David Norris (Independent)

They always state, "It is historical." However, it exists and it is a lousy contract. Now we must buy it out.

In terms of prudent stewardship, the Government is skating on very thin ice. Senator Quinn, as a businessman, isolated an important matter in terms of competitiveness. The strength of our economy depends on maintaining competitive status in the world. We have the advantage of a low corporation tax regime for US companies. I hope we manage to retain that in the face of potential European opposition. Whatever our criticisms of aspects of Government policy, all sides unite in defending this regime because it attracts people, as does the literacy and intellectual skills of our educated workforce.