Tony Abbott (Warringah, Liberal Party, Prime Minister) Share this | Hansard source

Once upon a time, the Leader of the Opposition understood, at least in theory if not in practice, the need for budget responsibility because, as he said to his constituents back in 2012:

… a budget surplus for a strong economy.

That is what he said—'a budget surplus for a strong economy'. The Leader of the Opposition then understood that there had to be a budget surplus if we are to have a strong economy. He was right then; he is wrong now. We must have a budget surplus as quickly as possible if we are to deliver the strong economy and the prosperous Australia that all of us should want.

I should point out to the Leader of the Opposition that the government is in fact calmly and methodically implementing our economic action strategy. The appropriation bills were passed in full, including a $7.6 billion saving from the foreign aid budget.

Opposition members interjecting—

See this speech in context