Chris Bowen (McMahon, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Treasurer) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is to the Prime Minister. Earlier in question time, the Treasurer confirmed that a debt level of 50 to 60 per cent of GDP would see Australia lose its AAA credit ratings. Does the Prime Minister stand by his statement that such a level would be 'a pretty good result'?

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

Madam Speaker, I never said that. I never said that. Debt as a percentage of GDP, which would have been 120 per cent under the policies of the former government, is about 60 per cent under the policies of this government. Now, that is too high. We want to get it in a much, much better situation than that. That is what I said. That is what I said, and the shadow Treasurer should not set out to mislead.

Mrs Bronwyn Bishop (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The honourable Manager of Opposition Business on a point of order?

Mr Tony Burke (Watson, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Finance) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Thanks, Madam Speaker. I seek leave to table a transcript which includes the quote from the Prime Minister, a ratio of debt to—

Mrs Bronwyn Bishop (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

This is not the correct time to deal with this. The member will resume his seat.

Mr Burke interjecting—

You are attempting to have argument in question time. That is what you are doing.