Meeting was about ‘fattening the pig’: Hockey

Opposition Federal treasury spokesman Joe Hockey has claimed the Gillard Government’s 35th community cabinet in Brand was about ‘‘fattening the pig for market day’’ and was ingratiating itself instead of dealing with the real issues.

Mr Hockey made the comments at a community forum and claimed it was pure coincidence he was also in Brand the same day as the Prime Minister.

He said he was optimistic about Donna Gordin’s chances of deposing Labor incumbent Gary Gray.

‘‘Every electorate needs to have a choice and Donna is a formidable candidate here against Gary Gray,’’ Mr Hockey said.

‘‘She is indefatigable — I think anyone with that sort of hootspa deserves all the support they can muster.’’

Mr Hockey said the Labor Party just ‘‘ticked the box’’ with Brand, while Kim Beazley was the local member, and said the electorate was crying out for action.

‘‘They (the community) will not cop an unemployment rate amongst young people over 30 per cent,’’ he said.

‘‘They will not cop second-rate treatment.’’