House debates Questions without Notice
Goods and Services Tax
Bill Shorten Maribyrnong, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Opposition
2:23 pm
My question is to the Prime Minister. I refer the Prime Minister to his previous answer that the GST is a state matter. I also refer the Prime Minister to his $80 billion of cuts to state hospitals and to state schools. Why is the Prime Minister using these cuts to blackmail the states into backing his plans for increasing the GST?
Tony Abbott Warringah, Liberal Party, Prime Minister
2:24 pm
I am inviting the states and territories. I am inviting members opposite.
Ms King interjecting—
Tony Abbott Warringah, Liberal Party, Prime Minister
I am inviting all interested Australians to consider whether there are better ways in the future of running our federation than we have seen in the past. That is what I am doing. I am inviting Australians to enter into a mature debate about an important subject rather than dig trenches and hurl insults at each other, which sadly is what all too often has happened in recent times. As for the claims that the Leader of the Opposition has made, I probably should respond to those claims with the facts. The facts are that, when it comes to public hospitals, our finding goes up eight per cent this year, eight per cent next year—actually I am wrong—
Mr Dreyfus interjecting—
Tony Abbott Warringah, Liberal Party, Prime Minister
It is nine per cent this year, nine per cent next year, nine per cent the year after that and six per cent in year 4.
Mr Burke interjecting—
Tony Abbott Warringah, Liberal Party, Prime Minister
In education in schools it is eight per cent this year, eight per cent next year, eight per cent the year after that and six per cent in the final year. So I am very happy to see the Leader of the Opposition participating in this debate, but it would be nice if he would participate on the basis of facts.