Melissa Price (Durack, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

Middle Australia is hurting. Let me say that again: Middle Australia is hurting. That once proud group of Australians who worked hard, day in and day out, to get ahead now find themselves going backwards. Individuals and families who can't work any more hours and can't earn any more are in trouble. Once the bills are paid at the end of the week, there is very little left. In many cases, there is nothing left. This is an economic emergency, and those opposite are responsible. The Albanese government is responsible for this financial crisis.

Those opposite would have Australians believe that this economic crisis has got nothing to do with them. That's what we're hearing, day in and day out. They would have you believe that all this pain is due to what Putin is doing in Ukraine, that somehow this is Ukraine's fault or it's Russia's fault. If that is the case, then why is our core inflation higher than each of the G7 nations, barring the UK? The truth is that inflation isn't coming from Russia; it is coming from Canberra and Labor's reckless economic policies—namely, its policy to add $185 million to the budget. Economists have confirmed Labor's reckless handling of the budget is increasing the supply of money into the economy, which in turn drives inflation and forces the RBA to act by raising interest rates. We've seen that time and time again, sadly, in the last 12 months.

What does Labor's dangerous inflationary policy mean for families and businesses? A typical Australian family with a mortgage and children is $25,000 worse off compared to only 12 months ago—$25,000! While Labor spends and spends, Australians are forced to divert their income to paying those higher mortgages and the higher prices for essential goods. The flow-on effect is that families are not in a position to support their local business community, and therefore it's no surprise that the number of businesses which have gone into insolvency has almost doubled in the past 12 months.

At a time when small businesses are on their knees, Labor should do everything it can to support them. However, this Labor government is instead undermining their success. This is clear through its attack on infrastructure—and I'm very pleased that the Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government has joined us here at the table today. It is clear through Labor's attack on infrastructure commitments across the country and, in particular, in our regional communities. A great example of this—and I really hope the minister is listening and not just talking—is in a beautiful part of my electorate of Durack, the Shire of York, which is located some 97 kilometres from Perth. York's light industrial area has faced ongoing challenges with heavy vehicles being unable to access the area safely. This lack of access heavily impacts the capacity of local businesses to send and receive freight, with the flow-on effect of reducing their ability to grow and expand.

In March 2022 I met with Mark, of M.A.L. Automotives, who informed me of his issues with his mechanics shop, which was facing problems due to these access restraints. York is one of the most fertile and beautiful areas of the state and has an annual rainfall of 400 millilitres of rain per year. Such heavy rainfall presents flooding issues and, of course, prevents customers from safely reaching M.A.L. Automotives. Working on trucks is a key component of Mark's business, and they told me that improving the safety of access to the light industrial area was critical to their future. This message was consistent, and, after a long consultation process, including multiple meetings with local stakeholders and advocates, I was very pleased to announce a coalition commitment of $8 million towards access improvements, in conjunction with the shire and the state of WA. The improved access was to deliver several benefits to the local community, including, of course, increased safety for road users and drainage upgrades. And it would of course improve economic activity in York's dominant agriculture industry, improve employment sustainability and allow businesses to expand their operations. To my surprise, the Shire of York was emailed last week, on 15 June, and asked for more information, and was given one day to respond. I ask the minister: What sort of show are you running? Would this be due to a lack business experience or the fact that you can't control the department? One day! It is a fantastic project, and we need to support regional Australia— (Time expired)

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