George Brandis (Queensland, Liberal Party, Shadow Attorney-General) Share this | Hansard source

Mr President, before I ask my question to Senator Conroy, representing the Prime Minister, can I join with Senator Abetz in congratulating him on his election as Leader of the Government in the Senate and—I am sure on behalf of all senators—in expressing the profound hope that between now and 14 September Ms Gillard and Mr Swan do not find themselves overseas at the same time!

I remind the minister that on more than 650 occasions in the last three years members of the government have promised that it would deliver a budget surplus in 2012-13. Just like the Prime Minister's promise not to introduce a carbon tax 'under the government I lead', why did the Prime Minister break this promise that the budget 'would be back in the black and back in surplus in 2012-13'?