Ian Macdonald (Queensland, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

There has been $50 billion worth of unfunded promises suggested by the Labor Party so far. One can only imagine that perhaps the Labor Party are looking at a 15 per cent GST to fund these $50 billion worth of unfunded promises already made. We have a few months to go until the election.

On the other issue that the previous senator was talking about, as I say, these are matters that are discussed maturely, in an adult fashion, by the coalition party room. When all people's views have been heard—the views of many others besides Senator Bernardi and from both sides of the equation—decisions will be made by an adult, mature government taking into account everything.

As Senator Brandis rightly said at question time, there would not be a person in this chamber who would in any way countenance anything but a campaign against bullying children or, indeed, anyone. Like Senator Ronaldson said, there is bullying of older people too. I think that is equally important. I declare an interest in that. Bullying in any form and in any category should not be encouraged. In fact, it should be stamped out as best it can. I am sorry that the Labor senators who have spoken do not seem to understand the real issues. I am pleased to be a member of a government that discusses these particular problems and issues in a mature way. (Time expired)