Page 198 - Week 01 - Wednesday, 10 December 2008
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Budget—strategy
MR SMYTH: Mr Speaker, my question is to the Treasurer. Treasurer, yesterday, in answer to a question from Mrs Dunne in relation to your statement on economic cycles, you said:
… I do not think there is uniform agreement about what constitutes an economic cycle.
Treasurer, what are the different views of economic commentators on what constitutes an economic cycle?
Mr Corbell: Mr Speaker, I raise a point of order. I do not see how this relates directly to the Treasurer’s portfolio responsibilities. Mr Smyth has asked a question in relation to commentary in the academic community about what an economic cycle is. I do not think that falls within the direct portfolio responsibilities of the Treasurer.
Mr Seselja: Mr Speaker, on the point of order: if economics and economic cycles, as are referred to so often by the Treasurer and others, are not part of her Treasury portfolio, I think most people would be surprised. I think it is a real stretch for Mr Corbell to suggest that economic cycles and questions around them and what goes to informing them are somehow outside her responsibilities as a minister.
MR SPEAKER: I agree, Mr Seselja. The Treasurer has the call to answer the question.
MS GALLAGHER: Thank you, Mr Speaker. I thank the shadow treasurer for the question. I am happy to forward you a list of relevant reading material from the academic literature to make my point.
MR SPEAKER: Mr Smyth, do you have a supplementary question?
MR SMYTH: Thank you, Mr Speaker. Treasurer, why did you use the phrase “economic cycle” when you had no idea what it means?
MS GALLAGHER: Well, I do have an idea what it means, and that is why I used it.
Mr Smyth: You do, but you just cannot tell us.
MS GALLAGHER: I did. I told you yesterday my view of it.
Schools—enrolments
MS LE COUTEUR: My question is to the Minister for Education and Training. Can the minister advise the Assembly what impact the new Kingsford Smith superschool has had on year 7 enrolments in neighbouring west Belconnen high schools and what the fall in enrolments has been?
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