Chris Bowen (McMahon, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Treasurer) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is to the Treasurer. Why did household consumption, which accounts for more than half of the Australian economy, contribute less to GDP growth this quarter than the previous quarter?

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

Household consumption goes up and down. Obviously the cuts in interest rates are going to have a positive impact. I might add, the member for McMahon did two doorstops this morning and did not even refer to household consumption which went up 0.3 yesterday. He said, 'Economic growth is driven by just two things—exports and inventories'—

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

The Treasurer will resume his seat. The member for McMahon on a point of order.

Chris Bowen (McMahon, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Treasurer) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I know the Treasurer is not very good with numbers—I did one doorstop today.

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

The member will resume his seat. The Treasurer has the call.

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

That is a killer blow. He must have been in the book depository. What was he up to? I do not know. That is a brutal shock. He said it on two occasions at the same doorstop. He said, 'Economic growth is just two things—exports and inventories'. He neglected to mention the significant increase in dwelling construction. He neglected to mention household consumption. He does not understand what he is talking about.

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

The member for McMahon has already offended on points of order. What is he doing now?

Chris Bowen (McMahon, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Treasurer) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I am seeking leave, Madam Speaker, to request the Treasurer to table the transcripts of the doorstops I held today.

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

There is no point of order. Does the Treasurer have anything he wishes to table? The member for La Trobe has the call.