Bill Shorten (Maribyrnong, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Opposition) | Link to this | Hansard source

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) | Link to this | Hansard source

I am inviting the states and territories. I am inviting members opposite.

Ms King interjecting—

Mrs Bronwyn Bishop (Speaker) | Link to this | Hansard source

The member for Ballarat will desist.

Tony Abbott (Warringah, Liberal Party, Prime Minister) | Link to this | Hansard source

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—

Mrs Bronwyn Bishop (Speaker) | Link to this | Hansard source

The member for Isaacs will desist.

Tony Abbott (Warringah, Liberal Party, Prime Minister) | Link to this | Hansard source

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—

Mrs Bronwyn Bishop (Speaker) | Link to this | Hansard source

As will the member for Watson.

Tony Abbott (Warringah, Liberal Party, Prime Minister) | Link to this | Hansard source

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.