David Bushby (Tasmania, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is to the Minister representing the Minister for Industry, Senator Ronaldson. Can the minister outline the government's commitment towards a strong and viable manufacturing industry in Australia?

Honourable Senators:

Honourable senators interjecting—

John Hogg (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

When there is silence I will call the minister.

Michael Ronaldson (Victoria, Liberal Party, Minister for Veterans’ Affairs) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Bushby for his long interest in Australian manufacturing and the role he plays in relation to the appropriate Senate committee. I just thought that the chamber might be interested to see manufacturing levels over the term of the former government. The manufacturing industry's share of GDP has fallen over recent years and it is now at 7.1 per cent, having fallen from 8.5 per cent in 2006-07. Manufacturers invested around $9.6 billion in new capital equipment in 2012-13. This was 22 per cent below investment levels in 2006-07. The manufacturing gross operating profit was at its lowest recorded level in 2012-13, at 7.5 per cent. By comparison, in 2006-07 the margin was 10.6 per cent. In August 2013 there were 921,400 people employed in manufacturing, 118,500 fewer than in August 2007. Manufacturing now accounts for eight per cent of total employment, compared with 9.9 per cent in 2007.

Kim Carr (Victoria, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister Assisting the Leader for Science) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Tell us about the solution.

Doug Cameron (NSW, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Human Services) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

They haven't got a solution.

Kim Carr (Victoria, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister Assisting the Leader for Science) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

What is the solution? None.

Michael Ronaldson (Victoria, Liberal Party, Minister for Veterans’ Affairs) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I will take the interjection from Senator Carr. It was Senator Carr who oversaw this reduction in employment. It was Senator Carr who oversaw the percentage drop in GDP. So the in-and-out former industry minister—in with Prime Minister Rudd, out with Prime Minister Gillard and back in again with Prime Minister Rudd—is the person— (Time expired)

David Bushby (Tasmania, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Mr President, I have a supplementary question. What impact did the introduction of the carbon tax have on Australia's manufacturing industry?

Honourable Senators:

Honourable senators interjecting—

John Hogg (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Order! No, Senator Ronaldson, you do not have the call. You are entitled to be heard in silence. Senator Ronaldson is entitled to be heard in silence.

Senator Cameron interjecting—

Order on my left! Senator Cameron!

Kim Carr (Victoria, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister Assisting the Leader for Science) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Here's your chance. Where's the plan?

Scott Ryan (Victoria, Liberal Party, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Education) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

You love five-year plans, don't you, Kim?

Kim Carr (Victoria, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister Assisting the Leader for Science) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Come on, where is it?

John Hogg (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Order! Senator Ronaldson, resume your seat. Senator Carr, I remind you that interjections are disorderly. Constant interjection is completely disorderly.

Michael Ronaldson (Victoria, Liberal Party, Minister for Veterans’ Affairs) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Old Braveheart over here did not even ask the first question of the day; there was a political question first. So his interjections, quite frankly, we will treat with the contempt they deserve. Clearly the carbon tax has been one of those significant inhibitors for the Australian automotive industry, and various reports put the additional cost at $400 to $500 on each motor vehicle produced in this country, over and above those that are imported. Of course, the great job destroyers of the last six years have the opportunity before Christmas to start taking some of those cost imposts off the Australian automotive industry and manufacturing generally. The big question is— (Time expired)

David Bushby (Tasmania, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Mr President, I ask a further supplementary question. Is the minister aware of actions which are making it more difficult for Australian manufacturers to face the future with confidence?

Michael Ronaldson (Victoria, Liberal Party, Minister for Veterans’ Affairs) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

As I was saying, those opposite have the opportunity to do something for Australian manufacturers by Christmas of this year. Ultimately it is in the hands of the Australian Labor Party whether they put competitiveness back into Australian manufacturing. Ultimately it is in the hands of the Australian Labor Party as to whether they take the carbon tax impost off the automotive and general industry. It is in the hands of the Australian Labor Party as to whether the mining tax is removed. All we have seen since the last election is carping and the politics of envy from those on the other side, who quite frankly are jealous of those who want to get in and make a difference. There are those who are getting on with it and those who are reflecting on very, very bad past glories.