Senator ABETZ (Tasmania—Leader of the Government in the Senate, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for the Public Service and Minister for Employment) (14:35): In my 21 years in the Senate, I have been a very regular visitor to the Boyer mill, engaging with the staff, the management and the workforce. I believe I understand the issues. One thing that the Productivity Commission review into the Bass Strait freight equalisation scheme—a scheme established by a former Liberal government, might I add—found that the biggest problem facing Tasmania was the scourge of the amendments made in relation to coastal shipping. Senator Carol Brown: That's not true! Senator ABETZ: Well, I am sorry—it is recommendation No. 1 from the Productivity Commission. Senator Carol Brown: You haven't even responded to the Productivity Commission! Senator ABETZ: You can shake your head; you can deny the obvious and you can deny the fact but, I am sorry, that is what the Productivity Commission said. We can deny that which the Productivity Commission said, but that is the biggest issue. The problem that Boyer faces is this: to get a roll of newsprint all the way from New Zealand to Melbourne costs so much less than getting it across Bass Strait. The reason for that is the unduly high cost of coastal shipping around Australia, courtesy of the changes made by the Labor-Green majority in the Senate just a few years ago. Am I aware of the problems of Bass Strait and the cost impediment it is to jobs, to Tasmanians? I have been aware of that for 21 years in this place and for many years before that, because the Liberal Party has a very proud tradition— The PRESIDENT: Pause the clock. Senator Lambie on a point of order? Senator Lambie: Yes, a point of order, thanks, Mr President. I just want the question answered. Honourable senators interjecting— The PRESIDENT: Order on both sides! Senator Lambie, you have the call. Senator Lambie: Does he have an immediate solution to international export costs from Tasmania? Honourable senators interjecting— The PRESIDENT: Order! I am taking it as a point of order on relevance, Senator Lambie. You can continue. Senator Lambie: Does he agree that there are 900 jobs at risk here if an immediate solution is not found? I just want a simple yes or no. Do you understand that? That is all I am asking. The PRESIDENT: Thank you, Senator Lambie. The question was a little bit more complicated than a simple yes or no. The minister has been answering the question. I call the minister. Senator ABETZ: As the Productivity Commission review indicated to all Australians and anybody who bothered to read it, there are complex issues in relation to Bass Strait. If anybody had a simple answer, I am sure that it would have been attended to immediately. (Time expired)