Julian Leeser (Berowra, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

From Galston to Glenorie and Beecroft to Berowra, no issue is raised with me more often than the cost of living. Small-business owners, young families and retirees, no matter what their circumstances—everyone is feeling the impact of this crisis. Australians are resilient. They know the economy fluctuates, particularly when significant events occur abroad, but there is also an understanding that during these times government should do what's needed to navigate the challenges ahead. They should tighten their own belt and rein in government spending and improve productivity.

Most importantly, Australians once looked to the future knowing that our nation would come out stronger on the other side, but that longstanding trust and understanding has been broken by the Albanese government. Spending by the Albanese government is out of control, causing reckless government fuelled inflation. Under this government, interest rates have gone up 12 times, tripling payments on mortgages; annual electricity bills have increased by up to $1,000; grocery prices have increased 12 per cent over the last two years; fuel is up 36 per cent; and rent is up 17 per cent. At the same time, Australians are looking around the world and watching other countries bring inflation under control. When I look at these statistics, I think back to the local stories I hear at home. Increases like this mean families need to make difficult choices: enrolling their kids in the upcoming football season or purchasing a new pair of shoes. James from Cherrybrook has seen his home insurance prices skyrocket by $2,000 under the Albanese government.

I also think of the local nursery owner who recently wrote to me, outlining how hard inflation has hit her nursery. She wants to know, in her words, 'why the current government is stifling us after 33 successful years in business'. The prices of her fuel, electricity and machinery have increased dramatically, causing financial strain to her business's bottom line. Compliance and employment red tape have also stretched their business earnings thinner. Despite business growth, staff have now been cut, machinery has been sold, and payment plans have been arranged with the ATO. The nursery owner's plans to expand in 2025 have now turned into plans for survival. This is the legacy of the Albanese government.

When my community speak with me about their cost-of-living struggles, they're not asking for a silver bullet to solve the crisis. What they want is an explanation from this government of their record. Why have Labor, the Greens and the teals allowed this crisis to continue? Why have household energy prices increased dramatically when the Prime Minister promised close to 100 times that they would be reduced by $275? The Albanese government has been fast and loose with its wasteful spending for too long, putting the burden on taxpayers. The people of Australia and the people of my community of Berowra want change. Wasteful government spending needs to be reined in, limiting the rate of inflation and bringing interest rates down. Energy prices need to be lowered for a balanced energy plan that incorporates a mix of renewables, gas and zero-emissions nuclear. Supermarkets need to be held to account for exploiting suppliers and consumers through new competition policy, including divestiture powers. These are changes only the coalition will deliver. My community can no longer bear the brunt of these reckless economic decisions of the Albanese government. They're ready for a government that will get Australia back on track.

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