Matt O'Sullivan (WA, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

I move:

That the Senate take note of the answers given by the Minister for Trade and Tourism (Senator Farrell) and the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (Senator Watt) to questions without notice asked by the Leader of the Opposition in the Senate (Senator Birmingham) and Senators Paterson and McDonald today relating to foreign relations, the NZYQ case and offshore gas exploration.

The first question was a question to Senator Farrell. We also just had the last question to Senator Farrell. In the response that he gave just then, you could see a preparedness to maybe react and provide a bit of colour to the debate that we're having here in this place. But when it comes to an issue of his own making, which was the topic of the first question, all we see from Senator Farrell is ducking and weaving. I've got to say I like Senator Farrell. He's from the good side of the Labor Party, if there is such a place. He's a decent fellow and he makes good wine too. I've enjoyed his wine. But I can tell you that I am getting rather sick and tired of coming into this place, seeing questions provided to Senator Farrell and hearing him just waffle around and not treat question time with the seriousness it should be treated with. It is an opportunity for us to come in here, particularly as the opposition and indeed the crossbench, and ask questions of this government and its leaders. Proper answers should be given.

On the issue of Australia's ally—our closest ally—the United States, it should have been very, very easy for Senator Farrell to confirm that, yes indeed, the United States is Australia's greatest, strongest and closest ally. It would have been the easiest thing to do because that has been the long tradition of this country since we fought in the early wars. Since the formation of the very fabric and nature of this country, we have been allies. It would have been very, very easy. But, instead, for whatever reason—we can only surmise what that reason might be—Senator Farrell did his usual ducking and weaving, just fumbling around and winding down the clock and not taking the issue seriously. I have to say it is getting exhausting. It is a shame because Senator Farrell can bring a lot into this place. But when he's put under any kind of pressure, that's the tactic that he plays, and I think he needs to up his game. It's not acceptable, particularly when there's an opportunity to reaffirm the great relationship that we have with our closest ally, the United States.

The other question we had, from Senator McDonald, went to the issue of the supply of gas in the east coast and the issue that environmental approvals are having. This isn't just an issue on the east coast; this is also an issue in my home state of Western Australia. The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Western Australia estimates that there is $318 billion worth of investment at risk due to the delay in environmental and other approvals. The government is getting in the way of projects that need to occur. The Scarborough gas field can provide 30 years of power not just to Perth but to 10 other cities the size of Perth around the globe. Thirty years of electricity could be providing heat to homes in Seoul and places like Tokyo. They are much larger cities.

There is an opportunity here that is going missing. Western Australia is the powerhouse of the nation. I always like to remind us in this place of that place over there, WA. We generate incredible wealth. We have $318 billion that's being held up, and this government here and the state government of Western Australia need to get their acts together, because Australians and, indeed, the rest of the world are missing out on wonderful opportunities when it comes to supplying good, reliable and cheap power.