Daniel McCullochVerified account

"What I can guarantee is that if we continue to put Australia's big businesses at a competitive disadvantage it will cost investment and jobs," Senator Cormann says. #SenateQT #auspol

"The truth is that stronger and more profitable banks are important for medium-sized businesses and small businesses operating in our economy," Senator Cormann says. "It's important for shareholders and self-funded retirees."

Simon Birmingham, representing the energy minister, gets a few Dorothy Dixers to spruik the benefits of the Turnbull government's proposed National Energy Guarantee. #SenateQT

State, territory and federal energy ministers will meet next to crack on with designing the NEG. Senator Birmingham is hopeful the new Liberal state government in SA will be more constructive than its Labor predecessor. #auspol

Labor's Murray Watt asks whether 140,000 Australian apprenticeships have been lost under the Turnbull government. Senator Birmingham confirms there has been a drop in apprentices entering training, but blames it on the Gillard government. #SenateQT

Watt shifts to Pauline Hanson's deal for 1000 new apprenticeships in exchange for One Nation support for company tax cuts. "Was Senator Hanson made aware the pilot program funding a measly 1000 apprenticeships represents 0.7% of the 140,000 Australian apprenticeships lost?"

"Although Senator Watt continues to pursue a hypothetical line of questioning, I will say that many on the crossbench engaged constructively on this," Senator Birmingham says. "Many want to explore policy ideas to rebuild vocational education from the failures of those opposite."

Greens Senator Janet Rice asks government to rule out logging in national parks under renegotiated of regional forest agreements. Response: "The Australian government supports a strong forestry industry in this country, and we support sustainable use of our forestry resources."