Jim Chalmers (Rankin, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Treasurer) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is to the Prime Minister. If incentives are a vote of no confidence in the Australian people, why does the plan that he released on Friday of last week specifically mention 'encouraging uptake through incentives'?

Scott Morrison (Cook, Liberal Party, Prime Minister) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I thank the deputy Shadow Treasurer for his question, because the incentives we were referring to were incentives where people who have had their vaccination would be exempted from various restrictions that might otherwise discourage them. That's what we're talking about. I can tell you what we weren't talking about: we weren't talking about $300 cheques and cash payments made to people who have already had the vaccination, whether it is people of great wealth or otherwise, including himself and myself. He wants to send cheques to all of us as well, Mr Speaker. Australians understand the gravity of this national health crisis. They understand the importance of getting vaccinated, and that's why they're so keen to come forward and do so. The Leader of the Opposition is treating this like a game show. He needs to ensure that, when he puts policies together, they won't be ill-disciplined or ill-informed. He should take the opportunity to ensure that he is across this information, as he should be across all of his policies. What this is shows is that, with this Leader of the Opposition, they have learnt absolutely nothing over their years in opposition. It's hardwired, it's in their DNA, to recklessly spend Australian taxpayers' money. Australians remember their response to the last crisis.

Tony Smith (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The Prime Minister will resume his seat. The Manager of Opposition Business on a point of order?

Mr Tony Burke (Watson, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for the Arts) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Yes, on direct relevance. This is a long way from the question.

Tony Smith (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I will hear from the Leader of the House.

Christian Porter (Pearce, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Mr Speaker, the Prime Minister was asked whether or not a certain policy was the government's policy. He has answered no and is explaining clearly why not.

Tony Smith (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The question was about incentives, and the Prime Minister is certainly comparing and contrasting. I will keep listening. I think he has been very relevant certainly up until now. But he certainly wasn't asked about past policies. I will keep listening to the Prime Minister.

Scott Morrison (Cook, Liberal Party, Prime Minister) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

A $6 billion cash splash, which is what the Leader of the Opposition proposes, defies both the economics and the health. It shows a lack of understanding of the crisis being faced by this country. Had he chosen to inform himself, had he chosen to engage and equip himself with an understanding of how these issues are best handled, he would know that. But what I have noticed about this Leader of the Opposition is that he has seen this COVID-19 crisis as a political opportunity. He could have joined the government in ensuring—he could have done this.

Tony Smith (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I will just say to the Prime Minister—

Scott Morrison (Cook, Liberal Party, Prime Minister) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

But, no, he has taken every opportunity to snipe and to be negative—

Tony Smith (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

No, the Prime Minister was not asked about the Leader of the Opposition. The Prime Minister will wind up his answer.

Scott Morrison (Cook, Liberal Party, Prime Minister) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

and to undermine at every turn.

Tony Smith (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The Prime Minister! I just said to the Prime Minister he wasn't asked about the Leader of the Opposition; he was asked a question by the shadow Treasurer about policy. It is not an opportunity to give a political assessment. The Prime Minister has the call.

Scott Morrison (Cook, Liberal Party, Prime Minister) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

If negativity is the answer, then Labor is the solution.