Senator CASH (Western Australia—Minister for Jobs and Innovation) (14:04): Because those of us on this side understand that governments don't create jobs; employers do. The closest that many of you on the other side have ever come to a business is to close it down. Employees need employers, and those of us on this side understand that what governments do is put in place the policy framework under which business can either prosper and grow—400,000 jobs created in the economy under the Turnbull government last year, with 300,000 of them being full-time jobs, versus the last 12 months of the former Labor government, when a fifth of that number of jobs were created. But, colleagues, guess what? It got worse. The economy actually lost full-time jobs. We understand you need to get the economic fundamentals right; you don't. (Time expired) The PRESIDENT: Senator Cameron, a final supplementary question? Senator CAMERON: Will the Turnbull government finally commit to protecting Australian workers from a wage cut by supporting Labor's sensible Fair Work Amendment (Protecting Take-Home Pay) Bill? Senator CASH: Given the hypocrisy of those on the other side, what Senator Cameron is referring to could be termed as nothing more and nothing less than a political stunt. When you actually look at members of the Labor Party, they belong to unions, or they are put in here by unions, who have sat around tables, probably just like this, and directly negotiated away the penalty rates of some of the lowest-paid workers in this country. Let me give you some other examples in relation to Mr Shorten: a 2006 agreement for 780 Big W workers in North Queensland. Whoever is from North Queensland, put your hand up! Senator Watt, North Queensland? Honourable senators interjecting— The PRESIDENT: Order around the chamber! When I can hear you, Senator Cameron, I'll call you. Senator Watt! Senator Cameron, on a point of order? Senator Cameron: On relevance—this was a simple question: will the government commit to protecting Australian workers by supporting Labor's fair work amendment bill? The PRESIDENT: Senator Macdonald, on the point of order? Senator Ian Macdonald: It's really a separate point of order. The minister is misleading— The PRESIDENT: Order! I will rule on this point of order first. Senator Cameron, the question was very broadly framed and the minister is being relevant to it. Senator Macdonald, on another point of order? Senator Ian Macdonald: The minister is misleading the Senate in saying that anyone from the other side comes from North Queensland. They don't. They all come from Brisbane— The PRESIDENT: Order, Senator Macdonald. Please resume your seat. Honourable senators interjecting— The PRESIDENT: Order, Senator Wong and Senator Macdonald! Yesterday I had a complaint from a member of the press gallery that they couldn't hear proceedings in the chamber. Now, most of— Honourable senators interjecting— The PRESIDENT: Order! Order on my left! I might make the observation that in my experience— Honourable senators interjecting— The PRESIDENT: Order, Senators Wong and Cameron! It's good to have you back after a day off, Senator Cameron. Senator Farrell! I might make the observation that most senators have tended to want the media to hear what they say. If they can't hear then we're defeating the purpose of question time. I call Senator Cash to continue her answer. Senator CASH: As I was saying, those from Queensland—not from North Queensland, because apparently there are none from North Queensland—would like to know that when Mr Shorten was the AWU leader 780 Big W workers in North Queensland had their penalty rates cut from 200 to 150— (Time expired)