Senator ABETZ (Tasmania—Leader of the Government in the Senate, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for the Public Service and Minister for Employment) (14:27): I would agree with the Leader of the Opposition in the Senate that indeed it is a sad day that GM have made their announcement not to continue with production of motor vehicles in Australia. This decision is regrettable, especially for all those people that are gainfully employed by General Motors. They will be facing a bleak Christmas; there is no doubt about that. I understand from GM that they have all the redundancy and other requirements for the workers in hand and that there will not necessarily be any extra assistance required from government in relation to FEG or matters of that nature. One thing, of course, that we would seek to do for each one of those families is, if the Labor Party were to allow us to do so, to provide them with a reduction of $550 per annum in their household budgeting by the removal of the carbon tax. Honourable senators interjecting— The PRESIDENT: Order! Just wait a minute, Senator Abetz. There needs to be silence. Order on my left and on my right! Honourable senators interjecting— The PRESIDENT: Order! If you wish to debate this, I remind honourable senators the time to do so is after three o'clock. Honourable senators interjecting— The PRESIDENT: Order! I advise honourable senators the time to debate it is after three o'clock. Senator Abetz, continue. Senator ABETZ: As I indicated, one thing that the government could do in concert with a vote of the Senate is to provide each and every one of the families a $550 Christmas present by removing the carbon tax. As we all know, this announcement has just been made. As a responsible government, we will be talking with the company, with the unions and with all other interested stakeholders to ensure that we can assist them in their transition from employment with GM into other employment opportunities. Job Services Australia and other facilities and organisations will clearly be made available. But as for what is actually needed, we will determine in due course. (Time expired)