Wednesday, 14 August 2024

Health funding

John PESUTTO (Hawthorn – Leader of the Opposition) (14:12): My question is to the Premier. This morning the Treasurer confirmed $1.5 billion in new taxes and service cuts to cover recently announced hospital funding. What services will be cut?

Jacinta ALLAN (Bendigo East – Premier) (14:13): I thank the Leader of the Opposition for his question, and I say at the outset that the Treasurer said no such thing this morning, so the proposition that has been put in the Leader of the Opposition’s question is not correct. As I said in my answer earlier to the Leader of the Opposition’s question, our government is firmly focused on continuing to deliver frontline services to our growing community, particularly as, whether it is in hospitals or in our schools or in other areas that families rely on government services for, the ongoing impacts of the pandemic are being felt across our community. We will continue to support our community. We will continue to support families in our communities. I can understand the Leader of the Opposition’s focus on cuts, because that is exactly what his government did.

David Southwick: On a point of order, Speaker, the Premier is debating the question. I ask you to bring her back to answering the question of what services will be cut. Simple.

The SPEAKER: The Premier had strayed into debating the question, but I think she has concluded her answer.

John PESUTTO (Hawthorn – Leader of the Opposition) (14:14): This morning the Treasurer confirmed $1.5 billion in new taxes and service cuts to cover recently announced hospital funding. What new taxes will be introduced?

Jacinta ALLAN (Bendigo East – Premier) (14:14): Again, the proposition that is being put by the Leader of the Opposition in his question is wrong. It is wrong, just to be clear to the Leader of the Opposition.

Members interjecting.

Jacinta ALLAN: I am a little worried. The Leader of the Opposition might take his bat and ball and go home if he does not really like the answer. I am a little worried about him.

Members interjecting.

The SPEAKER: Leader of the Opposition, your disregard for the rules of the chamber is becoming a little untenable. I ask you to come to order. You do not speak unless you are called. The Premier has concluded her answer.