House debates

Thursday, 21 March 2024

Statements by Members

Cost of Living

1:49 pm

Photo of Joanne RyanJoanne Ryan (Lalor, Australian Labor Party) Share this | | Hansard source

The Albanese government's No. 1 priority is addressing inflation and cost-of-living pressures. As the member for Lalor, I know how hard people are doing it in the community that I represent. But the good news is that, on 1 July this year, the Albanese Labor government will deliver a tax cut for every Australian taxpayer—that is 13.6 million people across the country and every taxpayer in my community. These tax cuts will deliver a bigger tax cut for Middle Australia to help with the cost of living. They build on our targeted relief, while not adding to inflation.

I'm proud to be a member of the Albanese Labor government, an optimistic government—a government that sees every challenge as an opportunity, just as we see this as an opportunity. We see delivering for Australians across the country as something that should be the government's priority. We are committed to repair, reform and relief, to support every Australian family, because we want Australians to earn more—and that is well on the way—and because we want Australians to keep more of what they earn. The tax cuts and the pay rises work together to support Australians around the country. I know what they mean in my electorate of Lalor. I know what they mean to my optimistic community.