Mathias Cormann (WA, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is to the Minister representing the Minister for Resources and Energy, Senator Carr. I refer to Woodside’s statement today that the government’s new tax on gas will result in a $2½ billion increase in costs being passed on to consumers. Faced with this evidence, will the government now drop this harmful tax which will hurt families, businesses and pensioners in Western Australia?

Kim Carr (Victoria, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I appreciate the question. I am representing the minister here on this matter. I would like to take that question on notice.

Mathias Cormann (WA, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Mr President, I ask a supplementary question. If the minister has to take that question on notice, perhaps he can also take on notice whether the government will continue to claim that a new tax which increases gas prices will be able to fight inflation.

Kim Carr (Victoria, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I appreciate the question, and will take that on notice as well.