Mr SWAN (Lilley—Deputy Prime Minister and Treasurer) (15:23): The very reason we are dealing with dangerous climate change and carbon pollution is so that we can preserve the jobs of the future, so our country does not fall so far behind, so that our important industries like steel and coal are not under threat from carbon tariffs. We understand the need to deal with carbon pollution. We also understand that, particularly when it comes to trade-exposed industries, there will need to be assistance. We understand that. It was understood by the previous government. It was understood by former Prime Minister Howard. It was understood by the member for Wentworth. It is not understood by this Leader of the Opposition and certainly not understood by the shadow Treasurer. We have a commitment to supporting employment in Australia and making our economy much more prosperous. The only growth future that we have is a low-pollution growth future. If we do not begin to make a move here, we will be left behind and so many of our important industries will be left stranded. But those on that side of the House do not have the gumption to stand up and take the really difficult decisions. We on this side of the House know how important it is to make sure we make the transition to a low-pollution economy of the future. So we drive the investment in renewable energy; that is why we need a price on carbon. We need a price on carbon so we can continue to be a great trading nation, so that all of those people who work in energy intensive industries are not discriminated against in international trade. Mr Tony Smith interjecting— The SPEAKER: The member for Casey is warned! Mr SWAN: We understand all of these things because we understand the need to really embrace the big challenges of the future. Just as we had the gumption to stand up during the global recession, just as we have had the gumption to deal with the issues that have arisen from the floods in Queensland and elsewhere, we understand the importance of taking the hard decisions. Those on that side of the House do not understand that. They are not tough enough to face up to these challenges. The Leader of the Opposition over there wants to say no to everything. He wants to be a political opportunist. Mr Ramsey: Mr Speaker, a point of order on relevance: I did ask the Treasurer about an Australian jobs guarantee specifically to Mr Howes. He is straying onto the opposition's attitude on carbon taxes. The SPEAKER: The Treasurer will relate his comments directly to the question. Mr SWAN: What motivates everybody in the Labor Party is jobs. That is what motivates everybody on this side of the House. That is what motivates us. We know your record when it comes to jobs. Honourable members interjecting— The SPEAKER: Order! The Treasurer will resume his seat until the House comes to order. The Treasurer has the call. Mr SWAN: During the global recession, we on this side of the House stood up for Australian jobs and they sent up the white flag. Nothing was more embarrassing than the performance of the now Leader of the Opposition. He was up there in the dining room with the former Treasurer when the key vote was going on. He could not muster enough conviction to come into the House and vote for Australian jobs. Everybody remembers that evening in this House because they would not stand up for Australian jobs. They never have and they never will. Mr McCormack: The only export industry we will have is jobs going out of the country. The SPEAKER: Order! The member for Riverina should realise this is not the last minute of the adjournment and he has not got the call. He should sit there quietly if he wants to still be here for the last minute of the adjournment. The member for Reid, who has waited patiently, now has the call.