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

My question is directed to the Treasurer. Why was the Treasurer prepared to be brave at the Waters Edge Restaurant and say to journalists that he would destroy the Prime Minister’s leadership but never, ever have the guts to challenge?

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

It brings to mind another statement from one of my esteemed colleagues. When I was at school, the schoolteacher said, ‘Son, what you need is a brave heart.’

Opposition Members:

Opposition members interjecting—

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

Order! The Treasurer will resume his seat. The member for Denison is warned. I call the Treasurer and the Treasurer will be heard.

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

Thank you, Mr Speaker. You need a brave heart. What you need to do in Australian politics to show bravery is to put in place those policies that will change your country: things like balancing a budget—that takes bravery; things like paying off $96 billion of debt—that takes bravery; things like reforming the taxation system—that takes bravery; things like introducing a new tax system—that takes policy bravery; reforming industrial relations, establishing the Future Fund, establishing a higher education endowment fund—doing all of those things which will set up Australia for the great challenges of the future. But let me tell you, Mr Speaker, what does not take bravery in politics. What does not take bravery is when you sit around and oppose every policy and then try to claim credit when it is over.

Anthony Albanese (Grayndler, Australian Labor Party, Manager of Opposition Business in the House) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Mr Speaker, a point of order on relevance: the Treasurer is not answering the question.

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

I have listened carefully to the question. I believe the Treasurer is certainly referring to some of the points raised in the question.

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

I am taking this opportunity because—

Bob McMullan (Fraser, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Federal/State Relations) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

No guts, no glory!

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

The member for Fraser is warned.

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

I am taking this opportunity because this is the second last question before they move the censure motion. The member for Lilley has one more question and then he will move the censure motion. I am taking the opportunity in answer to this question to talk about those things that require decisiveness in the interests of our country. I want to make the point to the people of Australia who are listening today that the Leader of the Opposition has not shown any interest in a single policy today.

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

Mr Speaker, on a point of order: we know who has guts. The Leader of the Opposition has got guts—

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

The member for Lilley will resume his seat. That is not a point of order.

Tony Abbott (Warringah, Liberal Party, Leader of the House) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Mr Speaker, on a point of order: under the procedures of the House, points of order must be genuine, not rhetorical tricks. This is a consistent abuse of the procedures of the House by members opposite and should be dealt with.

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

The Leader of the House raises a valid point of order. The member for Lilley should be well aware that if he wants to raise a point of order he will raise a point of order; otherwise, I will deal with him.

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

I want to say this: what does not take any leadership in this parliament is to stand up here and oppose every change and then, when it is over, try and take credit for the result. We know this is not an economic conservative. We know this is a policy vacuum. The people of Australia will know there has not been a question today about anything that concerns them: a job, child care, the environment, interest rates. This has been an attempt to try and get through 10 questions whilst keeping off policy. There is one more before he moves his censure and we look forward to it.