Ian Goodenough (Moore, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

I have listened to the various contributions of members opposite. When it comes to the areas of critical importance to all Australians, the Morrison government has been characterised by steady achievement and delivery, with a solid track record. Through sound economic policies and a series of free trade agreements with our international trading partners, the government has delivered growth and export income from the mining and energy sectors, creating thousands of new jobs. By maintaining strong fiscal discipline and spending restraint, our government has been able to strengthen the nation's finances, to be able to respond to national disasters, domestic emergencies and international shocks. These events have included the drought, the bushfire emergency and the global COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic.

The Morrison government has been in a position to provide an economic stimulus and welfare safety net to individual Australians and businesses unparalleled in the world. Meanwhile, our government has continued to keep taxes low and inflation under control. A low-inflation environment helps keep interest rates low, maintaining housing affordability for millions of Australian households and families paying off mortgages on their homes and small-business loans. The government has been cognisant of the increasing cost-of-living pressures faced by Australian families, our key constituency, who are experiencing a reduction in their disposable income, with reduced spending power. Recognising the financial pressure on households, our government is pursuing policies which minimise increases in the cost of fuel, electricity, gas and utilities. Labor's zero net emissions by 2050 target is unrealistic and will drive up costs and make our industry less competitive.

Investment in infrastructure has been one of the hallmarks of the Morrison government, with a commitment to delivering $100 billion in infrastructure over 10 years, including roads, bridges, rail and buildings. This long-term transport infrastructure commitment will support job retention and growth, simultaneously assisting the economy in an effort to suppress the impacts of COVID-19. Around my electorate of Moore, the government is delivering the Mitchell Freeway extension to Alkimos, the northern suburbs railway extension to Yanchep, grade-separated bridges at Wanneroo Road and the expansion of the Joondalup hospital.

In terms of health care, which is of critical importance to all Australians, the Medicare system has been enhanced. Subsidised access has been expanded to include new medications under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme and also to a wider range of imaging and diagnostic services, pharmaceutical benefits, telehealth and professional consultations. For instance, recently subsidised access to medical devices such as continuous glucose monitors for diabetics has been expanded to cover a wider range of eligible patients.

By continuing to provide an appropriate level of resourcing to the Department of Home Affairs, the Morrison government is ensuring our national security, in particular, by intercepting the smuggling of illicit drugs, weapons, contraband and prohibited imports at the border before they enter our country to be distributed through organised criminal networks and cause harm on our streets. I draw the attention of honourable members to the success stories of the Australian Border Force and the Royal Australian Navy intercepting shipments of illicit drugs destined for our communities. Similarly, strict enforcement of visas by persons entering Australia ensures the integrity of our immigration system and preserves our national security.

Under the coalition government, defence spending has increased to beyond two per cent of gross domestic product to ensure that the Australian Defence Force has the necessary resources and operational capability to protect Australia's national interests within our geopolitical region at a time when many of the emerging nations in our region are expending a significantly greater proportion of their GDP on expanding their military. Australia's playing a key role in maintaining the security of our region by protecting key freight, trading and energy routes.

The government is investing in our domestic defence industry and upgrading our defence bases across Australia and in the acquisition of vessels, equipment, armaments, technology the training of military personnel.

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