Home Affairs and Trade Ministers Brendan O’Connor and Craig Emerson have thumbed their nose in testy fashion not only at Australian manufacturers – but also, in another manifestation of Labor divisions, even at their own colleagues.

 

This was an opportunity for Labor to finally show some real support for Australian businesses and greater commitment to a practical and level playing field. Unfortunately, the most crucial challenges for policymakers have again been left untouched.

 

The revelation that their Caucus has not even been consulted on the changes – even after three years of dithering – ahead of today’s announcement is also extraordinary.  

 

“In their continuing impersonation of Rip Van Winkle, Ministers O’Connor and Emerson have finally awoken from several years of slumber on this issue – but they are still dazed and confused about what is needed,” said Shadow Industry Minister, Sophie Mirabella, and Shadow Minister for Justice, Customs and Border Protection, Michael Keenan.  

 

“While improvements in resourcing within Customs would have been welcome, there is no indication in today’s announcement of any new funding. This has all the appearance of adding to Labor’s ongoing record of cost-shifting within the agency. 

 

“Millions of dollars have already been slashed from Customs’ budget in every year under Labor and spending and personnel shifted to border protection from other parts of the organisation as it flounders on asylum seeker solutions.”

 

Tellingly, Labor’s statement was delivered within hours of its near-wholesale rejection of a series of sensible changes developed as part of Senator Xenophon’s Private Senator’s Bill.  

 

“That Mr Emerson was full of rhetoric but refused to be drawn into any detail on the changes at today’s press conference highlights he lacks any understanding of what is required,” said Mrs Mirabella and Mr Keenan.