Bill Heffernan (NSW, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is once again to the Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, Senator Carr. Is the minister aware that Energy Australia, a company owned by the New South Wales Labor government, has decided to close its productivity testing and compliance division, known as Testing and Certification Australia? Is the minister also aware of the national significance—that this is the only facility in Australia that can test and certify electronic medical devices to the appropriate international standards?

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

I have no advice on that matter whatsoever. I will have to take the question on notice.

Bill Heffernan (NSW, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Mr President, I ask a supplementary question. With regard to the national importance of such a facility, has the minister—or, if he has not, his department—had any discussions with the New South Wales Labor government in order to see what can be done to ensure that Australia does not lose this important testing and certification capacity?

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

I think Senator Heffernan is only too well aware that I am representing Minister Ferguson here. The matter he has raised, I believe, is essentially a state jurisdiction; it is not surprising that I should not have a brief on that matter. I am not aware of any conversations that have been had between the minister and the New South Wales government on this matter. I will endeavour to establish what has been said.

Bill Heffernan (NSW, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Thank you, middle stump. Will the minister undertake to investigate this matter to ensure, in the national interest, that the medical biotech industry is not placed at a distinct competitive disadvantage?

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

In terms of the biotech industry, a matter for which I do have responsibility, this country will not be placed at a competitive disadvantage. As far as the department of innovation is concerned, we will be doing all in our power to ensure that we maintain our competitive advantage and that we build a competitive advantage. But, if you want to ask me questions which are properly the province of the New South Wales parliament, I suggest you stand for preselection for a state seat in New South Wales.

Doug Cameron (NSW, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Senator Cameron interjecting—

Eric Abetz (Tasmania, Liberal Party, Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the Senate) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Senator Abetz interjecting—

John Hogg (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Order! Senator Abetz and Senator Cameron, if you wish to have a conversation, go outside the chamber—both of you.

Doug Cameron (NSW, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Senator Cameron interjecting—

John Hogg (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Senator Cameron!

Opposition Senators:

Opposition senators interjecting—

John Hogg (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Order! I am waiting to call the next person for question time.