George Brandis Queensland, Liberal Party, Shadow Attorney-General
2:00 pm
My question is to the Minister representing the Prime Minister. Does he still have full confidence in the Prime Minister?
Stephen Conroy Victoria, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy
I think my position on this is exceptionally well known. I have total confidence in and support for the Prime Minister and I will continue to have.
George Brandis Queensland, Liberal Party, Shadow Attorney-General
I thank the minister for his first direct answer. Mr President, I ask a supplementary question. I refer the minister to Mr Crean's first press conference this morning when he said that the government had to 'get its act together'. Does he agree with Mr Crean's comments?
Stephen Conroy Victoria, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy
Obviously, I think Mr Crean indicated he was resigning. I did not see all of his—
Mitch Fifield Victoria, Liberal Party, Manager of Opposition Business in the Senate
His first press conference.
Stephen Conroy Victoria, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy
His first one, I am sorry. In his second one I thought he had.
Mitch Fifield Victoria, Liberal Party, Manager of Opposition Business in the Senate
No, only if he wins.
Stephen Conroy Victoria, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy
I was not actually watching his press conference. I am just going on reports, but I do not agree with Mr Crean.
Ian Macdonald Queensland, Liberal Party, Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Northern and Remote Australia
There's an acting minister.
George Brandis Queensland, Liberal Party, Shadow Attorney-General
2:01 pm
Mr President, I ask a further supplementary question. I refer the minister to Mr Crean's further statements at his first press conference today that the government was 'in a state of stalemate' and in his second press conference today when he said the government was 'in a state of deadlock'. Does the minister agree with Mr Crean's comments? Isn't it the truth that he serves in a government which is disintegrating before our very eyes?
Stephen Conroy Victoria, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy
2:02 pm
I take the interjection from Senator Macdonald. I think he indicated that Mr Crean had resigned. As I said, perhaps I was misinformed, but Senator Macdonald certainly is indicating that. I clearly do not believe that. This government is delivering programs like the National Disability Insurance Scheme. It is delivering programs like the National Broadband Network. It is introducing significant further reforms in education. It has an economy that is envied around the world. We have unemployment with a five in front of it. We have inflation with a two in front of it. We have growth with a three in front of it. Those sorts of numbers demonstrate this government is delivering sound economic management to this country. Those opposite—the flat earth society over there—simply mislead, day in and day out, the Australian public. The economy at three per cent is flatlining; it has no pulse—that is what Senator Brandis has claimed in the chamber. Three per cent growth and those opposite simply— (Time expired)