Simon Crean (Hotham, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Trade) Share this | Hansard source

Wonders never cease! It has taken three years to get a question on trade and what do we get? We get a question on consultation. It matters to have a decent memory in this place. I remember back in 1999, as Deputy Leader of the Opposition, when there was supposed consultation between the then government and us in relation to new taxes. The Labor Party of the day gave its full support to a revenue-neutral outcome in terms of taxation, a letter and an agreement that was signed off by the Treasurer of the day, Peter Costello—and an agreement that was never honoured. So do not come in here and talk to us about consultation. The key question for you is: do you honour your commitments?

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