Mr SWAN (Lilley—Deputy Prime Minister and Treasurer) (14:49): This government is very serious about fiscal policy. And we have proved that, every year that we have been in government. We have put in place a fiscal policy which has had the big tick from the OECD, from the World Bank, from the IMF and, most particularly, from the rating agencies. We have a AAA, gold-plated rating from the three major rating agencies, for the first time in our history—something not achieved by those on the other side of the House. That is the first time in our history we have had that from the three major rating agencies globally. And why do we have that? Because, firstly, we took the responsible steps during the global financial crisis to stimulate our economy and to support jobs and families—understanding, based on Labor values, that we would protect people from the ravages of a global recession, because we understand what unemployment means to people. We understand what it means to dignity. We understand what it means to communities. We understand all of these things because they are based on our values and our sound policies. And when we did that we were opposed by everyone opposite; the Leader of the Opposition slept through the critical debate that saved Australia from the global recession. At the same time that we did that, we put in place the fiscal policy to bring our budget back to surplus over time and to put in place a set of fiscal rules— Mr Hartsuyker: Madam Deputy Speaker, I rise on a point of order on relevance. The question was about the weaving workshop and the tea salon. The DEPUTY SPEAKER: The member for Cowper will resume his seat. The Acting Prime Minister has the call. Mr SWAN: It was a question about fiscal policy, Madam Deputy Speaker, and I am answering it directly. Nothing could be more important to the peace of mind of the Australian people than a very sound fiscal policy. But that is not understood by those opposite. The shadow Treasurer admitted on morning television that there was a $70 billion crater in his budget bottom line. He said it on TV, sitting beside the environment minister, and now he claims it did not happen. For the past two years this country has had to suffer the Leader of the Opposition going from shop to shop and town to town talking doom and gloom, talking our economy down and talking up a horror show wherever he has gone. But he has gone missing in action for the past week. He has been nowhere to be found for the past week. All we have had from the Leader of the Opposition for the past week is radio silence. After his interview with Lisa Wilkinson on Friday, he retreated. Perhaps there were things in his past that he did not want to talk about. Perhaps he was deeply worried about the political implications of what is going on in New South Wales and in Victoria. The DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order! The Acting Prime Minister will return to the question. Ms Julie Bishop: On a point of order, Madam Deputy Speaker: this would be as relevant as talking about the vandalism of an electorate office in 1996. If that is not relevant, how can this possibly be? The DEPUTY SPEAKER: As the Deputy Leader of the Opposition was making her way to the dispatch box, I was already asking the Acting Prime Minister to return to the question. Mr SWAN: I am talking about the importance and seriousness of fiscal policy. Those on that side of the House do not have one and they are unfit for high office. Mr Alexander: Madam Deputy Speaker, I seek leave to table an article from the Financial Review detailing the $120 billion black hole. Mr Mitchell interjecting— Leave not granted. Mr Albanese: I table the full list of Queensland Public Service redundancies so that those opposite can see where people are being sacked. Mr Briggs: On a point of order, Madam Deputy Speaker: the member for McEwen made a highly inappropriate comment and he should withdraw. The DEPUTY SPEAKER: The member for McEwen will withdraw. Mr Mitchell: I withdraw. The DEPUTY SPEAKER: I thank the member for McEwen. Mr Tony Smith interjecting— The DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order! The member for Casey is not assisting the dignity of this parliament. Maybe I will send all the emails I get at the end of question time to you all and you can reflect on how the public view your behaviour.