Linda Reynolds (WA, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

I too rise to speak on the National Reconstruction Fund Corporation Bill 2023. In relation to this bill, let me say upfront that there has been a lot of disappointing legislation and programs delivered by those opposite since they came into government, but this really ranks right up at the top of bad, bad legislation for our nation. This is a highly cynical bill that I think reeks of left-wing policies and politics, instead of being a genuine nation-building policy and program. It is a flawed fraud on the Australian people and the Australian economy, and it will do far more harm than good to this nation.

Labor has made a desperate, last-minute, dodgy deal with the Greens, which will prohibit coal or gas from receiving finance from the National Reconstruction Fund. The fact is that Australian manufacturers rely on cheap energy to make things onshore, but Labor's continued irresponsible demonisation of gas and their broken promises to bring power prices down will force more Australian manufacturers offshore. One result of that is possibly far more expensive gas for Australians, but it also impacts people like the Ukrainians, who we're forcing still to rely a lot on Russian gas, so every expert in the country is calling on the Prime Minister to unlock more supplies of gas. Indeed, some manufacturers have had their gas bills triple. At the same time, those opposite say this is all about supporting Australian manufacturers.

What this dodgy, irresponsible deal has done is ensure that we make it as difficult as possible for Australian manufacturers. In fact, you couldn't think of anything worse to do to Australian manufacturers at this time than to triple their energy prices. Are you taking a photo of me, Senator Pratt?