Cory Bernardi (SA, Australian Conservatives) Share this | Hansard source

I will not labour the point, but, Minister, I thank you for that comprehensive answer and for the confirmation that the coalition has abandoned competitive federalism as well as fiscal sanity and prudent spending. But I will make this point: one of the great things about the public advocacy for particular outcomes in policy settings is—you are right—it does apply pressure. But pressure, as well as causing those who are brittle to flake and crumble to dust, can every now and again generate some diamonds. So pressure can be a very, very good thing. I think pressure in this place when applied to people who are committed to principles and upholding values can be a very, very positive thing. Having a public debate about these things is sometimes in our national interest.

This is not a specific criticism of any party or any individual, but too often in politics we are only looking for the expedient quick fix to take the pressure off and to stop the media picking on us or a special interest group from screaming too loudly because it might be inconvenient and drown out the message we want somewhere else. I think that is the wrong way. I think there is an element of that that has occurred in this respect with the government. The fact that pressure was applied by a section of the school community and miraculously $5 billion was conjured out of thin air for the near estimates and a little bit further on I do not think is good public policy. As I said, $5 billion is a significant amount of money. I am disappointed that the attempts by the Australian Conservatives to put some fiscal sanity back into this place have been rejected, but I am very grateful to David Leyonhjelm of the Liberal Democrats. It is not the first time I have heard everyone say how important and good sunset clauses are and how they support them but just not on a particular bill and not on their watch. Somehow they should apply to someone else. It is disappointing, but nonetheless I can read the writing on the wall. I appreciate the courtesy with which you have rejected my pleas to be financially sane.