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

You know, Mr President, I just tried to explain to the Senate why it is important that this parliament do the big things, starting with budget repair, which will make all else possible, which will make possible the good schools, the good hospitals, the good health system, the good welfare system for the next generation and for generations beyond. That is what I was trying to explain to the Senate. What does Senator Wong do in her very first question to me as the re-elected Leader of the Opposition in the Senate? She goes the low road. She goes the low road into the petty politics, because the Australian Labor Party love the petty politics. But when it comes to the big policy choices, that is beyond them. That is well beyond them.

Senator Wong, I assume that you were referring to reports in this morning's Australian newspaper concerning an alleged discussion in cabinet. I, of course, would never disclose what is said in cabinet, but I can tell you, Senator Wong, that that report is completely wrong.