Malcolm Turnbull (Wentworth, Liberal Party, Prime Minister) Share this | Hansard source

and demands comment on one thing or another relating to the preparation of the budget. What we are doing is working through these very important issues very carefully. We are completing a process of examination of the Australian tax system that was begun in early last year. It has been a good national conversation. There have been good contributions to it, and we are completing it with due care and diligence. Just as Treasurers and Prime Ministers answer with respect to questions about what is going to be in the budget, when we have completed our deliberations and when the government has concluded its work we will present the conclusions, just as we will do with the budget outcomes when the budget is presented by the Treasurer.

The Leader of the Opposition should consider very carefully the alternative approach, which is apparently—as he shows—to make policy on the run and to announce measures without any examination. He had his deputy acknowledging proudly that, after 1 July 2017, if she has her way, a nurse or a teacher will not be able to buy an investment property, but should be able to console themselves with buying a home—while at the same time, of course, the person with a substantial investment income will be able to buy that investment property. These are the bizarre and anomalous outcomes that are the consequence of shoddy work and poor consideration.

The government is doing its job. It is considering serious issues seriously. When we have concluded our deliberations, policy will be announced.

Mr Whiteley interjecting—

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