Julia Gillard (Lalor, Australian Labor Party, Prime Minister) Share this | Hansard source

I thank the member for Fowler for his question. I am asked about transparent and responsible fiscal policy. Of course, this is budget week and this is the week in which the government makes its choices for the Australian nation clear through our budget, and we have done that—our choices to make the nation stronger, smarter and fairer. People can look at the documents, people can assess our choices and they can agree with them or disagree with them, but they are transparent for all to see.

Of course, budget week is not just about the government's budget and responsible and transparent fiscal policy is not just about the government's budget; it is also about the alternatives put forward in this parliament by the opposition, particularly by the Leader of the Opposition tonight. I would like to endorse words spoken in this parliament on 14 May 2003. These were words spoken about the then opposition leader's reply to the budget. The quote is as follows:

When he gives his response to the budget tomorrow night, he needs to tell us exactly what he would do. If the tax cut was not enough, how much would he add to it? Once he has told us how much he would add to it, he then needs to tell us what he would cut to pay for it.

… he should tell us exactly where it is coming from and he should tell us exactly what will be cut to pay for any increase in spending that he proposes.

Words spoken in this parliament in 2003, words I specifically endorse, words spoken by the Leader of the Opposition. That is his test tonight that was set by him. It is a test he should pass. It is not a test he can quibble with because he said it himself. What does his test for his reply mean—

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