Senator COLBECK (1:32 PM) —I rise to briefly speak in support of the Tradex Scheme Amendment Bill 2010. The government has given assurances that this legislation is merely to clarify eligibility status of partnerships for assistance under the Tradex Scheme and to remove some redundant provisions from the act. This scheme was put in place by the Howard government in 2000 as a key initiative of its industry statement at the time. It has played an important role in streamlining the way that relief is provided for businesses paying customs and GST on imported products which are ultimately intended for re-export.

On the understanding of the assurances that the government have provided to the opposition and their intention to continue to provide good stewardship of this scheme, the opposition is happy to support this legislation.