State Final Demand

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Leader of the Opposition) (15:13): My question is to the Treasurer. Given it was a major focus at a press conference the Treasurer held early today, can the Treasurer confirm that state final demand actually contracted by 0.2 per cent, not 0.1 per cent as has been claimed by some. Secondly, if that is the case, why didn't the Treasurer save his colleague from embarrassing himself numerous times today in the chamber?

The Hon. R.I. LUCAS (Treasurer) (15:14): The Hansard record will show that the first reference to 0.1 was made by the Leader of the Opposition.

Members interjecting:

The Hon. R.I. LUCAS: Yes, it was. You go to the Hansard.

The PRESIDENT: The Hon. Ms Lee.

The Hon. K.J. MAHER: Supplementary question arising from the answer.

The PRESIDENT: I'm sorry, but you really need to jump up a little bit quicker. I'm sorry. The Hon. Ms Lee.