Kevin Rudd (Griffith, Australian Labor Party, Prime Minister) Share this | Hansard source

I draw the honourable member’s attention to the orthodoxy of the government which preceded us, which was to have a budget surplus across the economic cycle, as is the orthodoxy of this government. The challenge we face is the unprecedented global economic terrain we now face—the worst crisis in 75 years—and therefore the necessity to embrace measures to support growth, families and jobs in what will be a very difficult 2009. Those opposite are interested in simple political cliches; we are interested in real policy responses to help families, to help jobs and to help the real economy.

See this speech in context