Steve Irons (Swan, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I say to the good people of Swan that the budget delivered by the Treasurer last night outlines the Morrison government's plan for a stronger future. It provides cost-of-living relief for families in Western Australia, creates more local jobs, provides record investment in essential services and will keep Australians safe. The budget delivers cost-of-living relief now, a long-term economic plan that creates more jobs, record investments in essential services and stronger defence and national security.

Our temporary targeted and responsible cost-of-living package eases cost-of-living pressures. For the next six months, fuel excise will be cut in half, saving Australians 22 cents a litre. A one-off $420 cost-of-living tax offset will help over 10 million low- and middle-income earners. In addition to this, pensioners and concession cardholders will get a one-off $250 cost-of-living payment. The budget also delivers the largest improvement to the budget bottom line in over 50 years. Unemployment is at four per cent, the equal lowest in 48 years, and, in inner Perth, it's actually at 2.5 per cent. The budget will see it go even lower.

The budget will strengthen our economy, encourage small businesses, increase apprenticeships and invest strongly in manufacturing, infrastructure and regional development. The budget will also strengthen our Defence Force while making the biggest ever investment ever in cybersecurity. Two things you'll never see in a coalition budget is a mining tax and a carbon tax. They are anti-Western Australian. So stay the course and stay with the Morrison government.