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

Thank you, Senator Chandler, but it doesn't change my answer. I think the budget that we handed down shows the respect with which we hold the Australian people, because it responds to the pressures that are being experienced now, responds to essential services going forward and creates space to grab the opportunities that come for the future. It's a story about meeting the Australian people's needs now, investing in services and growing the economy so more people get more opportunities in the future. This is a very responsible budget, and I think it pays respect to the Australian people. In terms of the budget repair story, we will be borrowing less—significantly less—under this budget and under the repair strategy that we've implemented, so I don't accept Senator Chandler's proposition. We will borrow $300 billion less, and we will pay $83 billion less in interest. (Time expired)