John Gilroy (Labour)

Anywhere the hand falls within this programme will be seen as unpalatable and sometimes unfair. The Opposition may argue these measures are unfair but we see them as unpalatable. We regret them and hate implementing those measures because they are terrible. They are necessary, none the less, and the Opposition would act similarly in our position. There is no point in being pious.

I do not agree that the Minister's actions have been wonderful or positive but she has achieved a remarkable result in protecting core welfare payments and having as few reductions as she has. There is a 2% reduction in the Department's funding, and the Minister is to be commended on keeping the reductions so small and protecting her Department. She has done the nation a great service.