Mr STEPHEN SMITH (2:03 PM) —My question is to the Prime Minister. Prime Minister, where in the 19 pages of the Liberal Party’s 2004 election commitments on industrial relations was the commitment to abolish the no disadvantage test, thereby removing the safety net protection for penalty rates, overtime, leave loading and shift allowances; to remove the setting of a fair minimum wage from the Industrial Relations Commission; and to abolish unfair dismissal protection for employees in workplaces of up to 100 staff? Isn’t it the case that it was only after the government got total control of the Senate that the Prime Minister decided to ram through the government’s 1,252-page package of extreme industrial relations legislation?

Mr HOWARD (Prime Minister) —The government’s commitment to industrial relations reform is well known—very well known indeed. It has been very well known for a very long period of time. It remains the fact that this House has now passed the legislation and it will be up to those in another place to decide whether or not they give it the same measure of support.

I believe that these measures will strengthen the Australian economy. They will create more jobs. They will lead to higher wages. They will not bring the end of the world. The sky will not fall in. People will not be murdered at picket lines. Brother will not be turned against brother. Friend will not be turned against friend. In 12 months time, the people of Australia will wonder what all your hullabaloo was really about.