His claim was disputed by Mr Charles. He told the minister to listen to his backbenchers for a change, rather than bureaucrats and his office advisers. The attack was later described by some MPs as the strongest on a minister in the government party room since the last election. A number of MPs, including West Australian Liberal Geoff Prosser, appeared ready to continue the attack when Mr Howard intervened, agreeing to meet Mr Charles, Ms Moylan and Mr Prosser to discuss the matter. Although the new policy, announced in May, was designed to strike a balance between the needs of the local manufacturing industry and importers, the MPs believe the regulations are skewed in favor of the manufacturers.
Nobody has any qualms about cleaning up some sections of the low-volume industry.
That's been acknowledged by everybody. A spokesman for Senator Minchin declined to comment. Yesterday's meeting also saw a number of MPs ask for a review of the Enrolment Benchmark Adjustment funding formula for schools, which Opposition parties claim has led to reduced funding for government and, indirectly, non-government schools. Some of the MPs supported a more transparent funding system. The Age Company Ltd 2000.