Senator ABETZ (Tasmania—Leader of the Government in the Senate, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for the Public Service and Minister for Employment) (14:09): I thank Senator Edwards for his question and acknowledge that he is a South Australian senator with a deep commitment to the automotive industry in his home state. That is why he is so anxious to ensure— Honourable senators interjecting— Senator ABETZ: the removal of the carbon tax, a carbon tax that the Leader of the Opposition in this place—herself a South Australian senator—sought to champion, did champion and got through to the great detriment of the automotive sector in this country. The recent media articles have highlighted the ineffectiveness on the environmental front whilst also highlighting the job-destroying and household-budget blowing impacts of the carbon tax. Let us be quite clear here: if the carbon tax was such a good idea why did the Labor Party rule it out before the 2010 election by saying there would be no carbon tax? If it was such a good idea, why did they campaign on that issue? Honourable senators interjecting— The PRESIDENT: Senator Abetz, just resume your seat. You are entitled to be heard in silence. There are two senators debating the issue across the chamber. That is not fair to you. You are entitled to be heard in silence. Senator ABETZ: And, Mr President, in 2013, knowing how toxic the carbon tax was and is in the Australian community, they went to the people of Australia saying that they had abolished the carbon tax. Well, they had not. We are seeking to remove the carbon tax and those opposite, along with the Greens, are deliberately standing in the way of removing the huge mandate we got from the Australian people to remove the carbon tax. I invite those opposite to search their consciences. In 2010 they said there would be no carbon tax. In 2013 they said they made a mistake and 'We're going to get rid of it'. Well, we are now trying to get rid of it and we have the Australian Labor Party yet again standing in the way of economic prosperity, jobs growth and reducing the cost of living in this nation. (Time expired)