Typically - and this has only happened every single year that we've covered the budget since 1994, the Minister of Finance would speak to the press after the presentation about the new budget, but not this year. For most of the day, the representatives on the government side appeared deflated and somber, maybe even slightly shell shocked as for the first time ever, the Prime Minister was not the first to present the budget.
The UDP's Wave Radio read the Prime Minister's budget, word for word and line by line on the radio at 7:00 this morning, three hours before the PM even started. The hosts of the morning show explained that it had been leaked to them by a government source. We don't know if that's why, for the first time in the modern media era, the Prime Minister refused to discuss the budget with the press corps as he was whisked away straight from the chamber by his driver.
Jules Vasquez, 7NEWS Director
The money bills, you said you wouldn't pass them in one sitting.
Said Musa,
"Yeah we never planned to pass them today but the Opposition has abdicated its responsibility from debating these measures, from staying, so we decided we would pass them. But of course they will take effect before the debate."
Janelle Chanona, NEWS 5
What about the events of today Mr. Prime Minister?
Said Musa,
"What about the events?"
Janelle Chanona,
There was violence out here.
Said Musa,
"I see..."
Jules Vasquez,
Mr. Prime Minister do you think the $90 million in new taxes is realistic?
Said Musa,
"There is no $90 million in new taxes."
Jules Vasquez,
There is $90 million more projected over last year sir.
Said Musa,
"But not $90 million in new taxes. Check it out."
Jules Vasquez,
$55 million in new taxes, is it realistic?
Said Musa,
"That's more like it."
Jules Vasquez,
Is it realistic sir?
Said Musa,
"We believe so."
