Response to remarks in the Senate today

Treasurer Troy Buswell said he hoped Western Australian Senator Chris Evans' remarks made in the Senate in Canberra today were not a guide to Labor's true attitude to cooperative federalism.

If so, the comments were particularly unfortunate on the eve of the most important ever COAG meeting.

Mr Buswell said Senator Evans enjoyed a seat in Canberra courtesy of WA electors on the basis he would represent the interests of his State.

In these circumstances, in which the Treasurer said he was working hard for a fair and just outcome for WA, Senator Evans should be supporting him, not attacking him.