Mitch Fifield (Victoria, Liberal Party, Assistant Minister for Social Services) Share this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Moore for her question. As Minister Morrison has indicated on many occasions, all of the government's budget measures remain on the table. What that means is that the minister is very open to propositions from colleagues in this place or the other place who think that we can achieve good outcomes in a different way. But, obviously, any colleague who brings forward a proposition needs to have that proposition costed and to make sure that they can identify how it would be funded. So I think Minister Morrison has been very clear—and particularly clear in his recent Press Club address—that he is keen to engage with colleagues from all parties on achieving the government's stated budget objectives. But let me state again: those budget measures do remain on the table.

I want to make absolutely crystal clear that the proposition put forward by those opposite that this side of the chamber is desiring in any way, shape or form to cut pensions is wrong. Pensions, under the government's propositions in the last budget, will continue to increase. That is the clear proposition of this side of politics. Any suggestion that pensions will be cut is completely and absolutely wrong. They have increased and will continue to increase twice a year.