Mathias Cormann (WA, Liberal Party, Minister for Finance) Share this | Hansard source

The Leader of the Opposition has made a judgement that people have forgotten the historical failure of socialism. The Leader of the Opposition believes that the politics of envy will work for him, that the politics of envy will help him be politically successful. He believes in pointing to Australians who are successful, who have done well, and telling Australians who are doing it tough: 'We want to tear down those people who have worked hard, who have taken risks and who have done the best they can. We are going to help you have a better life if only we go after those people that are successful.' Well, let me tell you, there was a reason for the historical failure of socialism. If you want to achieve equality of outcome instead of equality of opportunity, the people that are best able to be successful, the people that are best able to contribute to our success as a nation, the people that are best able to contribute to— (Time expired)