Doorstop Interview

70 Phillip Street, Sydney

Tuesday, 25 September 2007

9 am

SUBJECTS: Drought assistance, Election ’07, future vision

JOURNALIST:

(inaudible). 

TREASURER:

I think it is important we give every assistance we can to our farmers at a time when they have been hit so hard.  It looked like the drought was going to break early in the season.  Many farmers got their crops in the ground but the follow up rain has been really disappointing and we could be back in the worst drought we have had in 100 years.  And so we have to make sure that we support farmers and rural communities through this. 

JOURNALIST:

Will it allow them, will it encourage them to actually leave the land or just help them get through this tough time?

TREASURER:

Well I think there has got be income support to keep food on the table during the period of the drought.  Some of course may be thinking about moving on from the farm and you have to look at exit packages for those that want to do that voluntarily.  But the most important thing is to keep food on the table. 

JOURNALIST:

Many farmers have actually (inaudible) their entire retirement fund…

JOURNALIST:

Do you think the Labor Party is starting to already believe they are in government? 

TREASURER:

Kevin Rudd is measuring up the curtains at the Prime Minister’s residence, there is no doubt about that.  He thinks he has got it in the bag.  The trade unions are now dividing up the spoils, they want to return to the slush funds that they have been making available to the Labor Party.  But I say this: the Australian public will decide who the next government is.  Not the trade unions.  Not the Labor Party and they shouldn’t get so cocky. 

JOURNALIST:

(Inaudible) Mr Turnbull has clarified his position on the leadership handover?

TREASURER:

Well the Australian public are going to decide who forms the next government.  There is still an election to go and we are going to put forward for the Australian public our plans for the future.  I want to tell them about my vision for the future and I want to make sure that the Australian public have the opportunity to endorse a positive future that will make Australia a better country. 

JOURNALIST:

Another poll out today shows that you are still trailing behind.  Are you getting sick of (inaudible)?

TREASURER:

Well look, I have got a vision for Australia’s future.  A vision where we can build a strong environment.  Where there are jobs for those that want to work.  Where we have a low tax situation.  And I want to share with the Australian public a positive future that will make Australia a better country.  We don’t want a trade union future for this country.  We don’t want Labor factions running this country.  We want a positive future, we want a better country and that is what I am about.  Thanks.