Senator LUNDY (Australian Capital Territory—Minister Assisting for Industry and Innovation, Minister for Multicultural Affairs and Minister for Sport) (14:12): The government believe in an Australia that makes things and we believe that Australian manufacturing workers are entitled to jobs that are both highly paid and highly skilled. That is why last week the Prime Minister announced that the government is investing $1 billion in a plan to support Australian businesses and to grow jobs. Our plan sets out a road map for creating these jobs, lifting productivity and boosting innovation. Whilst the opposition does not like to hear this— Opposition senators interjecting— The PRESIDENT: Senator Lundy, resume your seat. When there is silence we will proceed. The minister is entitled to be heard in silence. Minister, continue. Senator LUNDY: It is a positive plan that backs Australian firms to win more work on infrastructure and resource projects and it is a positive plan that supports innovation by establishing up to 10 precincts, bringing industry leaders, firms and research organisations together. It is a positive plan that will help small to medium sized businesses grow and create new opportunities and new local jobs. The first two precincts, in Melbourne and Adelaide, have already been announced and soon the government will introduce its Australian Jobs Bill into the parliament. Compared to the negativity of those opposite, the difference is quite stark. All the coalition has delivered is relentless negativity, which is now being supported, unfortunately, by the Greens, and the Liberal and National parties are threatening the government’s jobs plans for their own cynical political purposes. We believe, of course, that Australian workers deserve more, and that is why this Labor government is delivering for Australian workers: because Labor is the only party with a sincere commitment to jobs. It is why our $1 billion plan is focused on not only— Honourable senators interjecting— The PRESIDENT: Senator Lundy, just resume your seat. I remind senators that interjections are disorderly. Senator Lundy is entitled to be heard in silence. Senator LUNDY: Thank you, Mr President. I do understand those opposite have nothing positive to say about the creation of jobs or supporting this very important $1 billion plan. The creation of the precincts alone would bring together the best of Australia in terms of research, business— Honourable senators interjecting— The PRESIDENT: Senator Lundy, just resume your seat. I remind honourable senators on both sides. Senator Lundy, continue. Senator LUNDY: Thank you, Mr President. In the 10 seconds I have remaining, I would like to reiterate the point that we have nothing but relentless negativity opposite. Labor has a vision for Australian jobs and industry, and it ought to give support— (Time expired)