Page 2403 - Week 08 - Tuesday, 12 August 2014
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Firstly, explain to me why this government signed up to a Gonski deal where there was $30 million less than was previously in the budget forecast under national partnership and special purpose payments. Explain to me where that $30 million went and why you signed up for that deal. That is the first challenge I have for you.
Secondly, can you please explain in the fifth and sixth year of Gonski funding where that money was coming from other than the credit card? Can you explain to me where that money was coming from? When I sit down, I want to hear from you, Mr Treasurer, where the $30 million went and where that money was coming from in the fifth and sixth years other than the credit card.
MS GALLAGHER (Molonglo—Chief Minister, Minister for Regional Development, Minister for Health and Minister for Higher Education) (9.43): I rise to address Mr Hanson yet again, because we have been through this, I think, in at least three estimates and annual report processes. I have got to the point where I think it might be—because I know Mr Hanson—
Mr Coe interjecting—
MADAM ASSISTANT SPEAKER: Mr Coe, order!
MS GALLAGHER: is not stupid. I know you are not stupid and so I fear that there just may be a little part of you which is consciously not listening to the information and advice you were given about the indexation arrangements for calculating payments of education grants to the states and territories. Because if you were able to comprehend that information—it is quite basic—you would know that the reason there was a reduction in the indexation arrangements about education funding to the states and territories was because larger states all cut their budgets. They all cut their education—
Members interjecting—
MADAM ASSISTANT SPEAKER: Order, members!
MS GALLAGHER: spend and as the indexation figure is drawn from the funding from state governments as it flows—
Members interjecting—
MADAM ASSISTANT SPEAKER: Order!
MS GALLAGHER: and is reflected through the commonwealth indexation. Those cuts arise from—surprise, surprise!—your Liberal mates. When they get into power they cut education funding. When they cut education funding it flows through the commonwealth indexation arrangements. That explains entirely the change in indexation as part of the ACT-commonwealth agreement. You have had it explained to you now probably five or six times. It is very—
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