DOORSTOP - MELBOURNE - SUNDAY, 28 FEBRUARY 2016

28 February 2016

E&OE TRANSCRIPT
DOORSTOP
MELBOURNE 
SUNDAY, 28 FEBRUARY 2016

SUBJECT/S: Malcolm Turnbull has no plan for Australia's economy; Labor’s plan to fund health, education, create a fair tax system and take action on climate change

BILL SHORTEN, LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION: [audio cuts in] To the Moonee Valley Community Festival, this is in the heart of the electorate of Maribyrnong and tens of thousands of families have come out to enjoy the nice weather and learn more about their community and have a lovely, very valued, day out. Today, we also see when we open the newspapers of the nation the Turnbull Government lurches from indecision to crisis to directionless policy. It’s now been 904 days since the Liberals were elected but when it comes to the economy all Mr Turnbull can do is tell Australians that he has a plan to have a plan. After 904 days Australians deserve better. I might also just briefly acknowledge and congratulate all the RSL groups, all the veterans groups and indeed the Labor Party, we've successfully managed to make the Government drop their mean and harsh cuts to having a service for Lone Pine on ANZAC Day at Gallipoli this year. The Liberal Party has given way under the pressure of tens of thousands of veterans, their supporters and the Labor Party who've said that we should be commemorating the battle of Lone Pine at Gallipoli this year. Happy to take questions. 

JOURNALIST: The locals, I guess as well as you, might be buoyed that you're in for a red hot go when it comes to election time? 

SHORTEN: What the locals in my electorate want is the same as locals all across the country. They want to have a fair taxation system, they want to have a priority for Australian jobs, they want to see a properly funded health care system where is it your Medicare card not your credit card which determines the quality of the healthcare you get. They want to see well funded schools, TAFEs and universities and they want to see real action on climate change starting with prioritising renewable energy. By contrast the Liberal Government has been is power for 904 days but when it comes to plans for the economy they've done nothing. Now all Mr Turnbull is promising Australians about the economy is that he has a plan to have a plan. 


ENDS