Penny Wong (SA, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Opposition in the Senate) Share this | Hansard source

Senator Abetz scoffs! Unlike him, we on this side of the chamber and I suspect across the chamber, apart from those opposite, do not believe that seeing thousands of workers lose their job is something simply to be laughed off. We saw the Treasurer on the floor of the House of Representatives goading Holden to leave. Where were the South Australian Liberals? They were all very quiet. In the past there have been some staunch advocates for South Australia on both sides of the parliament in past governments. Under the coalition we saw Senator Minchin back Sundowner, we saw Robert Hill—staunch advocates for South Australia. Under our government we had advocates for South Australia, ministers at the table who were prepared to stand up for South Australia. Where is Christopher Pyne? Where is Mr Briggs?

Senator Birmingham interjecting—

Where are all the staunch advocates for South Australia? They are sitting quietly, simply allowing this coalition to destroy jobs in Adelaide and to break election promises which go directly to South Australian jobs. Senator Birmingham, if you get up to speak recommit to the promise and show the people who sent you here that you are not going to break another promise. (Time expired)