Andrew Murray (WA, Australian Democrats) Share this | Hansard source

My question is to the Minister representing the Treasurer, Senator Conroy. Through you, Mr President: Minister, given the concern about inflation and high public spending, is the government presently intending to reduce both direct budget spending and indirect tax expenditures? Does the minister recall the recently released OECD study that said that in Australia tax reform has mainly benefited higher income groups? Is the government aware of criticisms that upper- and middle-class welfare has become entrenched? Is the government aware of criticisms that the government supports rich seniors getting the same benefits as poor pensioners? To contain costs, will the government introduce means testing wherever possible and end welfare to those who can afford to pay their own way?