Kim Carr (Victoria, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research) Share this | Hansard source

Thank you very much, Mr President. I was invited to make comments on the Australian automotive industry. I am taking this opportunity because—Senator Minchin is quite right—I am a strong defender of the Australian automotive industry, unlike the coalition, which is more than prepared to see the automotive industry, particularly in Senator Minchin’s state, face serious pressure. We have not heard a word from the official spokesperson for the opposition on the future of the car industry. We have not heard one statement in defence of the Australian automotive industry. All we have heard from them is constant attacks, constant running down of this industry. What we hear today is an attempt, once again, to belittle the Australian automotive industry.

This government has increased the luxury car tax from 25 per cent to 33 per cent, consistent with the government’s objectives to be fiscally responsible. This of course will have an impact on higher income earners. This is a tax on luxury cars. The opposition once again demonstrates that it is committed to ensuring the wealthier are millionaires. This is an opposition that provided welfare for millionaires, and it wants to criticise this Labor government, this good Labor government, for introducing a measure to increase—