Tanya Plibersek Sydney, Australian Labor Party, Deputy Leader of the Opposition
2:28 pm
My question is to the Foreign Minister. Early today, the minister said that the capping of iron ore production was 'an idea worth considering'. Hours later, does the minister still hold this view?
Ms Julie Bishop Curtin, Liberal Party, Minister for Foreign Affairs
At a doorstop interview this morning, I was asked about a comment that Andrew Forrest had allegedly made about iron ore prices. I said I was not an expert in the area. I said that the—
Unidentified interjection - Hansard doesn't record who said this
Opposition Members:
Opposition members interjecting—
Ms Julie Bishop Curtin, Liberal Party, Minister for Foreign Affairs
I am sorry, I did not realise the shadow minister was now an expert on commodity prices—is she?
Honourable members interjecting—
Mrs Bronwyn Bishop Speaker
There will be silence on my left and right. The minister has the call.
Ms Julie Bishop Curtin, Liberal Party, Minister for Foreign Affairs
We certainly know she is not an expert on Africa. Africa is not a country, Shadow Minister. You have said it so many times now and—
Mr Butler interjecting—
Mrs Bronwyn Bishop Speaker
The member for Port Adelaide will desist. The minister has the call.
Ms Julie Bishop Curtin, Liberal Party, Minister for Foreign Affairs
I will just remind her again that Africa is a continent. I was asked about the comments and I made the quite obvious observation that the commodity price decrease is having an impact on our economy, that iron ore prices infiltrate our entire economy. but any ideas to assist would be worth considering. I do not know the detail of Andrew Forrest's proposal, but I have since been discussing the matter with the Treasurer, and the Treasurer says the specifics of Mr Forrest's proposal would not be acceptable. Of course I support the Treasurer on that basis.