Penny Wong (SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Finance and Deregulation) Share this | Hansard source

Thank you, Mr President. This government has always been clear about the fact that, when we introduce a carbon price, we will provide assistance for Australian households. We on this side of the chamber recognise that those on fixed incomes will need extra assistance as Australia transitions to a low-pollution economy. We have been clear when it comes to Australian pensioners that we will look after them, and our record backs this up. This government has delivered a record rise in the pension, reflecting Labor values and Labor priorities. We understand that pensioners need the government's support, and they will get it.

This puts us on the other side of the debate from the opposition, because the opposition has made clear in recent days that, when it comes to pensioners, the opposition is determined to ensure that any increase in assistance to pensioners that the government delivers through its carbon package will be clawed back by Mr Abbott and the opposition. It is the great pension clawback. Quite clearly those on the other side do not have the same regard for people on fixed incomes that the government has and has demonstrated. Unlike those opposite, we will ensure that the moneys paid by the big polluters go to Australian households and to those that need it most. (Time expired)

Honourable senators interjecting—