Jacinta Collins (Victoria, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

I have some questions for Senator Conroy on some elements of the package that I am sure he will be able to address, but the point I was making before we moved into the committee stage was: why do the opposition claim that there has been no consultation here when clearly there has been? I earlier mentioned the fact that they do not accept the size of the package. They do not accept the tax bonuses as an appropriate method of delivery of payments to individuals. They disagree with the general schools funding package and, indeed, the measures designed to support small business. There are likely to be other questions as well, but I am sure Senator Conroy will be able to elaborate.

The other issue that I have for Senator Conroy in the committee stage debate is in relation to the importance and urgency of this package. Senator Abetz, in the second reading discussion, claimed that the evidence before the Senate committee was that there was not any immediacy—quite contrary to the evidence that was presented to us. I am sure that when the departmental officers arrive they will be able to point to exactly those points for the benefit of the chamber so that we will not be misled by some of those earlier comments.