Richard Colbeck (Tasmania, Liberal Party, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Finance and Administration) Share this | Hansard source

I have just a few comments in response. The government, over its terms since 1996, has increased more than indexation to taxpayers, in relation to its tax cuts. We have always had the view—and you would have heard the Treasurer enunciate this on many occasions—that once we have paid for essential services and balanced the budget, if we have the capacity to reduce taxes we will pass the benefit back to taxpayers. We continue to believe that that is the right way to manage the economy. Once we have balanced the budget, after providing all the essential services, we will, on an annual basis, make decisions that we see are of benefit to taxpayers in the relevant tax brackets. That is, essentially, the way we see this, so we do not support the amendment.

I would like to thank Senator Sherry for his little lecture. Obviously, he has been listening to the polls and the focus groups. I hope he does not have any trouble working out which side of the bed to get out of. I am sure he does not. The cliches were appreciated, Senator Sherry, as is your support for the government in opposing the amendment.

Question negatived.

Bills agreed to.

Bills reported without amendment; report adopted.