In Question Time today, the Abbott Government showed once and for all just how out of touch they are.

 

Despite overseeing a budget train wreck that will hurt millions of ordinary Australians, the Prime Minister had this to say about his flailing, failing Treasurer:

 

I am proud of this Treasurer.

 

Frankly, Madam Speaker, the country should be pleased and grateful…

 

Thank you, Joe Hockey.

 

TONY ABBOTT – QUESTION TIME – 17 JULY 2014

 

The arrogance is astonishing. It’s offensive to every Australian who will be hurt by this Prime Minister’s broken promises.

 

Australians are not thanking Joe Hockey.

 

They aren’t thanking Joe Hockey for his new GP Tax, which will hurt them every time they visit their doctor.

 

Motorists aren’t thanking Joe Hockey for his new petrol tax, which will hit them every time they fill up the car.

 

Families aren’t thanking Joe Hockey for leaving them more than $6000 a year worse off.

 

Australian pensioners aren’t thanking Joe Hockey for cutting their modest pension and increasing the retirement age.

 

They aren’t thanking Tony Abbott or Joe Hockey for the lies they told before the last election.

 

When Coalition members return to their electorates this week, I encourage them to talk to their constituents about the GP Tax, the petrol tax, the cuts and the broken promises.

 

And I encourage Coalition members to ask their community for its gratitude.

 

Ordinary Australians are paying the price for Tony Abbott’s arrogance and incompetence – and he wants their thanks.

 

Labor will continue to fight this budget because it is unfair, short-sighted and based on lies told to the Australian people.

 

THURSDAY, 17 JULY 2014

 

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