Shayne Neumann (Blair, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Madam Deputy Speaker, I ask a supplementary question. I refer to the Acting Prime Minister's answer in which he talked about helping those most in need while building the economy. What would be the impact for those most in need if vital funding for services like education were cut?

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

I thank the member for Blair for that question. We are hearing some very disturbing reports about cuts to education in New South Wales. We are hearing that these are the biggest cuts in 20 years. As I said before, similar cuts are also taking place in Queensland. It is in the DNA of the Liberal Party to take the axe to education—and that is precisely what is happening in the state of Queensland and in the state of New South Wales.

We also know that the Leader of the Opposition was briefed about these cuts in New South Wales last week and that the Queensland Premier said that he has fully briefed the Leader of the Opposition and the shadow Treasurer about his program in Queensland—and he says that they are incredibly supportive. There is a very stark contrast between the commitment of this government to providing economic growth as well as the basic services that families depend upon for their peace of mind and, on the other side of the House, the Liberal and National Parties, who are taking the axe to the social safety net.

Some have called Campbell Newman a bully, but what we know about the Leader of the Opposition is that he is a thug. What we are seeing here is that—

Ms Anna Burke (Chisholm, Deputy-Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Order! The Acting Prime Minister will withdraw the comment.

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

I withdraw.

Mr Robb interjecting—

Ms Anna Burke (Chisholm, Deputy-Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Order! The member for Goldstein is not assisting and he should also mind his language on occasion.

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

The only thing worse than a Liberal cutting jobs is three Liberals cutting jobs. That is what those opposite stand for.