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

There have been some $919 billion of private investment that has already occurred, despite the global financial crisis—some $919 billion, equivalent to about two-thirds of Australia's annual GDP—since this government came to power. Those on the other side, particularly the shadow treasurer and others, who run around seeking to talk down the Australian economy—to trash talk the Australian economy—do no Australian workers any favours. By running around talking in ways that damage confidence, by suggesting to people that somehow the economy will grind to a halt on 2 July, really does no Australian worker any favours.

In relation to international trading, which was the second aspect of the question—really, I think Senator Birmingham's way of getting two questions, but I like him so I will make sure I answer both of them in the first two minutes—I answered yesterday a question about international trading rules, and I would refer him to those answers. But I do want to say this: if he cares about international linking, he should have a look at his policy and his position, because the coalition say that they do not want any international trading or international linking—and that is what drives up the cost of your policy. You should understand that, Senator Birmingham. You should listen to the BCA. (Time expired)