Page 1423 - Week 04 - Thursday, 26 March 2009
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The measure of a recession—that is what I went to in my answer—is usually indicated through high unemployment or increasing unemployment, which we have not seen yet. That is what I was saying. We have not seen the effects of a recession as measured in normal circumstances. We have seen a technical recession. I went on to say in my answer that the technical recession was caused by a drop in two quarters, but particularly in the December quarter, in state final demand. I was not talking about drops in the share market, drops in superannuation investments or drops in other things that we are seeing occur in the economic climate that will be causing hardship to people.
In fact, I have been on the record in this place more than anyone about the challenges facing this community and the fact that in the second appropriation we allocated $3.5 million for that reason. Go back and look at what I said in December around why we were injecting $3.5 million into emergency relief. Why on earth would I, as Treasurer, have brought the second appropriation into this house, which was passed this morning, if I did not think there were families that were doing it tough? The mistake I made was to answer your question, and it is something that I will avoid doing in the future.
MR SPEAKER: A supplementary question, Mr Smyth?
MR SMYTH: Treasurer, why is your statement so out of touch with the facts, as reported by ACTCOSS?
MS GALLAGHER: I think I have explained that, Mr Speaker. Since I became Treasurer, my record has been the second appropriation and the third appropriation, and the next response will be the budget. That shows a government that is listening, a government that is concerned and a government that is aware of the challenges that face this community over the next 12 to 18 months. That puts us in stark contrast to the jokers and comedians that sit on that side of the chamber wasting everyone else’s time in this place. You need to grow up and understand what is going on here.
Alcohol
MS BRESNAN: My question is for the Attorney-General. In March 2008, recognising ongoing problems with alcohol consumption, you released a review of the Liquor Act. Submissions were due by 30 June 2008. Minister, I note that nine months later you are yet to make any comments in the chamber about the review. Could you please provide us with an update on progress to date?
MR CORBELL: I thank Ms Bresnan for the question. Work is progressing on the analysis of the submissions and the development of possible policy responses that the government can adopt to those submissions.
The next stage will be: I intend to release the submissions and the government’s response to those submissions and its preferred way forward as a result of those submissions. We will need to have another round of detailed public consultation on the potential policy responses. Whilst there is some agreement amongst all
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