Page 4606 - Week 11 - Tuesday, 19 October 2010
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video
There are three phases in the department’s consultation process. But, as I indicated in my answer to the previous question—proof perhaps that sequels are never better than the original; that is certainly the case with the Weekend at Bernie’s questions coming from Mr Doszpot—the department is managing its efficiency dividend process in accordance with its enterprise agreements, as you would expect it to, and the department will finalise its determinations in relation to the efficiency dividend and make the appropriate announcements in due course.
MR HANSON: A supplementary.
MR SPEAKER: Yes, Mr Hanson.
MR HANSON: Minister, why have you failed to accept responsibility for your backflip by refusing to front the media?
MR BARR: As it relates to a matter that is for the department to determine, I have taken responsibility, along with all members—
Members interjecting—
MR SPEAKER: Order! Let us hear the minister.
MR BARR: of the government for the budget decisions that this government has taken. And we place the highest priority on our plan to return the budget to surplus. The government remains committed to that task, and no end of bleating from the opposition and their absolute failure to grasp important budget priorities will deter the government from this important task. The rank hypocrisy and appalling economic policy credentials of those opposite are on display again here this afternoon. They are simultaneously—
Members interjecting—
MR SPEAKER: Order! It is not appropriate in this chamber for the minister to be shouted down while he is answering a question. Four or five members shouting at him at once is not acceptable. Mr Barr, you have the floor.
MR BARR: Thank you, Mr Speaker. As I was indicating, it is the classic hypocritical stance of the Canberra Liberals for them to be arguing simultaneously for a return to surplus and then specifically opposing every sensible measure, through efficiency dividends and our budget plans, to return this budget to surplus. The government will not be deterred by the petty policy indifference, the entire failure of the Canberra Liberal Party to present an alternative strategy, as clearly exposed by the editorial in today’s Canberra Times and the entire weekend commentary on the first two years of this term of the Assembly.
MR HANSON: A supplementary, Mr Speaker?
MR SPEAKER: Yes, Mr Hanson.
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video