Anthony Albanese (Grayndler, Australian Labor Party, Prime Minister) Share this | Hansard source

I thank the Leader of the Opposition for his question that, of course, in accordance with standing orders, had no argument in it whatsoever! In our first year in office, we delivered cheaper child care, we delivered cheaper medicines, we delivered fee-free TAFE, which has just been opposed yet again by the Leader of the Opposition, and we expanded the single parent payment. Those four measures had something in common. They were all opposed by those opposite.

On 1 July, there was a tax cut for every taxpayer. Again, those opposite said they were opposed to it before they knew what it was. Then they said they'd roll it back. Then they said we should have an election on it so that they could reverse it. Last week, frontbenchers, including the shadow finance minister, were out there again being critical of those tax cuts. They opposed the energy bill relief for every household and every small business. That has been delivered, including the $300 that was delivered most recently to begin on 1 July. I assume they'll oppose the extra two weeks of paid parental leave, which would be consistent. We know they're horrified by the idea of a freeze on the cost of PBS medicines. They said that 60-day dispensing would lead to the end of the pharmaceutical industry, that no chemist would be there. I don't know where they go for their medicines.

Just like Whyalla was going to disappear, as the Treasurer says. We know as well that they've opposed all the wage increases for people who are on the minimum wage. We know that with the first increase—that $1 coin that was raised during the election campaign—they said it was loose; they said it would have devastating consequences. And of course we know today that over the last year wages have increased by more than inflation, and that is a good thing for working people. We also know that those opposite opposed the 15 per cent pay rise for our childcare workers, for early educators, who are delivering so much. So, every time we have a cost-of-living measure, there are two things that are certain. One is that we will work hard to make a difference. The second is that they'll oppose it. (Time expired)

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