Kelly O'Dwyer (Higgins, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

Madam Acting Deputy Speaker Andrews, it is wonderful to see you in the leadership position in that chair.

All politics and no policy—Labor continues to spin a series of myths to score short-term political points to the detriment of all Australians. In his budget reply speech, the Leader of the Opposition said: 'Gone, $50 billion from hospital funding to states.' This is untrue. It is another of Labor's economic myths. The budget does not cut funding for health. Overall annual health spending will increase by more than $10 billion over the next four years. Spending from 2017-18 will be put on a sustainable footing, but will continue to grow every year.

The Labor Party currently have an online petition to save Medicare, as they allege it is under attack by the government. This also is untrue; it is another Labor myth. Ten years ago the Commonwealth was spending $8 billion a year on Medicare; today it is spending $20 billion. The modest co-payment will ensure that Medicare is sustainable for future generations. In fact, it is the coalition, not the Labor Party, that is seeking to save Medicare.

Labor members constantly refer to pension cuts—another myth. The pension will not change during this term of parliament. It will continue to increase twice a year, as it always has. Even after the next election, pensions will continue to increase every year; however, they will continue to do so in line with the cost of living, not male average weekly earnings. The Labor Party is constantly full of misdirection and myth. They need to act in the national interest and in the best interest of all Australians. (Time expired)

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