Joanne Ryan (Lalor, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I rise on behalf of the 18,000 families in Lalor—the highest number in the country—who will have their incomes reduced if this government's budget goes through. That is 18,000 hardworking, modest income families—not leaners. When I looked at the data today I saw that neighbouring electorate Gorton had nearly 16,000, Gellibrand nearly 9,000 and Corio nearly 10,000 families in the same boat as those families in Lalor. I look across the chamber and I see the member for Corangamite, and I wonder about the 8,000 families in Corangamite who will also suffer because of this cruel budget.

Some of these people are in small business. In Lalor, up to $70 million could be taken out of our local economy. What impact will that have on small business, Prime Minister? This budget good for families, Prime Minister? I do not think so. Good for small business? Not so much.