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

Senator Cormann’s best mate, the Western Australia Treasurer, Mr Troy Buswell, was on Lateline last Thursday. He is responsible for the state government of Western Australia’s economic response. When asked about the idea of cutting back the stimulus package, the Western Australian Liberal Treasurer said, ‘No, I think it would be far too premature to argue for the Commonwealth to pull back on the stimulatory package.’ So on the occasions when the opposition want to argue for this, they ought to talk to their own state colleagues. They know that the stimulus package is creating and supporting jobs in Western Australia. They know it is essential to the development of Western Australia and long-term productivity gains. I wish the federal opposition here would be more responsible and support this very necessary measure to stimulate the Australian economy. (Time expired)