmanians. Yet time and again, budget after budget, they have failed to stump up any substantial investment to actually deliver on their promises. It is all smoke and mirrors.

I'm glad Senator Duniam is in the chamber, because I know that he knows only too well how this is spot on. It is all about stunts, re-announcements and spin. Promises are left unfilled and opportunities are missed because this government repeatedly leaves Tasmania off the map. It's a speech you should be giving, because you know it's correct, Senator Duniam.