Joe Hockey (North Sydney, Liberal Party, Shadow Treasurer) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is to the Acting Prime Minister. I refer to his statements earlier about Public Service jobs. Can the Treasurer confirm that in his own budget papers he states that he is axing over 3,000 jobs in the Public Service here in Canberra? Can the Treasurer explain why?

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

I thank the member for his question. I think they are very sensitive because what we have put in place is a level of service that provides the front-line services that are required in this country. I seem to recall the last question that I had from the shadow treasurer about this was about how the Public Service had exploded and how there were at least 10,000 or 20,000 too many public servants. That is what he was saying. What we have done is run a responsible employment policy which is supporting public servants in this country who do a great job in delivering their services for the Australian people, and we get great value for money.

Joe Hockey (North Sydney, Liberal Party, Shadow Treasurer) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I seek leave to table page 1 of the Canberra Times'no public service cuts Gillard pledges'—and the budget paper cutting 3,000 jobs here. You hypocrite.

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

The member for North Sydney will withdraw.

Joe Hockey (North Sydney, Liberal Party, Shadow Treasurer) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I withdraw.

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

If seeking to table documents and making points of order continue to be abused we will see very few people in this chamber. It is an absolute abuse. Is leave granted?

Anthony Albanese (Grayndler, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the House) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

We have the budget papers, so no.

Leave not granted.