Eric Abetz (Tasmania, Liberal Party, Minister for Employment) Share this | Hansard source

Of course, I support the Premier of Victoria, and everybody on this side hopes that he gets re-elected in the state election that will be occurring next month. The Premier of Victoria has shown the sort of leadership that this country so desperately needs. Premier Napthine is in juxtaposition to the Leader of the Opposition over there who is in lockstep with the CFMEU. So, do I support the Premier of Victoria? Yes, I do.

In relation to the issue of fuel tax, I fully agree with Premier Napthine that these matters should go through the proper parliamentary processes because that is exactly what is happening. If the honourable senator asserts that this is not going through the proper parliamentary processes, she might like to cast her mind back to what Labor did with the alcopops tax. It is exactly the same process, and it will allow the parliament to have a say and determine whether or not they will ultimately support this proposal. I remind honourable senators opposite that none other than a former Labor cabinet minister who rejoices in the name of Dr Craig Emerson fully supports the indexation of fuel tax. Indeed, former Labor Prime Minister Paul Keating said exactly the same.

Do we as a party that is renowned for lower taxes take any delight in having to take these steps? No, we do not. Why are we taking these steps? It is because of the absolute profligacy of the former finance minister that now sits here as the Leader of the Opposition, an opposition which bankrupted this nation, and it is because we have to get the budget back into the black. (Time expired)