STATEMENTS BY SENATORS
Senator BELL (New South Wales—One Nation Whip) (13:39): Whether it's Labor in Canberra or Labor in Macquarie Street, the socialists never miss an opportunity to put net zero ideology ahead of everyday Australians because Anthony Albanese is working hand in hand with Chris Minns and New South Wales Labor— Senator BELL: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is working hand in hand with Chris Minns and New South Wales Labor on what I call the 'great koala con job', and everyday Australians end up paying the price.
We have seen the consequences of Labor's budget mistakes and backflips, but it's the unintended consequences of these things that are even worse. When a sawmill closes, a timber business goes under or a skilled worker leaves town, you cannot just flick a switch and bring them back. This week, the Minns government is pushing ahead with Labor's Great Koala National Park by introducing the legislation that will devastate North Coast communities and increasingly devastate our vulnerable hardwood timber supply chain.
Labor is rushing to lock these decisions in before the next New South Wales election, leaving regional communities and the next government to deal with the consequences. Enough is enough. It is time for New South Wales to rise up and call out this rubbish.
The upcoming New South Wales election will not just be a shuffling of the deck chairs. This is an opportunity to put a broom through Macquarie Street, and One Nation's Mike Newman and our state candidates are standing up for regional communities, Australian industry and the workers whose livelihoods depend on them. They are challenging Labor's policies, demanding answers and making sure regional Australians have a voice.
To every affected timber worker, contractor and business owner: make your voice heard because socialists and Labor need to understand that you don't save Australia by destroying jobs or industries. You save your jobs and your communities, and the people need to understand this: you will save your jobs and you will protect your communities and your future by voting One Nation.
It is only One Nation who has the guts to stand up and take on these terrible Labor governments, be it in Canberra or Macquarie Street. You know that we are here for you, your jobs and your communities. (Time expired)