David Leyonhjelm (NSW, Liberal Democratic Party) Share this | Hansard source

My question is to the Minister for Finance and Minister representing the Treasurer, Senator Cormann. The government's medium-term fiscal strategy is to achieve budget surpluses on average over the course of the economic cycle. Given that the last surplus was in 2007-08, nearly a decade ago, this begs the question: how long do you think the economic cycle goes for? Are there any credible estimates that suggest the economic cycle lasts longer than 12 years, which is the period of continuous deficits from 2007-08 outlined in your most recent budget update? And is there anyone outside the government who believes the government is complying with its own fiscal strategy?