Joe Ludwig (Queensland, Australian Labor Party, Manager of Government Business in the Senate) Share this | Hansard source

As much as I can answer that, it is usual practice—and I think the opposition did this when they were in government—that matters relating to the budget are announced on budget night; they are not usually advised prior to that. What we did say prior to the election was that we would meet our election commitments but that the detail of those specific matters would be available from 7.30 on Tuesday night for people to read and examine.

I am pleased to see Senator Watson has read Budget Paper No. 2. I am sure he has also looked at all the other commitments in the health portfolio that will assist Tasmanians more broadly. As I was saying, those health issues go to bringing total investment in health and ageing to over $50 billion for the first time, unlike the opposition when they were in government— (Time expired)