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

With respect, I do not accept that the senator's characterisation is accurate. I have outlined some of the measures the government is taking. I understand the concerns that have been raised about the Enterprise Connect program and, through Senator Lundy, Minister Combet will be responding. I also understand that the UN International Year of Co-operatives national conference is being held—maybe the senator is attending—in Port Macquarie later this month. It will be hosted by Regional Development Australia Mid North Coast, which of course is funded by the Commonwealth government. I am advised that speakers will include chairs and CEOs of some of Australia's most successful cooperatives and mutuals, including Murray Goulburn, NRMA, CBH and a number of others. The discussion will focus on the role of cooperatives and mutuals.