Daniel Mulino (Fraser, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Vicky Pollard is one of the great figures of modern British satire. You've all heard her: 'Yeah, but no, but yeah.' It's far more clever than people give Vicky credit for because she indicates initial assent—that's the 'yeah'—but then gives herself wiggle room and doesn't overcommit—that's the 'but no'. The opposition is like the reverse Vicky Pollard, but, unlike Vicky, they don't start with 'yes'; they start with 'no'. For the opposition, it's, 'No, but yeah, but no.' This is the opposition's attempt to start negative but then claim that, all along, they were actually in favour of what it is that actually works.

Let's think of the tax cuts. What was their initial response to our revamped tax cuts? 'No.' But when it came to the vote, what was it? 'No, but yeah.' Let's think about real wages. A $1 increase in the minimum wage? 'No.' An increase of 15 per cent for aged-care workers? 'No.' Closing loopholes? 'Double no.' But when it came to coming in every day and complaining that real wages aren't high enough, that's the 'yeah' bit—but that comes after all the 'no' votes.

At least Vicky Pollard is likable and relatable. When you hear the 'yeah' from the opposition, it follows a whole series of noes. It's the noes people should take into account when they're thinking about how those opposite think and, most importantly, how they act.

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

In accordance with standing order 43, the time for members' statements has concluded.