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

It disappoints me that the Liberal Party want to play politics with this, but I will remind them that, in 12 years of government, they did nothing for people with disabilities—nothing! And they will do nothing tonight in the budget reply, I am sure. But, if there is $4 billion allocated, that will add to the $70 billion black hole they already have. People with a disability know the Liberal Party will do nothing to support this scheme; they also know that, to fund the $70 billion black hole that the Liberal Party has in its costings, it will have to cut health, it will have to cut education and it will have to cut support for people with disabilities. They know what your priorities are. They know that, without the mining tax and the other savings you will have to make, that sort of support will never come under a Liberal Party government. We have made a strong commitment, and the people I talk to are very grateful for that.

An opposition senator: You can stop it there, Chris.

Mr President, I can either allow another Dorothy Dixer from Senator Ludwig or I can ask that further questions be taken on notice: I am open to the view of the chamber.

Opposition senators interjecting—

Mr President, I ask that further questions be placed on the Notice Paper!