Bernie Ripoll (Oxley, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

You are right; they probably would not be well served. It is sad that that is the view of the opposition today, because I can assure you that it was not the view of the opposition when they were in government. When they were in government they thought that, six weeks out from an election, handing out some $500 bonuses was a great idea or that, at consecutive elections or particular periods when the polls were not doing so well, handing out money was a really great idea. Given the circumstances we are in today and the things that we are picking up on after winning government late last year, I say that this package is not only absolutely necessary but absolutely right. It delivers for families and pensioners, and it delivers at the right time, in the right amount and for the right reasons. This is not just a matter of choice. We want to see long-term reform, and that is what we are embarking on. But at the same time you need to make sure that you tide people over through the Christmas period. We need to make sure that families and pensioners are looked after. We have taken on that responsibility. We are in government. We are not going to blame anyone else for the situation and circumstances we find ourselves in as a national economy, but we will make the tough decisions and make the right decisions. (Time expired)

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