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

DENOUGH () (): In contributing to this adjournment debate, I wish to thank all members and senators for their cooperation in what has been a very challenging year for our nation. I would also like to thank my office staff and the staff in Parliament House, for their diligent service and contribution, the cleaners, the COMCAR drivers, the committee secretariat staff and all of the House of Representatives staff who have supported our work for our constituents.

As I return to my electorate to 14 days of forced quarantine, I look forward to emerging to spend time with my community. This year I would have spent a total of six weeks in quarantine, which has limited my ability to attend community events and functions. May I take this opportunity to thank the people of Moore for placing their trust in me as their representative and wish them a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

This year has not been easy for many families, both socially and financially, with many facing hardships caused by the pandemic. Our government has provided support on a number of levels to help Australians get through. We have implemented an immunisation program which is free and accessible to all Australians. Close to 90 per cent of Australians have availed themselves of this essential health service, and many more may choose to do so over coming months. I'm not in favour of mandatory vaccinations, as imposed by the state governments. It is the federal government's position that vaccination is not compulsory, except in health and aged-care environments. However, we encourage a high level of immunisation to mitigate the risk to the health of our population.

As we turn our attention to the federal election, the focus must be on responsible government spending and prudent economic management in order to keep inflation under control and maintain low interest rates to ensure affordability for the many households paying off mortgages in the Moore electorate. Implementing policies which keep inflation under control helps keep the cost of living affordable for households in our community.

I realise that many families are doing it tough. That is why the government has also resisted adopting overzealous emissions targets that will add to the cost of production, create inflation, drive up interest rates and add to the cost of living. Labor and the Greens are reckless in this regard. A study by Augsburg University in Germany found that meat prices would rise by 146 per cent if the cost of emissions were included, whilst dairy prices would also increase by 91 per cent. The cost of fuel exceeding $2 per litre is not unrealistic with emissions taxes, nor is the price of $60 steaks with the cost impost of emissions levies on agricultural production.

Many of my constituents are employed in the mining and construction industries. Many are fly-in fly-out workers, tradespersons, contractors and small-business owners. It is incumbent on our government to ensure that their standard of living is not negatively impacted by international treaties which increase the cost of production. The Morrison government is taking measures to reduce emissions in a cost-effective way which does not constrain Australia's competitiveness or constrain our economic development.

Australia has been environmentally responsible in its approach on reducing emissions. It is important to ensure that all nations meet their international emissions commitments, and this must be enforceable, particularly among those populous nations which are large emitters, such as China and India. Australia acting on its own will have a negligible impact on global emissions.

In conclusion, not only is the health and wellbeing of my constituents a top priority but also their livelihoods and economic prosperity. Only a responsible approach to economic management, emissions reduction and government spending will stimulate the economic recovery, keep inflation under control and maintain affordable interest rates, which thousands of mortgage holders in Moore rely on. I wish you a very Merry Christmas.

House adjourned at 17:00

The DEPUTY SPEAKER ( Mr Goodenough ) took the chair at 10:01.

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