Ted O'Brien Fairfax, Liberal Party
1:47 pm
With the national accounts released again today, we see the Australian economy is rock-solid and growing. But we have to remember, of course, that the strong economy we have is not the endgame by any stretch; it's the means by which we can deliver infrastructure and provide vital services. Take the Sunshine Coast, for instance. Unless we have a strong economy, we wouldn't be seeing $3 billion being spent on the Bruce Highway. We wouldn't be seeing $390 million on the North Coast line. We wouldn't be seeing a $181 million concessional loan for the international airport. We wouldn't be seeing the record spending on hospitals, schools, bulk billing and the PBS. At the end of the day, a strong economy is what ensures we can deliver the infrastructure and have the services.
Those opposite haven't got a clue when it comes to the economy. They never have had. They've never known how to manage an economy.
Brian Mitchell Lyons, Australian Labor Party
Point of order, Mr Deputy Speaker.
Ted O'Brien Fairfax, Liberal Party
If you're unsure at all, then have a look at the Queensland Labor government.
Kevin Hogan Page, National Party
The member will resume his seat. The member for Griffith on a point of order.
Terri Butler Griffith, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Young Australians and Youth Affairs
I ask that the member for Lyons be given the opportunity to offer his point of order before it's ruled upon.
Kevin Hogan Page, National Party
I obviously am aware that there has been a point of order called that the members of the opposition are not happy with. I take that. I will not be taking points of order for the remainder of the 90-second statements.