Malcolm Turnbull (Wentworth, Liberal Party, Leader of the Opposition) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is addressed to the Prime Minister. I remind the Prime Minister that in life, it is said, there are only two certainties: death and taxes. Given today’s revelations that this government’s reckless cash splash has resulted in $14 million in cheques being sent out to the dead, isn’t the Prime Minister reminding the Australian people of a third certainty: that Labor can never be trusted with taxpayers’ money?

Kevin Rudd (Griffith, Australian Labor Party, Prime Minister) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

First of all, can I say to the honourable gentleman who has asked the question that the criteria for the administration of the payment concerned go to the completion of a tax return in the year that has been specified, which is 2007-08. Furthermore, as the honourable member would know—and the member for Higgins would be fully familiar with this himself—when the previous government implemented low income tax offset bonuses, they applied exactly the same methodology as has been employed by the government in relation to this matter as well. Therefore, I would suggest to those opposite that they reflect carefully upon the standards they bring to bear in this debate. Can I also say to the honourable member that he should be exceptionally mindful of the circumstances of those who have lost loved ones in the last 12 months. This is a sensitive matter.

Malcolm Turnbull (Wentworth, Liberal Party, Leader of the Opposition) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Mr Turnbull interjecting

Kevin Rudd (Griffith, Australian Labor Party, Prime Minister) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The honourable Leader of the Opposition interjects on this point. I would say to those opposite that, for those who have lost loved ones in the last 12 months, this is not an incidental matter; it is of direct and personal concern to them. I would urge those opposite to reflect on that as they pursue this particular line of questioning.