Darren Chester Gippsland, National Party, Shadow Minister for Regional Education
2:54 pm
My question is to the Prime Minister. I refer the Prime Minister to his statement to timber workers prior to the election where he said, 'Labor supports your industry, your family and your community.' Prime Minister, given the Victorian Labor government's decision to ban all native harvesting of timber in just six months, sacking thousands of workers, what support has the Prime Minister and his government actually provided for timber workers across Australia, or is this just another broken promise?
Anthony Albanese Grayndler, Australian Labor Party, Prime Minister
2:55 pm
I am asked the second question I have been asked today about Victoria. We know that in the last term of parliament, the attacks were pretty consistent from the former government against the Andrews government and we know how well that worked out for them, because the Andrews government received an increased majority when they went to the people of Victoria last year. The Victorian government has a $200 million structural adjustment package in its budget, given I have been asked about it. I certainly do support timber workers.
Milton Dick Speaker
The member for Gippsland is warned. If he speaks again he will leave the chamber.
Anthony Albanese Grayndler, Australian Labor Party, Prime Minister
Through the regional forestry agreements process, we work with states and territories to support Australia's forestry industry to operate under high standards for environmental management and sustainable harvesting. We need timber products and we want sustainable forestry jobs.
Milton Dick Speaker
The member for Barker will leave the chamber under 94(a).
The member for Barker then left the chamber.
Anthony Albanese Grayndler, Australian Labor Party, Prime Minister
That's why we, the Commonwealth government, are investing $300 million to grow plantations, modernise our timber manufacturing infrastructure and build the skills of our forestry workforce. I note that through the National Reconstruction Fund we specifically set aside funding to support the forestry industry, but the member for Gippsland voted against it and everyone here voted against it as well.
Milton Dick Speaker
The member for Gippsland on a point of order? The Prime Minister has concluded his answer, so it is not about the answer.
Darren Chester Gippsland, National Party, Shadow Minister for Regional Education
Why do you hate timber workers so much?
Milton Dick Speaker
The member for Gippsland knows what he has just done there, which is completely unparliamentary, and he will keep walking out of the chamber. Member for Gippsland, before you leave, I am going to ask you to withdraw that last part of your statement. Just withdraw being gutless.
Darren Chester Gippsland, National Party, Shadow Minister for Regional Education
I want to understand on what basis, Mr Speaker.
Milton Dick Speaker
The phrase he used was unparliamentary. It is not only an abuse of standing orders; it's—
Darren Chester Gippsland, National Party, Shadow Minister for Regional Education
I acknowledge the abuse of standing orders and I withdraw the word 'hate'. Is that right?
Darren Chester Gippsland, National Party, Shadow Minister for Regional Education
I am withdrawing. I withdraw.
Milton Dick Speaker
I thank the member.
The member for Gippsland then left the chamber.