Eric Abetz Tasmania, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations
2:24 pm
My question is to the Minister representing the Minister for Energy and Resources. Is the government unequivocally committed to the continuation of a strong, profitable and job-creating coal industry in Australia and to its future expansion? If so, is the government prepared to stand up to the Greens and ensure that this vital industry is not damaged by the Green-Labor carbon tax and that no jobs will be lost?
Nick Sherry Tasmania, Australian Labor Party, Minister Assisting the Minister for Tourism
2:25 pm
Yes.
Unidentified interjection - Hansard doesn't record who said this
Honourable Senators:
Honourable senators interjecting—
John Hogg President
Senator Abetz is on his feet and is entitled to be heard in silence.
Eric Abetz Tasmania, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations
Thank you, Mr President. Mr President, I ask a supplementary question. I note that there were two questions and we only got one answer, but we will take the pick in relation to which one Senator Sherry tried to answer. My supplementary question is: can the minister give an assurance that compensation to the coal industry for the carbon tax will be sufficient to ensure that there will be, as the Prime Minister said yesterday, a huge expansion in this industry?
Nick Sherry Tasmania, Australian Labor Party, Minister Assisting the Minister for Tourism
2:26 pm
What I can say is that the government is committed to reducing Australia's greenhouse gas emissions as part of a global action, and the best way to achieve this is very clearly through a carbon price. The carbon price will allow business to make decisions on how to best manage their emissions, including investments in low-emission technologies, while meeting Australia's energy security needs. I also note that the business sector more broadly remains supportive of the need for a carbon tax—through you, Mr President, to Senator Abetz—and to reduce—
Eric Abetz Tasmania, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations
That's not quite right.
Nick Sherry Tasmania, Australian Labor Party, Minister Assisting the Minister for Tourism
'More broadly remains', Senator.
Eric Abetz Tasmania, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations
Broadly!
Nick Sherry Tasmania, Australian Labor Party, Minister Assisting the Minister for Tourism
Broadly, Senator. So they remain broadly supportive of the need for a carbon price to reduce long-term investment uncertainty, which is particularly important. Feedback from business through the Investment Reference Group, which is an independent group of energy experts— (Time expired)
Eric Abetz Tasmania, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations
2:27 pm
Mr President, I ask a further supplementary question. Two non-answers—we will try for a third. Does the government agree with the former ACTU president Jennie George and AWU secretary—the kingmaker—Paul Howes that the resource-intensive steel industry should be exempted from the government's carbon tax until similar regimes are implemented in competitor countries? Try a yes or a no to that one.
Nick Sherry Tasmania, Australian Labor Party, Minister Assisting the Minister for Tourism
I agree with government policy.