THE HON. JOHN HOWARD, PETER
COSTELLO AND SIMON CREAN
Right. Buzzers working. John Howard?
Buzz.
Peter Costello?
Buzz.
Simon Crean?
Buzz.
Right. OK. If you were letting the market run the economy and the market fell over, what would you do?
(No one answers.)
Are those buzzers working? John Howard?
Buzz.
Peter Costello?
Buzz.
Simon Crean?
Buzz.
We’ll go on to the next one. If you deregulated the financial markets and took away all the rules, what rules would then govern the behaviour of the financial markets? (No one answers. Bryan talks to the director.) Shane we’ve got a problem here. Are these buzzers working?
Yes.
Are those buzzers working? John Howard?
Buzz.
Peter Costello?
Buzz.
Simon Crean?
Buzz.
We’ll try another one. If you went into business to make a huge amount of money, and you had to give your shareholders anything that was left over, why would there be anything left over? John Howard, you must know the answer to this.
Can I phone a friend?
Yes, let’s phone a friend. We’re dialling the number now. Hello?
(Peter Costello answers.) Hello?
No, John, you can’t call Peter. (Turns to next question.) Here’s one you’ll all get. What is superannuation?
Buzz.
John Howard?
Smaller?
Buzz.
Peter Costello?
It used to be an amount of money you put aside for when you retired.
Good, but I want to know what it is now.
Buzz.
Simon Crean?
Is it something to do with the 60/40 Rule?
No, Simon. Final question. General question. What is humanity?
Buzz.
John Howard?
The guy who runs Western Mining?
No, that’s Hugh Morgan.
Buzz.
Peter Costello?
Is it something to do with Philip Ruddock?
No, I’m afraid it’s not.
Buzz.
Simon Crean?
Is it when there’s no opposition?
No, that’s Australia. (A new person enters.) Hello? Who are you?
I’m Ray Williams.
And what’s your problem Ray?
Buzzzzzzzzzz.
(All buzzers buzz forever.)