Chris Evans (WA, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Government in the Senate) Share this | Hansard source

The senator’s question does him no credit. What the government has done is respond to the serious financial crisis which this country is facing, and what we have done now on two occasions is provide extra support for pensioners. I remind the Senate that, in 11½ years, the previous government did nothing to fundamentally improve the lot of pensioners and those on other payments. What we are delivering for pensioners today is what we think serves the national interest. But we are not only delivering for pensioners and those on disability and carer allowances; we are also delivering for Australian families and those seeking to buy their first home. This is a fundamental package that seeks to position Australia to withstand the global financial crisis and to leave us best placed to continue economic growth.