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

My question is to the Treasurer. Why did the Treasurer fail to deny Mr Milne’s statement and his destabilising activities in the government?

Peter Costello (Higgins, Liberal Party, Treasurer) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I comprehensively answered this question before, and I will do it again. If the question is, ‘Do I think there is risk in the Australian economy?’ then the answer is yes. I will say that to the House and I will say that to the people of Australia, as I just have. There is risk in the Australian economy, and let me repeat: there is so much risk in the Australian economy that you cannot trust the Labor Party to run it. You are going to hear me say that hundreds if not thousands of times between now and the next election.

Jenny Macklin (Jagajaga, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Families and Community Services) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Ms Macklin interjecting

David Hawker (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The member for Jagajaga is warned!

Peter Costello (Higgins, Liberal Party, Treasurer) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

We are stronger now that we do not carry $96 billion worth of debt. We are stronger now that we have had nine surplus budgets. We are stronger now that we have established the Future Fund. We are stronger now that we have reformed the tax system. We are stronger now that we have Work Choices. Are we strong enough to withstand a Labor government? No way!

Sophie Mirabella (Indi, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Mrs Mirabella interjecting

David Hawker (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Order! The member for Indi!

Graham Edwards (Cowan, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Parliamentary Secretary (Defence and Veterans' Affairs)) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Why don’t you warn her?

David Hawker (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The member for Cowan!

Graham Edwards (Cowan, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Parliamentary Secretary (Defence and Veterans' Affairs)) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Mr Edwards interjecting

David Hawker (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The member for Cowan is warned!

Graham Edwards (Cowan, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Parliamentary Secretary (Defence and Veterans' Affairs)) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Mr Edwards interjecting

David Hawker (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The member for Cowan will remove himself under standing order 94(a).

The member for Cowan then left the chamber.