Angus Taylor (Hume, Liberal Party, Shadow Treasurer) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is to the Prime Minister. The budget confirms that a typical family will be $2,000 worse off by Christmas, with inflation, interest rates and unemployment all forecast to go up. Given this increasing pressure on the cost of living, what specific action is the government taking to fast-track new natural gas projects? When can Australians expect to see relief?

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

I thank the shadow Treasurer for his question. Of course, they had a shadow Treasurer even when they had a Treasurer over here. We have one Treasurer, and he's done a fantastic job. The budget has been well received by people who are economically literate. This is what Jennifer Westacott at the Business Council of Australia had to say:

Amid global economic turmoil this budget steadies the ship and sets the groundwork for reform to drive economic growth in the May budget.

This is a cautious and careful budget that avoids making our inflation problem worse.

This is a crucial first step to restoring our budget position and building our national resilience.

We welcome investments to boost productivity and participation through skills, education, childcare and expanding Paid Parental Leave.

We strongly support the government's comprehensive skills package and migration announcement.

It went on and on.

Andrew McKellar, from the ACCI, said this:

Tonight's budget is a responsible one …

This budget covers the essential elements of economic management and tackling growing cost pressures …

As the budget warns, we cannot afford to be complacent against the global headwinds of severe inflationary pressures, climbing interest rates and soaring energy prices.

… … …

Through the Powering Australia plan and funding for new energy infrastructure, the budget provides significant investment to underpin the transition to a net-zero future, that supports new opportunity for industry.

Milton Dick (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The member for Wannon will cease interjecting.

Mr Hamilton interjecting—

The member for Groom is on a warning.

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

We have big business supporting the budget. We have medium-sized business supporting the budget. What did COSBOA have to say? This is what COSBOA—apparently affiliates of the Australian Labor Party in small business—had to say:

This budget delivers benefits for small business owners and sole traders in four key areas, namely: improved internet connectivity, small business mental health support, cost of living improvements to childcare support, and VET & skills planning.

This is what the Master Builders—again, apparently, an affiliate of the Labor Party—had to say:

The 2022 Housing Accord announced in tonight's Budget is a welcome signal to the building and construction industry who have been crying out for action to address housing affordability barriers and supply constraints…

I've got more, Mr Speaker, but I'll wait for the next question before sharing the further endorsements from people who used to be the allies of those opposite and who they now ridicule. (Time expired)