Wayne Swan (Lilley, Australian Labor Party, Treasurer) Share this | Hansard source

The shadow Treasurer was correct to say that over five budgets we have made $130 billion worth of savings, and of course we hope to make savings in the future. For example, the health minister is trying to get rid of the chronic disease scheme at the moment, because costs are blowing out—opposed by those opposite. The sorts of savings we have made have been to means test the private health insurance rebate—opposed by those opposite. As a consequence of their fiscal irresponsibility, they have a $70 billion crater in their budget bottom line, and that is why they are so sensitive about this matter. We on this side of the House will get on with putting in place our fiscal rules, doing the right thing by the country, keeping growth going and generating jobs, while those on the other side will continue to be negative, continue to try and tear our economy down and talk the place down all the time.

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