Graham Perrett (Moreton, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I rise to condemn the government for its shameful decision on superannuation yesterday. Obviously those opposite do not understand superannuation and the great benefits it brings to both infrastructure and to the Australian community, particularly to those who want to have a dignified retirement. We saw yesterday a betrayal in that dirty deed done dirt cheap between the government and the Palmer United Party. Obviously, the Hawke and Keating governments did so much of the heavy lifting when it comes to bringing universal access to superannuation. Those opposite bridled against it then and they have been arguing against it ever since.

This was not spoken about before the election apart from the fact that the Prime Minister, when he was the opposition leader said, 'We will not tinker with superannuation.' Have we heard anyone opposite condemn the Prime Minister for breaking his promise? No. The hypocrisy rings loud. Obviously the Labor Party gets superannuation. We know that the sacrifices were made by workers who decided to forgo wage increases so that superannuation could come in. That was a decision made by the workers of Australia. However, those opposite do not get superannuation and they have betrayed nine million Australians, who will not forget. (Time expired)