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Version 12 Version 13
Labor asks about 'any agreements with One Nation in last 48 hours' – politics live Labor asks about 'any agreements with One Nation in last 48 hours' – politics live
(35 minutes later)
The Senate is still whipping through the bills there is agreement on, which means that all the bills they don’t agree on – including the higher-ed one – are being pushed back until after the parliament resumes in August.
When I say agreement, I mean the government and Labor.
From Mike Bowers to you:
Christian Porter’s office has released this statement on what Andrew Wilkie was talking about earlier today:Christian Porter’s office has released this statement on what Andrew Wilkie was talking about earlier today:
I can confirm a former staff member of the Australian Secret Intelligence Service and a Mr Bernard Collaery have been summoned to appear in connection with offences under section 11.5 of the Criminal Code and section 39 of the Intelligence Services Act 2001 (the IS Act).I can confirm a former staff member of the Australian Secret Intelligence Service and a Mr Bernard Collaery have been summoned to appear in connection with offences under section 11.5 of the Criminal Code and section 39 of the Intelligence Services Act 2001 (the IS Act).
The former staff member will be charged with an offence of conspiracy to communicate ASIS information, contrary to section 11.5 of the Criminal Code and section 39 of the IS Act.The former staff member will be charged with an offence of conspiracy to communicate ASIS information, contrary to section 11.5 of the Criminal Code and section 39 of the IS Act.
Mr Collaery will be charged with an offence of conspiracy to communicate ASIS information, contrary to section 11.5 of the Criminal Code and section 39 of the IS Act, and with further offences of communicating ASIS information contrary to section 39 of the IS Act.Mr Collaery will be charged with an offence of conspiracy to communicate ASIS information, contrary to section 11.5 of the Criminal Code and section 39 of the IS Act, and with further offences of communicating ASIS information contrary to section 39 of the IS Act.
Procedurally, the IS Act provides that a prosecution under section 39 may be instituted only by, or with the consent of, the Attorney-General or a person acting under the Attorney-General’s direction.Procedurally, the IS Act provides that a prosecution under section 39 may be instituted only by, or with the consent of, the Attorney-General or a person acting under the Attorney-General’s direction.
In this matter the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions (CDPP) considered the brief of evidence and subsequently made an independent decision that a prosecution was the appropriate course of action having due regard to the matters requiring consideration under the Prosecution Policy of the Commonwealth.In this matter the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions (CDPP) considered the brief of evidence and subsequently made an independent decision that a prosecution was the appropriate course of action having due regard to the matters requiring consideration under the Prosecution Policy of the Commonwealth.
Accordingly the Director sought my consent to that decision to prosecute, which consent I provided.Accordingly the Director sought my consent to that decision to prosecute, which consent I provided.
There are also two matters that are very important to note.There are also two matters that are very important to note.
First, the former staff member’s identity continues to be protected by section 41 of the Intelligence Services Act 2001; as such, it would be an offence to identify the former staff member.First, the former staff member’s identity continues to be protected by section 41 of the Intelligence Services Act 2001; as such, it would be an offence to identify the former staff member.
Second, having formally confirmed the process regarding these matters - I can also confirm that I will not be providing detailed comment on their substance and that is because the matters are now before the Court.Second, having formally confirmed the process regarding these matters - I can also confirm that I will not be providing detailed comment on their substance and that is because the matters are now before the Court.
I would also encourage any member with an interest in this case to be conscious of the fact that the priority must be to allow judicial processes to be conducted without commentary which could impact on the fairness and regularity of those proceedings.I would also encourage any member with an interest in this case to be conscious of the fact that the priority must be to allow judicial processes to be conducted without commentary which could impact on the fairness and regularity of those proceedings.
The ‘if’ in this Chris Bowen answer to Alan Jones this morning has got a bit of attention:The ‘if’ in this Chris Bowen answer to Alan Jones this morning has got a bit of attention:
Well let’s be clear. Bill said if we end up with a $10 million threshold, and he said we are still working through the threshold between $2 and $10 million, that if we end up with a $10 million threshold then we would repeal. That’s obviously the approach that we generally take.Well let’s be clear. Bill said if we end up with a $10 million threshold, and he said we are still working through the threshold between $2 and $10 million, that if we end up with a $10 million threshold then we would repeal. That’s obviously the approach that we generally take.
Just for your listeners’ interests Alan, all businesses between zero and $2m in turnover, and that’s 811,000 companies Alan. They will receive a tax cut regardless of who wins the election. That’s 91% of all companies in Australia. Now we have made no secret of the fact that we are against the big business tax cut.Just for your listeners’ interests Alan, all businesses between zero and $2m in turnover, and that’s 811,000 companies Alan. They will receive a tax cut regardless of who wins the election. That’s 91% of all companies in Australia. Now we have made no secret of the fact that we are against the big business tax cut.
You and I have talked before about debt being greater than half a trillion dollars, for example, and tough decisions being necessary. Now we do recognise, and I’ve said repeatedly, that we have to acknowledge what’s been legislated. Now what’s been legislated is not 25%, importantly, it is 27 and a half per cent for those businesses of various thresholds.You and I have talked before about debt being greater than half a trillion dollars, for example, and tough decisions being necessary. Now we do recognise, and I’ve said repeatedly, that we have to acknowledge what’s been legislated. Now what’s been legislated is not 25%, importantly, it is 27 and a half per cent for those businesses of various thresholds.
I have not had this confirmed, but my take is the ‘if’ is in relation to the shadow cabinet not yet having made a decision on what to do with the company tax cuts between $2m and $10m. So we don’t know right now if $10m is the threshold.I have not had this confirmed, but my take is the ‘if’ is in relation to the shadow cabinet not yet having made a decision on what to do with the company tax cuts between $2m and $10m. So we don’t know right now if $10m is the threshold.
We should know tomorrow, after shadow cabinet meets.We should know tomorrow, after shadow cabinet meets.
Malcolm Turnbull does call time, and the chamber pretends to groan.Malcolm Turnbull does call time, and the chamber pretends to groan.
Much in the same way I am always *so sad* when dentist appointments are over.Much in the same way I am always *so sad* when dentist appointments are over.
Greens senator Sarah Hanson-Young has stood up in the Senate to accuse senator David Leyonhjelm of making a “sexist slur”.Greens senator Sarah Hanson-Young has stood up in the Senate to accuse senator David Leyonhjelm of making a “sexist slur”.
She said during a motion on violence against women Leyonhjelm yelled across the chamber that she should “stop shagging men”, and confirmed it when she later confronted him.She said during a motion on violence against women Leyonhjelm yelled across the chamber that she should “stop shagging men”, and confirmed it when she later confronted him.
“Shocked, I told him he was a creep. He told me to f... off,” she said. Hanson-Young said she is disappointed Leyonhjelm has refused to apologise.“Shocked, I told him he was a creep. He told me to f... off,” she said. Hanson-Young said she is disappointed Leyonhjelm has refused to apologise.
Tanya Plibersek to Malcolm Turnbull:Tanya Plibersek to Malcolm Turnbull:
“On Sunday, 700,000 workers will get a pay cut. Does the prime minister support the cut to penalty rates?”“On Sunday, 700,000 workers will get a pay cut. Does the prime minister support the cut to penalty rates?”
Turnbull:Turnbull:
“On Sunday, there will be thousands of workers in the hospitality sector and in fast food sector who will not get penalty rates at all because unions have traded them away. Unions have traded them away.“On Sunday, there will be thousands of workers in the hospitality sector and in fast food sector who will not get penalty rates at all because unions have traded them away. Unions have traded them away.
“Oh, yes! The big unions. The big unions that pay their bills, just like the workers at Clean Event had their penalty rates traded away. The SDA and others trading away the penalty rates of their workers. The reality is this: Labor is utterly hypocritical on the matter of penalty rates. For years and years, for over a century, Labor has said that it stands for the independent umpire, for the conciliation and arbitration, for fair work, laws that were passed.“Oh, yes! The big unions. The big unions that pay their bills, just like the workers at Clean Event had their penalty rates traded away. The SDA and others trading away the penalty rates of their workers. The reality is this: Labor is utterly hypocritical on the matter of penalty rates. For years and years, for over a century, Labor has said that it stands for the independent umpire, for the conciliation and arbitration, for fair work, laws that were passed.
“When the leader of the opposition was responsible for them and after hearings which all the submissions were heard, they didn’t like the outcome, so they wanted to disown it. But when it came to the crunch, when there was an employer prepared to pay some money to the union, oh, yes – the deputy leader shakes her head. She’s so sad to hear the truth. The fact is big unions have been taking money from big business to trade away workers’ penalty rates and the only thing the Labor party hates about that is getting caught.”“When the leader of the opposition was responsible for them and after hearings which all the submissions were heard, they didn’t like the outcome, so they wanted to disown it. But when it came to the crunch, when there was an employer prepared to pay some money to the union, oh, yes – the deputy leader shakes her head. She’s so sad to hear the truth. The fact is big unions have been taking money from big business to trade away workers’ penalty rates and the only thing the Labor party hates about that is getting caught.”
Christian Porter is updating the House on the changes to the “call in” powers for the ADF on domestic terrorist threats.Christian Porter is updating the House on the changes to the “call in” powers for the ADF on domestic terrorist threats.
I think as soon as he sits, Malcolm Turnbull will call time. And then we get a six-week reprieve. *confetti emoji*I think as soon as he sits, Malcolm Turnbull will call time. And then we get a six-week reprieve. *confetti emoji*
Sarah Henderson accuses Robert Mitchell of making an unparliamentary remark.Sarah Henderson accuses Robert Mitchell of making an unparliamentary remark.
He denies it.He denies it.
We move on.We move on.
Bill Shorten to Malcolm Turnbull:Bill Shorten to Malcolm Turnbull:
“The PM’s made a choice to support pay cuts for nearly 700,000 workers and give tax cuts to multinationals. He’s made a choice to take $17bn from schools and give it straight to the banks. He’s made a choice to cut funding for public hospitals and he’s giving a handout to private health insurers. Why when he’s given the choice does this PM always choose the top end of town?”“The PM’s made a choice to support pay cuts for nearly 700,000 workers and give tax cuts to multinationals. He’s made a choice to take $17bn from schools and give it straight to the banks. He’s made a choice to cut funding for public hospitals and he’s giving a handout to private health insurers. Why when he’s given the choice does this PM always choose the top end of town?”
Turnbull:Turnbull:
“When the leader of the opposition was targeting the top end of town, whether he was in Burney, and going after a skateboard business, he’s going after Penguin Composites, just like his candidate down there, when Penguin Composites is another one of those hard-working Tasmanian family-owned businesses that are going to be slugged by the Labor party if they get hold of the reins of government.“When the leader of the opposition was targeting the top end of town, whether he was in Burney, and going after a skateboard business, he’s going after Penguin Composites, just like his candidate down there, when Penguin Composites is another one of those hard-working Tasmanian family-owned businesses that are going to be slugged by the Labor party if they get hold of the reins of government.
“And we saw picture on his flyer for his business lunch in Devonport. That will be great. You can imagine the applause. Imagine the applause that he’ll be getting there from all those people.“And we saw picture on his flyer for his business lunch in Devonport. That will be great. You can imagine the applause. Imagine the applause that he’ll be getting there from all those people.
“I wonder whether anyone from BridgePro Engineering will come up to Devonport. He says he will let me know. That was a business started in 2010. Structural engineer, trained at the University of Tasmania. He’s got $16m turnover. He started with two staff. It’s now got 60. It builds bridges, jetties, general construction. That’s the type of family-owned business the leader of the opposition is going about. He likes to hang out with people in hard hats and high vis but he’s threatening their jobs in Tasmania and all around Australia.”“I wonder whether anyone from BridgePro Engineering will come up to Devonport. He says he will let me know. That was a business started in 2010. Structural engineer, trained at the University of Tasmania. He’s got $16m turnover. He started with two staff. It’s now got 60. It builds bridges, jetties, general construction. That’s the type of family-owned business the leader of the opposition is going about. He likes to hang out with people in hard hats and high vis but he’s threatening their jobs in Tasmania and all around Australia.”
Shorten stands with the flyer for his lunch event:Shorten stands with the flyer for his lunch event:
“It’s the invitation to the Devonport chamber of commerce [event] next Wednesday. People are welcome. It will be a very good event.”“It’s the invitation to the Devonport chamber of commerce [event] next Wednesday. People are welcome. It will be a very good event.”
He is given leave by the government to table it.He is given leave by the government to table it.
“Winner,” he says.“Winner,” he says.
Justine Elliott to Malcolm Turnbull:Justine Elliott to Malcolm Turnbull:
Is the PM aware the Australian reports today the Nationals have drawn up a set of demands for the PM, headlined by the creation of a fund of up to $5bn that would deliver government money for new base load generators. Has the PM to use taxpayers’ money to fund new or existing coal-fired power and is this part of cutting a deal with One Nation to give an $80bn handout to big business?”Is the PM aware the Australian reports today the Nationals have drawn up a set of demands for the PM, headlined by the creation of a fund of up to $5bn that would deliver government money for new base load generators. Has the PM to use taxpayers’ money to fund new or existing coal-fired power and is this part of cutting a deal with One Nation to give an $80bn handout to big business?”
Josh Frydenberg gets the nod:Josh Frydenberg gets the nod:
“Under the national energy guarantee power prices will fall. That is why businesses and their representatives, representing more than five million workers, were in the parliament this week, to confirm the national energy guarantee is in the national interests, Mr Speaker. And it will mean lower household prices by an extra 23%.”“Under the national energy guarantee power prices will fall. That is why businesses and their representatives, representing more than five million workers, were in the parliament this week, to confirm the national energy guarantee is in the national interests, Mr Speaker. And it will mean lower household prices by an extra 23%.”
He goes on, and somehow we end up at Mark Butler serving as Albo’s campaign manager and Tony Smith calls it “fascinating, but irrelevant” and we go to John McVeigh with a dixer.He goes on, and somehow we end up at Mark Butler serving as Albo’s campaign manager and Tony Smith calls it “fascinating, but irrelevant” and we go to John McVeigh with a dixer.
Greg Hunt is now not yelling a dixer answer.Greg Hunt is now not yelling a dixer answer.
Mark Butler to Malcolm Turnbull:Mark Butler to Malcolm Turnbull:
My question is to the PM. Yesterday every government senator, including the finance minister and the minister for resources, teamed up with One Nation to vote to call on the government to facilitate the building of new coal-fired power stations and retrofit existing power stations. Can the PM advise how much taxpayers’ money will be allocated to build new coal-fired power stations or retrofit existing ones?”My question is to the PM. Yesterday every government senator, including the finance minister and the minister for resources, teamed up with One Nation to vote to call on the government to facilitate the building of new coal-fired power stations and retrofit existing power stations. Can the PM advise how much taxpayers’ money will be allocated to build new coal-fired power stations or retrofit existing ones?”
Turnbull:Turnbull:
“The government’s policy is technology agnostic and facilitates investment in all forms of generation. Our focus is on reducing energy prices. That is what our policy is directed at. And we are starting on 1 July, with reductions in most states in the national electricity market. And that means from this weekend, a local takeaway shop in Queensland with Origin or Energy Australia could save between $400 and $766 a year. A hairdresser in Queensland could save $243. A winery in South Australia with Origin could save between $370 and $840.“The government’s policy is technology agnostic and facilitates investment in all forms of generation. Our focus is on reducing energy prices. That is what our policy is directed at. And we are starting on 1 July, with reductions in most states in the national electricity market. And that means from this weekend, a local takeaway shop in Queensland with Origin or Energy Australia could save between $400 and $766 a year. A hairdresser in Queensland could save $243. A winery in South Australia with Origin could save between $370 and $840.
“Now these gains can be locked in by the national energy guarantee. It provides a technology neutral framework to encourage investment in all forms of generation and energy infrastructure. Investment certainty is what is required. Now I know the honourable member for Port Adelaide, whose seat has been abolished, believes – and we sympathise with him there – but I know he believes he knows more about the energy market and energy economics than every player in the market.“Now these gains can be locked in by the national energy guarantee. It provides a technology neutral framework to encourage investment in all forms of generation and energy infrastructure. Investment certainty is what is required. Now I know the honourable member for Port Adelaide, whose seat has been abolished, believes – and we sympathise with him there – but I know he believes he knows more about the energy market and energy economics than every player in the market.
“He reckons he’s got it all worked out. That’s good because if he’s not returned to parliament he will have a brilliant career. He’ll be able to be the chief executive of one big energy company after another. But for our part, we see government’s job as ensuring that there is the investment certainty that encourages people to invest in generation, invest in transmission, invest in storage so that you get lower energy prices. And we are already delivering on that.“He reckons he’s got it all worked out. That’s good because if he’s not returned to parliament he will have a brilliant career. He’ll be able to be the chief executive of one big energy company after another. But for our part, we see government’s job as ensuring that there is the investment certainty that encourages people to invest in generation, invest in transmission, invest in storage so that you get lower energy prices. And we are already delivering on that.
“We are turning the corner on energy prices across the national electricity market. They are coming down from 1 July, and wholesale customers have been receiving the benefit of much lower wholesale prices and lower gas prices for some time. Our plan is working. We are bringing energy prices down. And the problem for the honourable member and his leader, while they’re going around the countryside over the winter, telling people they’re going to put up their taxes, they’ll also be telling them how they’re going to jack up their energy bills as well.”“We are turning the corner on energy prices across the national electricity market. They are coming down from 1 July, and wholesale customers have been receiving the benefit of much lower wholesale prices and lower gas prices for some time. Our plan is working. We are bringing energy prices down. And the problem for the honourable member and his leader, while they’re going around the countryside over the winter, telling people they’re going to put up their taxes, they’ll also be telling them how they’re going to jack up their energy bills as well.”
Clare O’Neal to Malcolm Turnbull:Clare O’Neal to Malcolm Turnbull:
“Yesterday the royal commission heard about ANZ’s treatment of the Handley family whose farm struggled with drought and fires. ANZ reneged on an agreed overdraft and when Elizabeth Handley received adverse biopsy results, ANZ refused to reschedule their mediation. Why is the PM awarding the big banks with a $17bn handout?”“Yesterday the royal commission heard about ANZ’s treatment of the Handley family whose farm struggled with drought and fires. ANZ reneged on an agreed overdraft and when Elizabeth Handley received adverse biopsy results, ANZ refused to reschedule their mediation. Why is the PM awarding the big banks with a $17bn handout?”
Turnbull:Turnbull:
“The testimony that was given in the royal commission revealed unconscionable conduct. And the ANZ bank has been rightly held to account. I’m disappointed that the honourable member wants to call that to an argument about company tax. The reality is this: that we are determined to ensure that the wrong that has been done will not be repeated and that those in the financial services sector who have done the wrong thing will be held to account.“The testimony that was given in the royal commission revealed unconscionable conduct. And the ANZ bank has been rightly held to account. I’m disappointed that the honourable member wants to call that to an argument about company tax. The reality is this: that we are determined to ensure that the wrong that has been done will not be repeated and that those in the financial services sector who have done the wrong thing will be held to account.
“And the government has been demonstrating its determination to do that, as you’ve seen from one case after another. I’d refer for one good example, one very substantial one, the $700m fine that the Commonwealth Bank has recently paid following Austrac’s work. So we are determined to ensure that those wrongs will not be repeated and that those who have done the wrong thing will be held to account.”“And the government has been demonstrating its determination to do that, as you’ve seen from one case after another. I’d refer for one good example, one very substantial one, the $700m fine that the Commonwealth Bank has recently paid following Austrac’s work. So we are determined to ensure that those wrongs will not be repeated and that those who have done the wrong thing will be held to account.”
What’s that sound?What’s that sound?
It’s Peter Dutton time!It’s Peter Dutton time!
People smuggling is badPeople smuggling is bad
Labor is badLabor is bad
Unions are badUnions are bad
Emma Husar to Malcolm Turnbull:Emma Husar to Malcolm Turnbull:
Will the PM tell 67-year-old Jacqueline from my electorate why she’s been forced to wait five months for her pension application to be processed? Why is this PM doing everything he can to support an $80bn tax handout, while making older Australians like Jacqueline wait so long?”Will the PM tell 67-year-old Jacqueline from my electorate why she’s been forced to wait five months for her pension application to be processed? Why is this PM doing everything he can to support an $80bn tax handout, while making older Australians like Jacqueline wait so long?”
Turnbull:Turnbull:
I thank the member for her question. If Jacqueline has been waiting that long to get an application processed, then I’d ask her to give me the details of her constituent and we’ll make sure that her application is processed in due time.”I thank the member for her question. If Jacqueline has been waiting that long to get an application processed, then I’d ask her to give me the details of her constituent and we’ll make sure that her application is processed in due time.”
We get very serious Christopher Pyne for today’s dixer, which is one of the most boring Christopher Pynes.We get very serious Christopher Pyne for today’s dixer, which is one of the most boring Christopher Pynes.
Tanya Plibersek to Malcolm Turnbull:Tanya Plibersek to Malcolm Turnbull:
Retail hospitality, fast food and pharmacy workers will have their penalty rates cut again this Sunday. Why does this PM support cutting the penalty rates of over 11,000 working Australians in Longman by up to $77 a week, while he’s giving an $80bn handout to big business and the top end of town? Is the PM telling these hard-working Australians who are having their penalty rates cut again this Sunday to get a better job?”Retail hospitality, fast food and pharmacy workers will have their penalty rates cut again this Sunday. Why does this PM support cutting the penalty rates of over 11,000 working Australians in Longman by up to $77 a week, while he’s giving an $80bn handout to big business and the top end of town? Is the PM telling these hard-working Australians who are having their penalty rates cut again this Sunday to get a better job?”
Turnbull:Turnbull:
“We know that the honourable member is baffled by geography. And mystified by aspiration. And she’s also way off target with her class war. This is a deputy leader of the opposition who describes businesses with turnovers of above $2m as being at the very high end. We absolutely won’t support tax cuts at the very high end, she said, when asked about the captain’s call policy which he has studiously avoided any association with.“We know that the honourable member is baffled by geography. And mystified by aspiration. And she’s also way off target with her class war. This is a deputy leader of the opposition who describes businesses with turnovers of above $2m as being at the very high end. We absolutely won’t support tax cuts at the very high end, she said, when asked about the captain’s call policy which he has studiously avoided any association with.
“What she has done in her claim to be concerned about the biggest companies in Australia is threatening the viability of millions of small companies and hundreds of thousands of family-owned businesses, of the type we have been discussing here today: Stubbs Construction, aussieBum, businesses with up to 200 employees. This is where 4.8 million Australians work.“What she has done in her claim to be concerned about the biggest companies in Australia is threatening the viability of millions of small companies and hundreds of thousands of family-owned businesses, of the type we have been discussing here today: Stubbs Construction, aussieBum, businesses with up to 200 employees. This is where 4.8 million Australians work.
“They work in the businesses whose viability is threatened by the Labor party. And they can go on with their class war as long as they like. But these businesses, these family-owned businesses and their employees, know that Labor is coming after them. And it will be very interesting to see, as they go to their business lunches and go around visiting businesses, every business knows that Labor is a threat, it’s a threat to the business, it’s a threat to the employees, and it’s a threat to every one of those 4.8 million jobs ...“They work in the businesses whose viability is threatened by the Labor party. And they can go on with their class war as long as they like. But these businesses, these family-owned businesses and their employees, know that Labor is coming after them. And it will be very interesting to see, as they go to their business lunches and go around visiting businesses, every business knows that Labor is a threat, it’s a threat to the business, it’s a threat to the employees, and it’s a threat to every one of those 4.8 million jobs ...
“The business sector that employs 90% ofAustralians. Labor is declaring war on the businesses that employ 90% of Australians. They have abandoned the workers. They are a threat to the economy. They’re a threat to growth. They’re a threat to jobs. And they’re a threat to wages.”“The business sector that employs 90% ofAustralians. Labor is declaring war on the businesses that employ 90% of Australians. They have abandoned the workers. They are a threat to the economy. They’re a threat to growth. They’re a threat to jobs. And they’re a threat to wages.”
Tony Burke to Malcolm Turnbull:Tony Burke to Malcolm Turnbull:
Yesterday the PM visited Universal Trusses and spoke about the company in question time. Given the company is owned by the president of the Canberra Liberal party, is the PM ... also planning to visit similarly independent businesses like MB Turnbull, Turnbull and Partners Holdings?”Yesterday the PM visited Universal Trusses and spoke about the company in question time. Given the company is owned by the president of the Canberra Liberal party, is the PM ... also planning to visit similarly independent businesses like MB Turnbull, Turnbull and Partners Holdings?”
Turnbull:Turnbull:
“I thank the honourable member for his question. Mr Speaker, it says a lot about the character of the Labor party that they are attacking a family business, a longstanding Canberra business, and they’re attacking it because one of their directors is a member of the Liberal party.“I thank the honourable member for his question. Mr Speaker, it says a lot about the character of the Labor party that they are attacking a family business, a longstanding Canberra business, and they’re attacking it because one of their directors is a member of the Liberal party.
“Maybe they all are. Maybe they all are. What’s wrong with that? It’s not an offence to be part of a political party. You know what? Here’s the thing, we believe in free enterprise, we believe in business, we believe in family business, and we believe in jobs. And Universal Trusses is a great example of a hard-working Australian business that is going to be hit by the Labor party with higher taxes were they to get into government.“Maybe they all are. Maybe they all are. What’s wrong with that? It’s not an offence to be part of a political party. You know what? Here’s the thing, we believe in free enterprise, we believe in business, we believe in family business, and we believe in jobs. And Universal Trusses is a great example of a hard-working Australian business that is going to be hit by the Labor party with higher taxes were they to get into government.
“They will be in exactly the same position as so many Australian businesses recently visited by the leader of the opposition – Mill Tech, a steel manufacturer. Their revenue is such that they will be getting the benefit of the tax relief this coming financial year. Or Victoria Wool Processes, or the Northern Oil Refinery, or Jayco Industries, that the treasurer was talking about in Fremantle.“They will be in exactly the same position as so many Australian businesses recently visited by the leader of the opposition – Mill Tech, a steel manufacturer. Their revenue is such that they will be getting the benefit of the tax relief this coming financial year. Or Victoria Wool Processes, or the Northern Oil Refinery, or Jayco Industries, that the treasurer was talking about in Fremantle.
“The reality is there are hundreds of thousands of businesses across Australia that under Labor’s new captain’s call assault on family business will have their viability threatened by Labor wanting to put up their tax. It’s an extraordinary time to imagine here in the most competitive global environment you could imagine, at a time when we want businesses to have a go, to invest, to employ, to be like aussieBum and to export and take on the whole world with their product, to be ambitious, to invest and grow.“The reality is there are hundreds of thousands of businesses across Australia that under Labor’s new captain’s call assault on family business will have their viability threatened by Labor wanting to put up their tax. It’s an extraordinary time to imagine here in the most competitive global environment you could imagine, at a time when we want businesses to have a go, to invest, to employ, to be like aussieBum and to export and take on the whole world with their product, to be ambitious, to invest and grow.
“We want them to do all those things. What is the message the Labor party has for them? We’re going to increase your tax. That is Labor’s message. Higher taxes, less investment, lower productivity, fewer jobs and lower wages. That is what the leader of the opposition will be traipsing around the countryside delivering, going from one business luncheon to another, walking in, walking in to applause no doubt from all those people, delighted, delighted he so hopes to be enjoying what the deputy leader describes as the privilege of paying higher and higher tax.“We want them to do all those things. What is the message the Labor party has for them? We’re going to increase your tax. That is Labor’s message. Higher taxes, less investment, lower productivity, fewer jobs and lower wages. That is what the leader of the opposition will be traipsing around the countryside delivering, going from one business luncheon to another, walking in, walking in to applause no doubt from all those people, delighted, delighted he so hopes to be enjoying what the deputy leader describes as the privilege of paying higher and higher tax.
“Well, we know that Australians want to keep more of the money they earn. Australian businesses want to invest the money that they make in their business and that’s what they’re doing and that’s why we have record jobs growth and the greatest threat to that jobs growth is sitting opposite me today.”“Well, we know that Australians want to keep more of the money they earn. Australian businesses want to invest the money that they make in their business and that’s what they’re doing and that’s why we have record jobs growth and the greatest threat to that jobs growth is sitting opposite me today.”