QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE
Senator WONG (South Australia—Minister for Foreign Affairs and Leader of the Government in the Senate) (14:00): I thank Senator Patterson for the question, and I'm grateful for him referencing the paper itself because I was surprised yesterday that so many questions were asked when clearly senators from the other side had not looked at the consultation paper which was put out.
I want to make the first point which is that, in relation to small businesses, we have also announced amendments which would ensure that some 98 per cent of active small businesses will gain access to concessional CGT treatment. And what is remarkable? Opposition senators interjecting— Senator WONG: Well, my point is because—I know you don't want to know this, but, if you care about small business, which is what the question appears to be about, one wonders why those opposite are going to vote against this.
Why are you going to vote against provisions which enable— The PRESIDENT: Minister, please resume your seat. Senator Paterson, do you have a point of order? Senator Paterson: It is on direct relevance.
How the coalition may or may not vote on an upcoming piece of legislation is not relevant to my question. What's the difference between a small business and an innovative business? The PRESIDENT: The minister is being relevant, but I have to warn the opposition particularly that I'm finding it very hard to hear the minister's answers because there's so much interjecting.
Minister Wong, please continue. Senator WONG: As you would, I hope, know, page 6 goes through some of the business activity requirements which are the features of what might be included as an innovative small business, but this is a matter that is being consulted— Opposition senators interjecting— Senator WONG: Oh, they don't like consultation. They don't like consultation.
Isn't it interesting? This is the party of small business. They don't want consultation with the startups.
An opposition senator interjecting— Senator WONG: What? Are you going to point your finger? Why don't you point your finger at me?
Actually, Senator, why don't you just go join Pauline Hanson's party? That's where you actually want to be, mate. We all watch you backing her in.
The PRESIDENT: Minister Wong. Senator WONG: Sorry. Opposition senators interjecting— The PRESIDENT: Order!
Senator Henderson, you were out of order, and I don't want to see that again. Minister Wong, please direct your comments through the Chair. Please continue.
Senator WONG: As I said, page six of the discussion paper discusses some of the features of an innovative business. But of course— (Time expired) The PRESIDENT: Senator Paterson, first supplementary?