Ms CARTER - 2001-10-18
The Coalition government recognises the strong possibility of losing jobs to non-Kyoto countries by recognising the need to maintain the competitiveness of Australia’s industry. Does the minister support Kim Beazley’s decision to dump this important position in favour of a policy that will cost the Territory hundreds of jobs?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, it really is very, very interesting on this side to hear the tone of the questions coming from the members opposite today, which would seek to not maximise the marketing opportunities for gas from the Timor Sea. It is also very interesting to see that members opposite are now actually taking that advice on Kyoto from Percy Allan, the same person that they would not take any advice from in terms of the appalling legacy that you have left this government and Territorians with your deceit in the budget that you handed down in June last year.
In regards to the question from the honourable member about whether we on this side support Kim Beazley’s position, yes, we do, because we support the opportunities to bring gas to shore to develop industries and to have energy replacement on the eastern coast of Australia.
What Howard is talking about is protecting those coal-fired industries and protecting the jobs around those industries on the east coast of Australia. I would have thought that our charter in this House is to be governing in the best interests of the Northern Territory and taking policy positions on the best interests of the Northern Territory. It is amazing about the backflip with twists that the opposition has taken in regard to the opportunities for Timor Sea gas. I am sure the resource companies will be getting copies of this debate just to hear the contributions that you have made on it.
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, it really is very, very interesting on this side to hear the tone of the questions coming from the members opposite today, which would seek to not maximise the marketing opportunities for gas from the Timor Sea. It is also very interesting to see that members opposite are now actually taking that advice on Kyoto from Percy Allan, the same person that they would not take any advice from in terms of the appalling legacy that you have left this government and Territorians with your deceit in the budget that you handed down in June last year.
In regards to the question from the honourable member about whether we on this side support Kim Beazley’s position, yes, we do, because we support the opportunities to bring gas to shore to develop industries and to have energy replacement on the eastern coast of Australia.
What Howard is talking about is protecting those coal-fired industries and protecting the jobs around those industries on the east coast of Australia. I would have thought that our charter in this House is to be governing in the best interests of the Northern Territory and taking policy positions on the best interests of the Northern Territory. It is amazing about the backflip with twists that the opposition has taken in regard to the opportunities for Timor Sea gas. I am sure the resource companies will be getting copies of this debate just to hear the contributions that you have made on it.
Last updated: 09 Aug 2016