House debates Personal Explanations

Monday, 9 October 2006 House of Representatives

Anthony Albanese

Anthony Albanese Grayndler, Australian Labor Party, Deputy Manager of Opposition Business in the House

3:04 pm

Mr Speaker, I wish to make a personal explanation.

David Hawker

David Hawker Speaker

Does the honourable member claim to have been misrepresented?

Anthony Albanese

Anthony Albanese Grayndler, Australian Labor Party, Deputy Manager of Opposition Business in the House

Yes.

Anthony Albanese

Anthony Albanese Grayndler, Australian Labor Party, Deputy Manager of Opposition Business in the House

During question time today, the Minister for Foreign Affairs alleged that I was not interested in the impact of climate change on our Pacific neighbours. In fact, in January of this year, the shadow minister for overseas aid and Pacific island affairs and I released a policy document, Our drowning neighbours: Labor’s policy discussion on climate change in the Pacific, which had a seven-point plan, including a Pacific climate centre, assistance for mitigation and adaptation, assistance with intracountry evacuations, training, an international coalition to accept refugees, assistance on cultural heritage, and establishing a Pacific climate change alliance.

David Hawker

David Hawker Speaker

Order! I think the member has made his point.

Wayne Swan

Wayne Swan Lilley, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Treasurer

3:05 pm

Mr Speaker, I wish to make a personal explanation.

David Hawker

David Hawker Speaker

Does the honourable member claim to have been misrepresented?

Wayne Swan

Wayne Swan Lilley, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Treasurer

Yes.

Wayne Swan

Wayne Swan Lilley, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Treasurer

In question time today, the Treasurer said that my article in today’s Australian contained a proposal to abolish the top or the bottom marginal tax rate. That is untrue; it did not. It was, however, an argument for tax reform—particularly for middle and lower income earners. I can only conclude that the FA18 flight suit that the Treasurer wore last week must also have cut circulation to—

David Hawker

David Hawker Speaker

Order! The member has made his point. The member will resume his seat.