House debates Statements by Members

Liberal Party of Australia

Tuesday, 25 June 2024 House of Representatives

Andrew Charlton

Andrew Charlton Parramatta, Australian Labor Party

1:58 pm

I'd like the House to take a moment to mark the death of the shadow Treasurer's economic policy principles. Many in this House will fondly remember the back-to-basics economic principles so lovingly nurtured by the shadow Treasurer, including his two favourite principles: smaller government and project commerciality. It is with great sadness that I report that, on Wednesday last week, at the tender age of just two years and one month, both of the shadow Treasurer's principles were brutally killed by the Leader of the Opposition. The cause of death? Being thrown under a bus! Autopsy results have shown that the small-government agenda was crushed under the weight of a $600 billion, taxpayer funded nuclear program. Forensic evidence of the crime scene shows that the second principle of commerciality was starved through the cruel neglect of private sector investors who just weren't interested.

Angus Taylor

Angus Taylor Hume, Liberal Party, Shadow Treasurer

You used to be in favour of nuclear! What happened?

Opposition members interjecting—

Andrew Charlton

Andrew Charlton Parramatta, Australian Labor Party

Members opposite are interjecting. But you're not angry at me; you're angry at him.

Milton Dick

Milton Dick Speaker

Order! Members on my left.

Andrew Charlton

Andrew Charlton Parramatta, Australian Labor Party

He's the one who just shredded your economic conservative credentials. Friends, our thoughts—

Honourable members interjecting—

Milton Dick

Milton Dick Speaker

Order! Members on my left will cease interjecting.

Andrew Charlton

Andrew Charlton Parramatta, Australian Labor Party

are with the Shadow Treasurer. After being mugged by the economic policies of his leader, it's not so much back to basics for Angus as it is back to the drawing board.

Milton Dick

Milton Dick Speaker

Order! The member for Charlton is reminded to refer to members by their correct title. In accordance with standing order 43, the time for members' statements has concluded.