Jane Hume (Victoria, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for the Public Service) Share this | Hansard source

Thank you very much for that patronising response. Yes, you're correct. There was a deal done with the Greens on the safeguard mechanism, and that will have an effect on energy prices. There is no doubt about that, and I am asking you whether that effect on energy prices—which will not put downward pressure, as you continue to insist, but will in fact put upward pressure on energy prices—will have an effect on the National Reconstruction Fund, on the manufacturers that are going to potentially participate in the National Reconstruction Fund and potentially on those who may be eligible for this fund. Has the minister spoken to any of the manufacturers or peak bodies about whether higher energy prices resulting from the deal that your government has done with the Greens are going to affect their eligibility for the National Reconstruction Fund?