QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

Senator AYRES (New South Wales—Minister for Industry and Innovation and Minister for Science) (14:33): Thank you to Senator O'Neill. This is a workplace I've been going to for 30 years in my efforts in our industrial economy. And I can tell you that, while we are focused on those issues of national resilience and industrial progress, of course it has a human dimension.

I have met many of these people before, many times, over the course of my working life. Operator Luke Miller said, 'When you've got young kids, it's pretty good to be able to come home with a smile and tell them that we've got at least another 10 years.' Marcus Faulkner, who's worked there for over 30 years, said, 'Let's be honest; we were going to be out of a job.' The Prime Minister spoke to a young family—mum and dad, who worked at Tomago Aluminium, knew that they could now buy a home with confidence.

It has a human dimension. These people turn up for work early and work hard, and the government is working hard for them. (Time expired) The PRESIDENT: I advise the chamber that Senator Thorpe has passed her question to Senator Roberts.