GOVERNMENT DISSENTERS BRANDED ‘LOSERS’ AND ‘STUFFED PIGS’
01-June-2010
Under pressure in Senate Estimates questioning, Industry Minister Kim Carr has condemned those who criticise the Government’s proposed research and development tax changes as “losers” and “stuffed pigs”.
Shadow Innovation, Industry, Science and Research Minister, Sophie Mirabella, said Senator Carr’s attack was a disgraceful response to genuine industry feedback about Labor’s proposed new laws.
“The changes to the laws are sweeping and it’s perfectly justified for people across Australia to be worried about the consequences – and to be requesting further information and clarification before the legislation is passed,” Mrs Mirabella said.
“Why ask business what they think when they are abused for the privilege?
“Labor’s proposed changes have resulted in great uncertainty and confusion. This is a desperate Government rushing the changes through before business actually knows their full extent and when education about the new scheme won’t even begin until after it is in operation.
“It’s no wonder that Senator Carr ‘(couldn’t) see anything wrong’ with the new arrangements: he’s had hardly anything to do with them – and this exercise has been driven by Treasury.
“As the relevant Minister, he should be ashamed of his performance – particularly in labelling Australia’s research and development performance as ‘bloody awful’.”
The Coalition will continue to support Australian innovation and so will be voting against this legislation, Mrs Mirabella said.