Joe Hockey (North Sydney, Liberal Party, Shadow Treasurer) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is to the Treasurer. Can the Treasurer confirm that he had a meeting with the Western Australian Premier on 19 April 2010, at which the Premier informed him of his plan to increase royalties on iron ore finds? Given that the Treasurer has now had a meeting, a phone call and a briefing note, does the Treasurer still stand by his words that 'Mr Barnett did not communicate that he was going to do this to us'?

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

I do stand by my words, and I also draw the member's attention to what the Premier himself said publicly—

Joe Hockey (North Sydney, Liberal Party, Shadow Treasurer) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

No, answer the question!

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

I have answered the question. You asked me whether I stood by my words. I have said that I do, and I draw your attention to the words of the Western Australian Premier on 21 October: 'The state has no intention of increasing royalties, but we will certainly preserve the right to do so.' And that was after, you idiot.

Harry Jenkins (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Order! The Treasurer will withdraw.

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

I withdraw.