Chris Evans (WA, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Government in the Senate) Share this | Hansard source

I begin to rile a little bit about being lectured by the Greens on aspirational statements without funding backing them up. I must admit that could get me going a bit, but I will resist the temptation to do that.

The white paper is clearly a long-term plan and framework for the direction of Australia. It is deliberately designed to try to build a momentum and a whole reshaping of the way Australia looks at itself and its role, to make sure we focus on the opportunities coming from the Asian century. It is not just about government; it is about a whole shift in mindset throughout Australia. Government will be bringing forward specific propositions that deliver on those objectives, but this is a white paper that was released a couple of days ago, and I think it is fair that we examine that first. (Time expired)