Andrew Nikolic (Bass, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

It is necessary that we engage in a process of strong fiscal recovery, especially after a government that delivered $191 billion in deficits in their six years of government and $123 billion of deficits projected across the forward estimates. We borrow $1 billion every month just to pay the interest on our debt. That is why we have to engage in that strong process of fiscal restoration and recovery.

Our indexation promise is reflective of a government that has both a heart and a strong social conscience. It is matched by a strong desire to help, assist and support all seniors, both pensioners and self-funded retirees alike. Our decision to index the Commonwealth seniors health card is important in my electorate of Bass but will no doubt resonate across the nation. Does the minister have any estimate of how many people will specifically benefit from this measure and how many new cardholders the government expects over the years as a result of this measure?

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