Wayne Swan (Lilley, Australian Labor Party, Treasurer) Share this | Hansard source

I thank the member for Petrie for that question. This side of the House does not believe that the wealthiest Australians need welfare from the government. Paying transfer payments to millionaires is simply impossible to defend. We believe we need to put transfer payments onto a more sustainable footing to help us with the fight against inflation. That is why we took the tough decisions in last night’s budget to means test family tax benefit part B and the baby bonus. That is a decision we made; it is a decision we stand by. Unfortunately, those on the other side of the House do not appear to have any idea about where they stand on this issue.

The Leader of the Opposition was interviewed this morning. He was asked on ABC TV, ‘Is that reasonable—$150,000?’ Dr Nelson said, ‘Of course we, well—just have a look at this.’ Chris Uhlmann asked Dr Nelson, ‘You have not got an opinion on that?’ Dr Nelson said, ‘Well, let’s just have a look at the fine print.’ That is really decisive, isn’t it? Of course, we have the shadow Treasurer. Last week, he said there was no case for spending cuts; this week, there is a real case for spending cuts and he wants more. They do not know whether they are Arthur or Martha. The Liberal Party have lost their way.

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