Michael Sukkar (Deakin, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Social Services) Share this | Hansard source

The member for Maribyrnong was a minister in a government with a litany of issues. We all remember the devastating consequences of pink batts, which led to four deaths. It would be very disingenuous for any politician to come in and say, 'We are going to ascribe responsibility for that to everybody on that side of politics.' Of course we wouldn't do that. That's why this lack of sincerity from the government is turning Australians off what is a very political approach.

I support the Manager of Opposition Business's amendment. I note his third point, and I reiterate it:

… debate on this motion moved by the Member for Maribyrnong is diverting parliamentary time from the pressing challenges … eleven consecutive mortgage interest rate increases—

I wish the members opposite would get as animated on behalf of their constituents about that—

… gas and electricity prices increasing dramatically in the face of the government's inability to deliver the … $275 … and soaring inflation which is creating a cost of living challenge for Australians—

Including their promise, before the last election, to deliver cheaper mortgages. We often ask, 'Where on earth are those cheaper mortgages?'

I would say to those opposite: if you want to be sincere, reflect on promises you've made and broken; come into this House and apologise to the Australian people for what you have done. It's very easy to apologise for the sins of the past or the sins of others, but it's not so easy to reflect on your own actions—the mistruths that were told before last election. To now double down on that and divert parliamentary time away from the things that will be concerning, stressing and worrying families around their kitchen tables tonight is a shame.

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