Penny Wong (SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Finance and Deregulation) Share this | Hansard source

Yes, I was very glad to see in recent times some very responsible comments attributed to my predecessor, Senator Nick Minchin, whose time in this place, obviously, is coming to a close. According to these reports, Senator Minchin laid out a test for the Leader of the Opposition when he wisely advised the shadow cabinet, 'When we take decisions to cut revenue in government we have to find ways to replace the revenue.' A similar plea for fiscal responsibility was made by an anonymous coalition member of parliament, who told the Adelaide Advertiser last month:

We can't keep agreeing with government spending measures and opposing savings and revenue measures and keep our financial credibility intact.

Well, out of the horse's mouth. It is absolutely true. Those on that side who should know better—and Senator Minchin is amongst them—should be counselling some of the opportunists— (Time expired)