Simon Birmingham (SA, Liberal Party, Minister for Education and Training) Share this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Farrell for his question and his kind words, although Senator Farrell seems to have forgotten that it's not that long since Senator Nick Minchin sat in the chair that Senator Cormann occupies, and that before him Senator Robert Hill sat in the chair that Senator Cormann now occupies. So there is a long history, indeed, of South Australians occupying leadership positions in the Senate Liberals.

Senator Wong interjecting—

However, I'm very happy in the seat where I now am, Senator Wong, to ensure that you don't start any conspiracy theories. In relation to the precise detail that Senator Farrell has asked for, I'll have to take that on notice and seek some information for Senator Farrell to get that precise detail. As Senator Farrell is well aware, the Turnbull government continues to work across a range of levels to make sure that energy is more reliable and more affordable, and, indeed, that we meet our international obligations in relation to energy generation. That's evident through our work in relation to the development of the National Energy Guarantee. We are pleased to see progress and support from a number of state governments, including Labor state governments, but, unfortunately, not from the South Australian Labor state government, who choose to continue to play politics with energy rather than actually getting on with working towards a national solution.

Senator Jacinta Collins interjecting—

Senator Collins, who is from the Labor state of Victoria, interjects. Well, the Labor state government of Victoria is willing to work cooperatively in relation to development of the National Energy Guarantee, even though Senator Farrell's mates in the state government of SA—

Senator Wong interjecting—

Sorry, you are right, Senator Wong—I shouldn't describe Mr Weatherill as Senator Farrell's mate. That's far from the truth; we know that. You were right to interject. However, we will make sure we will continue to deliver—