Julia Gillard (Lalor, Australian Labor Party, Prime Minister) Share this | Hansard source

Firstly, I did not accept the premise of the question. Secondly, Mr Speaker, I am explaining that we appointed the person we considered to be the best person for the job. We thought that was Mr Gonski because of his career in chairing major corporations, including the Australian Stock Exchange, Coca-Cola Amatil and the like. Indeed our appointment of Mr Gonski to the job has been welcomed in a press release by the coalition, authored by the shadow Treasurer and the shadow minister for finance. We appointed the best person for the job.

I do not know what case the Leader of the Opposition is bringing into this parliament. If he is asking me to appoint someone other than the best person for the job because they are a member of the Liberal Party, then I will not do it. We appointed the best person for the job.

Honourable members interjecting—

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