JOURNALIST: Were joined by Finance Minister Penny Wong in Adelaide. Afternoon, Senator.
WONG: Good afternoon Sarah.
JOURNALIST: A taste of vintage Paul Keating last night, some commentators are suggesting hes actually been more effective at selling the message than anyone in the present Government. What do you say to that?
WONG: Well, Paul Keating is Paul Keating. Hes always been very good at painting pictures. And I think he said what weve been saying for some time. And thats becoming even more evident as this carbon price campaign is going on, and that is: Tony Abbott is no builder, hes a wrecker. Thats what he loves to do, he loves to have a fight. He doesnt want to build anything, but he loves to tear things down.
JOURNALIST: Senator Wong, its been a tough week for both parties, how do you think Labor has fared on selling the carbon tax? Do you think you could give your party a rating out of 10?
WONG: I think the Prime Minister, particularly, is doing an extraordinarily good job, an outstanding job. This is a very tough reform, but its a reform thats all about the future.
And what shes doing is going out and saying to Australians I know this is hard, but this is about the future. This is about the future of your children, and the future of our nation. Its about building a cleaner energy economy. And its about making sure we have clean energy jobs for the next generation of Australians.
JOURNALIST: Its been a tough week, though, hasnt it? Can you rate what your partys done over the past week?
WONG: I think weve done a very good job. But all of us in the Government know we have a lot more to do. And this is going to be tough all the way down to the day on which this becomes legislation. But were all absolutely clear why were doing this.
Were doing this because were committed to building a better future for Australia, and a better future for Australia is one where we reduce our pollution, we invest in clean energy, and were prepared to face up to the reality of climate change.
JOURNALIST: Senator Wong, as I said, its been a bruising week for both sides of politics. You must be glad its Friday.
WONG: (laughs) Were all glad its Friday, but I suspect for the Prime Minister, given how hard she works, tomorrow and Sunday will be just two more working days. For my way of thinking, Id better make sure we buy some fresh fruit and veg over the weekend at some point.
JOURNALIST: Well, the Barossa Valley is very close. Senator Wong, thanks very much for joining us this afternoon.
WONG: Good to speak with you.
ENDS