Kelly O'Dwyer (Higgins, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Mr Speaker, I seek to make a personal explanation.

Harry Jenkins (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Does the honourable member claim to have been misrepresented?

Kelly O'Dwyer (Higgins, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Most grievously, Mr Speaker.

Harry Jenkins (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Please proceed.

Kelly O'Dwyer (Higgins, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Last night in the chamber the member for Melbourne Ports made the following statement:

However, whenever the member for Higgins has had the chance she has risen to speak in this House and in press releases of the government's funding of school building being a crime against the taxpayer.

I seek leave to table the media release to which he refers. He is, in fact, not correct and has created a misleading statement. I did say:

A Coalition Government will allow government schools in Higgins to self-manage their 'school hall' funding grants as well as being able to keep the savings made to invest in other priorities, Federal Member for Higgins, Kelly O'Dwyer MP, said today.

I went on to say:

The Labor Government continues to waste billions in the so-called Building the Education Revolution program ...

Harry Jenkins (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Order! The member will not go further into debate.

Kelly O'Dwyer (Higgins, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I went on to further say:

The scale of the Rudd/Gillard Government waste on this program is worse than a scandal. It is a crime against the taxpayer.

Schools are best placed to manage these projects in a way that achieves real value for money

Harry Jenkins (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Order! The member has made her personal explanation. The member will resume her place. The member has sought leave for the tabling of a press release.

Leave not granted.