Eric Abetz (Tasmania, Liberal Party, Minister for Employment) Share this | Hansard source

First of all, I congratulate the honourable senator on her first question and thank her for it. In relation to the matter that the honourable senator raises, I must say she does herself no credit in referring to an excellent Treasurer who has to clean up the mess of the failed finance minister who sits in this place. Mr Hockey is doing an exceptionally good job, as is Mr Morrison, as is the whole team, apart possibly from the Minister for Employment, and I will allow others to comment about him.

In relation to the coalition generally, we are united to ensure that we can get the best possible deal for the Australian people. It stands to reason that there will be people who would want us to do even more. Indeed, I recognise Senator Williams and Senator Canavan—great representatives of the National Party in this place—who want to do even more.

Regrettably, because of the financial mess we inherited from those opposite, we are unable to do everything that we otherwise might like to do. So, in this task of repairing the budget, in this task of getting a sustainable financial framework for our nation, we have to do it step by step. Does that mean that we cannot take every step immediately that we would like to? Does that frustrate some of my colleagues? The chances are: yes. But we are a good, united, cohesive team, and I simply say to the new senator that a left-wing Labor Party that is devoid of proper policies will face a similar fate in this country as it did in the United Kingdom and—for the benefit of Senator Cameron—the Scottish Labour Party. (Time expired)