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

My question is addressed to the Treasurer. I refer the Treasurer to his announcement yesterday of a tax inquiry. As part of the inquiry, will the Treasurer direct Mr Hendy and Mr Warburton to investigate why the Howard government allowed Australian taxpayers to subsidise kickbacks that funded Saddam Hussein while the Treasurer and his colleagues turned a blind eye?

Peter Costello (Higgins, Liberal Party, Treasurer) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

What a pathetic question. If one wanted evidence that those opposite had run out of questions on the AWB, exhibit A would be the member for Lilley. He would also be exhibit A for a whole lot of other failings of the Labor frontbench—although having people like that behind him does make the Leader of the Opposition look quite reliable. This is an international benchmark of taxation rates. Mr Hendy will do his duty in accordance with the terms of reference.