TREASURER:
Can I say: I am not going to engage in speculation on gossip, full stop. I am focused on jobs, on how we can help families and on lowering the cost of living. Please, I say to Australia and the Australian media in particular, focus on what matters. And to everyday Australians – what matters to them, is their jobs, is the cost of living; is how we go about creating hope for the future.
REPORTER:
Will you be pushing to ensure that [inaudible] Cabinet meeting?
TREASURER:
Absolutely. Key focus is on how we are going to build a stronger economy, create more jobs, have a small business package, deal with unlawful foreign investment in Australian homes. We are focused on the things that matter to everyday Australians.
REPORTER:
Are you concerned about the chatter surrounding the leadership – you know?
TREASURER:
You know, this has become part and parcel of everyday Australian politics. We have had five Prime Ministers in, what seven years? I think Australians want stability. I think Australians want the government to focus on what matters to them. So, I would say to everyone in government and in Parliament, forget about your own job and focus on the jobs of everyday Australians.
REPORTER:
How frustrating is it that some of your colleagues are publicly criticising Tony Abbott and pushing the leadership [inaudible].
TREASURER:
The more colleagues and Members of Parliament, Ministers, and everyone else – the more Members of Parliament that focus on their own jobs, the more likely they are going to lose them. They should focus on the jobs of everyday Australians. I have got to go and do an interview. Thanks, thanks.