Fiona Nash (NSW, National Party, Assistant Minister for Health) Share this | Hansard source

I can indicate to those opposite that I did not speak to Dr Washer. I did, however, consider a range of very important aspects before I took my decision. Quite frankly, we would not be in the position of this government having to review so many ranges of things, programs across portfolios, if the previous government had not left the economy in such a mess. We are looking at around $200 billion of net debt and the Australian people expect this new government to act appropriately when we are considering the use of taxpayers' dollars. Every single dollar that is earned by a taxpayer is something that we on this side realise we have to spend responsibly. When we look at the track record of this government when it comes to health, it is extraordinary that they should be asking us a question on health. We saw a litany of disasters in the Health portfolio area of the previous government. (Time expired)