Fiona Nash (NSW, National Party, Assistant Minister for Health) Share this | Hansard source

Thank you, Mr President. The ADCA, that I recently took the decision to discontinue funding for, is part of a number of organisations that provide advice to the government. I took the decision to cease that funding in the knowledge of two very carefully thought out processes. One is the fact that—

Opposition senators interjecting—

If those opposite listened, they might learn something. One is the fact that there is a range of organisations that provide advice to the government, as those opposite would well know. One of the things that this government has undertaken is to ensure that we reduce duplication where we can. The other thing I took into consideration was the fact that the previous government left this government with a $200 billion net debt. I can indicate to senators on the other side, if they are not already aware, that the Australian people expect this new government to appropriately consider organisations for their efficacy and their fiscal responsibility when it comes to appropriately spending taxpayers' money. Every single dollar of taxpayers' money—

Honourable senators interjecting—