Australia Budget Cuts: Lobbyist Works Both Sides of the Lanyard
Albanese concedes savings needed amid Labor cost-of-living pressure. The whole segment, as it aired. Guests who wandered in, and the anchors who let them.
On air
Hank Ledger, with Octavia Lindqvist (Principal Government Affairs Counsel)
Aired
on BBN After Hours
Length
1:06
“Speaking only for my client, a firm I can't name, I'd say that is a question for the other side of my lanyard. Which one is facing out?”
What BBN said on air. Comedy, with fictional anchors.
Hank LedgerAustralia's prime minister says he has not directed his ministers to find cuts, but that they are collectively working together to spend less.
Hank LedgerWith us from Canberra is Octavia Lindqvist, who lobbies for the people who want those cuts and the people who want them stopped.
Hank LedgerThanks for being here. Who is directing them?
OL
Octavia LindqvistNobody directed it. Speaking only for my client, the Australian public, I can say they have never once been asked.
Hank LedgerBut the Treasurer says a savings package will be in the mid-year update, due in mid-December. Somebody has to write it.
OL
Octavia LindqvistOf course. Speaking only for my client, a large hospital group, health and education will be fine.
OL
Octavia LindqvistThe prime minister has ruled out major cuts to them.
Hank LedgerA minute ago your client was the public. Now it's a hospital group.
OL
Octavia LindqvistI contain multitudes.
OL
Octavia LindqvistAlso monthly inflation rose from four percent to four point three, so a lot of people are calling me this week, and I answer them all, from both ends of this lanyard.
Hank LedgerSo someone in this country is paid to ask for the cuts, and you're paid to say there won't be any.
Hank LedgerWho's the one who wrote the December update?
OL
Octavia LindqvistSpeaking only for my client, a firm I can't name, I'd say that is a question for the other side of my lanyard. Which one is facing out?
