Katy Gallagher (ACT, Australian Labor Party, Minister for the Public Service) Share this | Hansard source

I thank you very much. As I've said in previous answers, the decisions we took in this budget were to ensure that for the spending where we had to spend and where we needed to spend, including in targeted, calibrated cost-of-living relief for vulnerable households in this country, we did it in a way that didn't add to inflation. That is the advice from Treasury. That is what you will see if you make it past the glossy in the budget papers, and I suggest you read it. No doubt we will go through this in estimates.

Well, I have had a number of discussions. I presume you selectively quote, Senator Birmingham, with due respect. I have had a number of conversations, and, indeed, there are a number of opinions across the economic field, across economists. What a surprise that is! In the ones that I've just had this morning, their view is, in the worst scenario: neutral. That is the assessment of some. You choose to selectively quote others. So be it. We're in a contest here. I understand that. (Time expired)