Jim Chalmers (Rankin, Australian Labor Party, Treasurer) Share this | Hansard source

As we have said before, we have already set aside substantial funds for that task, and, if there's more that we can responsibly do in this area, obviously we will consider doing it.

When it comes to the rest of the member's question about cost-of-living relief, we understand that Australians, whether it be in Brisbane—in the member's part of the world—or right around the country, are under pressure. That's why a central part of our three-point plan to address inflation is relief, cost-of-living relief, for people doing it tough, whether it be their energy bills, whether it be their medicines, whether it be early childhood education, whether it be fee-free TAFE, whether it gets wages moving again. These are all essential parts of the government's work to try and put downward pressure on inflation because it's very difficult for people, in the economy right now, when we've got these cost-of-living pressures coming at us from around the world but being felt around the kitchen table.

This government will work with anyone in this country and on the crossbench to deliver responsible cost-of-living relief as part of that three-point plan: relieve cost-of-living pressures, repair our supply chains and show restraint in the budget so that we can deliver some of these priorities in the most responsible way.

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