TRANSCRIPT

of

THE HON PETER COSTELLO MP

FEDERAL MEMBER FOR HIGGINS

Doorstop

St Paul’s Cathedral, Melbourne

12.30pm

E & OE

SUBJECTS:      The Hon Peter Howson CMG; Joe Hockey

MR COSTELLO:

Well I just want to pay tribute to Peter Howson.  He was a fine servant of the Australian people, a wonderful Minister.  He leaves behind him a fine legacy and although it is a sad day it is a life lived to the full, a war hero, a Minister of the Crown, a Member of Parliament – a great Australian.

JOURNALIST:

Your life in politics – it is obviously not over.  Were you offered the Shadow Treasurer’s position yesterday?

MR COSTELLO:

Oh I don’t want to go into those things.

JOURNALIST:

Can you confirm – did you say there is only one job you would do as a front bencher?

MR COSTELLO:

I don’t want to go into those things.  I think the most important thing is that Joe Hockey take up the economic attack on the Government.  It is a wonderful opportunity for Joe.  It is something that he thoroughly deserves and I rang him yesterday and congratulated him and offered him every help.   Joe was my junior Minister for quite some time and I am very happy to help him.

JOURNALIST:

It is largely being overshadowed though by speculation that you were offered it first.  Can you clarify?

MR COSTELLO:

Well I don’t know who is putting that speculation out there.  So you would have to ask them.

JOURNALIST:

Can you…

MR COSTELLO:

I think the most important thing is to back Joe.

JOURNALIST:

Can you…

MR COSTELLO:

Okay thanks.

JOURNALIST:

Can you rule out a return to the front bench?

MR COSTELLO:

Okay thanks.