ADAMS: Were joined now by Finance Minister, Penny Wong in our Canberra studio. Senator, good morning to you, thanks for joining us.
WONG: Good to be with you again.
ADAMS: Another day, another drama for Craig Thomson. Whats your reaction to Mr Thomson only making a submission last night after so many months of Labor paying for his legal fees?
WONG: Obviously the declaration probably should have been made earlier, I understand, but hes probably not the first MP whos made a late declaration on both sides of the Parliament, MPs are failed to declare. In terms of the actual issue, thats obviously a matter for him and for the New South Wales branch of the Labor Party. And I understand that that assistance is no longer being provided.
ADAMS: Senator, on the Federal Budget, the first payments of the Governments Schoolkids Bonus could be made to parents as early as June. That must be pretty satisfying, but at the same time there has been some criticism that the $5.6 billion worth of investment which was recommended in the Gonski report has been completely ignored in this Budget.
WONG: I dont think anyone could suggest this Government hasnt made education a priority. Weve almost doubled the funding for schools. There are more young Australians in university than at any time previously, and more kids from disadvantaged backgrounds at university, and weve got massive investment in vocational training in apprentices.
In terms of the Schoolkids Bonus, Im pleased that were getting support for that in the Parliament. I think giving a helping hand to struggling families in terms of their kids education costs is good for those families and its actually the right thing for the country.
ADAMS: The Opposition Leader will give his Budget eply tonight. What are you expecting?
WONG: What he should be telling Australians is why it is that hes opposing cost of living assistance for Australian families. What he should be telling people is why hes so opposed to things which help with cost of living, such as the Schoolkids Bonus.
But tonight I suspect what well see is more wrecking ball from Tony Abbott a bloke who says he should be Prime Minister probably requires a bit more than that. I think Australians deserve to see a bit more than just the same old Say No Tony.
ADAMS: Senator just on another issue, can I ask you, the U.S. President Barack Obama over night has pledged his support for gay marriage. Is it time that Julia Gillard did the same, or at the very least do you think Obamas stance might influence our own domestic debate?
WONG: On this issue people have different views. Ive made my view clear. But I understand there are others in the community who have different views and this will be a debate that will continue, and no doubt when the Parliament has to consider it, the issue will be debated even further. But Ive made my views on equality very clear.
ADAMS: Alright, Senator Wong well have to leave it there. Thank you very much for joining us this morning.
WONG: Thanks, good to be with you.
ENDS