Paul Fletcher (Bradfield, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Government Services and the Digital Economy) Share this | Hansard source

There's nothing this Labor government likes doing more than congratulating itself. But all of tonight's hugs and backslapping can't disguise the reality that this Prime Minister and his government are failing to get on top of this worsening cost-of-living crisis. The price of everything continues to go up. Gas and household fuels are up 14.3 per cent. Tertiary education is up over 14 per cent. Domestic travel costs are up 4.7 per cent. The cost of essentials like fruit and vegetables is rising to the point that more Australians are turning to cheaper, canned alternatives. Lifeline says up to 80 per cent of its calls relate to cost-of-living pressures. Forty-five per cent of Australians say they're delaying essential repairs and servicing of their cars. More than three-quarters of Australians say they are extremely, or very, concerned about the cost of living. The National Youth Mental Health Survey notes the cost of living as 'the single biggest concern for young Australians'.

Before the last election, the Prime Minister promised that Australians would be better off, with cheaper mortgages and $275 off their power bills. Instead, millions of Australians are struggling to make ends meet. Inflation is a cruel force which hurts us all. A big-spending budget which fuels inflation is the last thing Australians need right now.

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