Penny Wong (SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Foreign Affairs) Share this | Hansard source

In relation to the last: no, the government is not contemplating an inheritance tax. Second—

Speaking of fear and fact—I'll take the interjection from Senator Cash and others on that side—it's really extraordinary, isn't it? They come in here demanding discussion about facts, but we see yet again a fear campaign. No, it is not government policy, nor are we proposing one.

As the Treasurer, I understand, has said, obviously Ms Wood is a well-published economist. She has written and spoken about economic policy for many years. Obviously, the Treasurer and the government may not agree with everything she has said or published, but she is an economist of great note. If I may say so, we've not had a woman head the Productivity Commission before, and in itself it is a good thing to see a woman who is so well qualified come to head that body. I think Senator Gallagher yesterday gave some information to the chamber in relation to the selection process.

I again reiterate Ms Wood has said and written many things, as you would expect from someone in her position. Not all of them are ones the Treasurer might agree with, and they certainly don't represent government policy. But the point is that we have appointed someone to head the Productivity Commission who is deeply engaged in some of today's difficult economic questions, and that is a good thing, to ensure that the government and the Australian people, as well as the parliament, can have the benefit of the advice and views of the PC. Many governments will obviously not take up everything the— (Time expired)