Senator DUNIAM (Tasmania—Assistant Minister for Forestry and Fisheries and Assistant Minister for Regional Tourism) (16:10): I seek leave to make a short statement. The DEPUTY PRESIDENT: Leave is granted for one minute. Senator DUNIAM: The coalition government supports the development of our offshore gas resources. New gas supplies will drive down gas and electricity prices for Australian businesses, provide an essential feedstock and energy source for Australian manufacturers and provide heating and cooking for millions of households. Australia's competitive advantage has always been based on cheap energy, and gas will be central to our ongoing economic recovery. Exploration for and production of gas in Commonwealth offshore waters has been undertaken safely and responsibly for decades. The Australian government makes its decisions in the interests of all Australians while the Greens show their contempt for the Australian industry and Australian workers who rely on a reliable east coast gas supply.