Simon Birmingham (SA, Liberal Party, Assistant Minister for Education and Training) Share this | Hansard source

We make no apologies for the fact that we are consulting with crossbenchers to address concerns they have, which are reflected from communities that they represent, as well as concerns that senators on this side have, like Senator Back. No apologies for that. No deal has been done though, Senator. If you care about the future of the renewable energy sector then what you would be doing is supporting the opposition and the government in making sure we give certainty to the Renewable Energy Target, that we make the adjustments to the renewable energy legislation that is before this chamber, that we give them the certainty to be able to achieve the 20 per cent target that we are legislating for through this chamber at present, which will deliver 23 per cent of renewable energy by 2020. That is what the government are legislating for. We have the legislation before this Senate. You are trying to oppose it and block it. We want to get on and make sure we deliver on that policy, on that commitment. (Time expired)