Senator WONG (South Australia—Minister for Finance and Deregulation) (14:08): I thank Senator Wortley for the question. The fact is that those on this side understand the need for budget discipline. Those on the other side are led by a man who is a risk to the Australian economy and a risk to the budget surplus. The fact is that the economic and fiscal circumstances in which the nation finds itself do require the sort of fiscal discipline the government is demonstrating. We are moving, in this economy, from a period of short-term softness as a result of the patchwork economy, the high dollar and natural disasters—all of which the opposition wish to ignore—to a period of long-term strength as the mining boom gathers pace. The budget we presented to this parliament recognises this. It puts in place strict spending discipline and builds surpluses in the years ahead so that government does not compound price pressures in the economy. The issue is that those on the other side like to talk about budget discipline and they like to talk about surpluses. There is a lot of talk. But, to deliver a surplus, you have to ensure you put in place savings measures. Those on that side, who like to pretend they are fiscal conservatives, should explain to the Australian people— Senator Fifield: Pretend? That is four deficits! Senator WONG: They pretend they are fiscal conservatives— Senator Fifield: Four deficits in a row! You're the one with the deficits! Senator WONG: You would be embarrassed, Senator Fifield, by where your leader is taking you. Senator Fifield interjecting— Senator WONG: I understand why you are shouting at me. It is because you would be embarrassed by where Mr Abbott is taking you—a completely reckless approach to the budget, an absolute risk to the economy and a risk to the budget. Senator Fifield worked for Mr Costello long enough to know you do not get a surplus without getting savings measures in place. But you have your shadow Treasurer and your leader out there opposing the government's savings measures. You ought to be ashamed of yourself, Senator Fifield.