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

I was just coming to the question of tax. I am very pleased that this government has turned in a performance of less tax as a percentage of GDP than the Howard government did. Yes, the Howard government was high taxing—yes, it was. Yes, the shadow Treasurer was part of that high-taxing government and at the same time was ripping people's wages to shreds through Work Choices. That is the legacy of the shadow Treasurer and the Leader of the Opposition. Fortunately, between a new workplace relations system of decency and fairness and a lower taxation system as a percentage of GDP, we have done better for families around the nation and I am proud that we have.

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