State Finances

The Hon. I.F. EVANS (Davenport) (14:57): As the government has not produced a budget in this term of parliament, which the Treasurer has just referred to, how is it unfair for the opposition to ask a question on the budgetary performance at the last two budgets and quote back to the government the former treasurer's explanation as to what is borrowing to pay wages? How is that unfair, when you haven't delivered a budget in this parliamentary session?

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS (West Torrens—Treasurer, Minister for Finance, Minister for State Development, Minister for Mineral Resources and Energy, Minister for Small Business) (14:58): Because that is not what you asked. What the member for Davenport is attempting to do, Mr Speaker, after a very, very bad week for the opposition, is change the subject. The subject is this: this government is confronted with a once-in-a-generation task.

We have a federal government that has declared war on health and education and has declared war on the families of South Australia. We will answer that and, when we do answer that, we will see what members opposite say about our answer, because they are the ones who support the commonwealth budget. They are the only Liberal organisation in the country to still support what Tony Abbott is doing.

The SPEAKER: Is the Treasurer finished? That will obviate the necessity to take the deputy leader's point of order. The member for Morialta is called to order. The member for Finniss.