David Fawcett (SA, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is to the Minister representing the Minister for Industry, Senator Ronaldson. Will the minister outline to the Senate how the government aims to fulfil its promise to restore stability, certainty and confidence to Australian industry?

Michael Ronaldson (Victoria, Liberal Party, Minister for Veterans’ Affairs) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

As an aside, I would like to acknowledge all new senators, but particularly Senator Linda Reynolds and Senator Jacqui Lambie, both of whom have served this nation. This chamber will be the richer for them. I know that you have proudly served; and we are proud of your service.

At the last federal election, the Australian people voted overwhelmingly for change. That was represented in the other place after September, when parliament first sat, and today it is represented in this chamber with the new state representatives joining us. When we are considering these changes that the government believe are right for industry, I ask that we reflect on what our policies were in the run-up to the last election, and on what has been done since.

Senator Kim Carr interjecting —

Senator Cameron interjecting —

Stephen Parry (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Senator Carr and Senator Cameron!

Michael Ronaldson (Victoria, Liberal Party, Minister for Veterans’ Affairs) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I am fascinated to hear from Senator Carr, because the last time I had a question from him we were still in the middle of bushfire season. So it is probably time he asked a question, if he is indeed serious about it.

We want to reflect on what this nation needs to do for industry and on what we are going to do to again foster entrepreneurship, and to encourage those who want to grow and those who want to export. The government has a very substantial plan to do so, not the least of which is the abolition of the carbon tax, which again the Australian Labor Party— (Time expired)

David Fawcett (SA, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Mr President, I ask a supplementary question. Would the minister outline for the Senate some of the specific measures the government has taken to restore much-needed confidence to Australian industry?

Honourable Senators:

Honourable senators interjecting—

Stephen Parry (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Order, on my right! Order, on my left! I remind senators on my left that there is a possibility you will get another question up if you do not keep interjecting.

Michael Ronaldson (Victoria, Liberal Party, Minister for Veterans’ Affairs) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I again thank the senator for his very good question. As I have said to Senator Madigan, sitting opposite are those who took 140,000 manufacturing jobs out of this nation in their brief but quite dramatic period in government. In setting the right infrastructure and economic conditions, which was our first priority, we have introduced a number of measures. One of those is the Entrepreneurs Infrastructure Programme's Single Business Service. That commenced on 1 July. It will bring research and business together to develop and commercialise home-grown ideas and to equip SMEs with the management and business skills to lead change and expansion.

On top of that, we are also doing many, many things in high-level infrastructure to support skills, such as the $476-million Industry Skills Fund which will put a new focus on delivering the skills— (Time expired)

David Fawcett (SA, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Mr President, I ask a further supplementary question. Will the minister explain how the Senate can work with the government to restore stability and confidence both within industry and across the broader Australian economy?

Michael Ronaldson (Victoria, Liberal Party, Minister for Veterans’ Affairs) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I again thank the senator for his question. We want to work with industry. That is why, on top of the Industry Skills Fund I was referring to, there is the $1.9-billion Trade Support Loans and a $50-million manufacturing grants program.

Those opposite in three years spun through 14 ministers in these portfolios—they went through 14 ministers in three years! They completely lost control of the agenda. What we are seeing today is the outcome of their incompetence. I say to the Australian Labor Party: get out of the way of industry. Get out of the way of Australian families. Get out of the way of Australian workers. Get out of the way of us trying to get rid of this toxic carbon tax which is destroying industry in this country. We are losing jobs overseas, and the very people you say you represent are being damaged again by your complete and utter incompetence. (Time expired)