Chris Evans (WA, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Government in the Senate) Share this | Hansard source

I can assure the senator that we will not be taking our economic advice from the Canberra Liberals and any stunts they may pull in the election campaign. What we are is focused on the needs of pensioners and Australian families and on providing the sort of financial security they know that they need and the sort of leadership that is required in these difficult times. That is what we are focused on. As I said, we made a huge down payment in the last budget to try and improve the lot of pensioners, carers and the disabled. We have committed to trying to fundamentally reform the payment system that supports them, and we will continue to act in a responsible, measured way that is in the best interests of all Australians and the national economy.