Mathias Cormann (WA, Liberal Party, Shadow Assistant Treasurer) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

asked the Minister representing the Treasurer, upon notice, on 14 January 2013:

With reference to the removal of the word 'surplus' from the online version of the Budget 2012-13, in particular, the sentences 'The budget is returning to surplus as promised, with surpluses growing over the forward estimates. A surplus is appropriate given our strong economic fundamentals and an economy returning to growth':

(1) When was the decision made by the Treasurer to retrospectively change the online version of the Budget 2012-13 to remove certain references to 'surplus'.

(2) If the decision to remove the word 'surplus' was not made by the Treasurer, who made this decision.

(3) When was the removal of the word 'surplus' from the Budget 2012-13 website first discussed with the department.

(4) On what date did the Treasurer decide to replace the above sentences with 'Our strong fiscal position sends a strong message to international investors on the Government's commitment to fiscal discipline and provides a buffer in uncertain economic times'.

(5) Was the new text for the website drafted by the Treasurer's office or the department.

Penny Wong (SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Finance and Deregulation) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The Treasurer has provided the following answer to the honourable senator's question:

There has been no change to the 2012-13 Budget documents. Government websites are regularly updated to ensure members of the public have access to up to date and relevant information.