3AW: Hockey dismissed rift rumours as ‘gossip’ January 19, 2015
Joe Hockey has dismissed reports he had a heated argument with Prime Minister Tony Abbott over the $20 cut to the GP rebate.
It’s claimed the pair are at odds over the proposal, which was dumped following an uproar from doctors and backbenchers.
But Mr Hockey wouldn’t comment on the matter in an interview with Neil Mitchell today.
“One of my New Year’s resolutions was to not engage in gossip,” he said.
“It’s gossip. I supported the decision.”
Meanwhile, Joe Hockey says he still hopes the Andrews Government will change it’s mind on scrapping the East-West Link.
LISTEN: Neil Mitchell’s full interview with Joe Hockey
Labor has suspended all work on the multi-billion dollar project and remains in discussion with the consortium about breaking the contract.
The federal government committed $3 billion to the toll road.
Mr Hockey says there’s been no agreement on whether the federal funds can be re-directed to other Victorian projects.
“We committed the money for the project,” he said.
“It’s not just about the 700 jobs now, it is about improving the traffic flow, shortening the travel time across Melbourne.
“And, importantly, (it’s about) helping to lift our economic activity as a nation.
