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

I thank the Leader of the Opposition for his question. I particularly thank him for referring to statements that I made earlier this year, because I would remind the Leader of the Opposition that at the start of this year as we came into this parliamentary year I said that the principal battle ground for this year would be on the economy—on jobs, on services and on the federal budget—and the ability to properly provision for the services and supports that families need. I am delighted, even though it has taken until September, that the Leader of the Opposition is finally coming to meet us on this battle ground of central concern to the Australian community.

I am delighted that the Leader of the Opposition is now indicating by his conduct that at the centre of the political debate between now and 2013 and at the core of the election campaign in 2013 will be who is best—

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