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

My question is to the Prime Minister. The Courier Mail today reveals that more than 43 per cent of Queensland households are facing mortgage stress, but the Treasurer says that housing serviceability for mortgage holders has improved. Does the Prime Minister believe it is now easier for Australian households to service their mortgages?

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

I thank the shadow Treasurer for his question, and I say that there's more than one group of people that need to listen, because he obviously hasn't listened to what the Treasurer has made very clear.

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

I've read his report!

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

The member for Hume has asked his question.

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

He has made very clear that we understand that there are pressures on the cost of living, and that is why the measures that we have put in place have been aimed at alleviating the pressure on the cost of living without putting further pressure on inflation.

That's why we designed the Energy Price Relief Plan in the way that we did. It will take three-quarters of a per cent off the inflation rate, according to Treasury and the Reserve Bank. That's why we prioritised cheaper child care, which will boost the workforce participation of women and boost productivity.

That's why we're addressing supply chain issues through fee-free TAFE, with 180,000 delivered and 300,000 to come—opposed by those opposite and seen as wasteful spending. We regard this as an investment that will boost productivity, that will boost the economy whilst not putting pressure on inflation. It's why we have a policy to assist households with cheaper medicines, already delivering substantial amounts through our measures on January 1, but with more to come.

It's why we have our three-point plan to deal with inflationary pressures, including dealing with supply chain issues, through our creation of the National Reconstruction Fund—opposed by those opposite. It's why we're dealing with skills shortages, through the creation of Jobs and Skills Australia—opposed by those opposite, like they opposed fee-free TAFE.

This government is determined to make a difference to people. It contrasts with those opposite who sat by and watched robodebt and the evidence that came amongst some of the most vulnerable. Melanie, who appeared at the commission, said this: 'I had to sell everything I could sell, just to get a little bit by. I had to go to the Salvation Army for the first time ever in my life, and it was quite degrading. It made me feel like I was a criminal.'

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

Order! The Prime Minister will pause. I'll hear from the member for Hume on a point of order.

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

Mr Speaker, on relevance. These comments have absolutely nothing to do with mortgage serviceability.

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

Resume your seat. The question was about Queenslanders experiencing mortgage stress. The Prime Minister is being relevant. I'll listen for the remaining 30 seconds. By talking about people under mortgage stress and the impacts, I'm listening to what he says for the remaining 30 seconds to make sure he is relevant.

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

There was evidence also given from Ann Julie, who was in the position of living in a refuge. What she had to say was this: 'When I got my robodebt I was pregnant and living in a refuge in Canberra after escaping domestic violence. I was working three jobs to stay afloat. Because of this debt, I was unable to afford medication and was hospitalised.'

That's the position that those opposite sat by, year after year, even after they were warned. No compassion. No care. (Time expired)