House debates

Monday, 19 August 2024

Statements by Members

Labor Government

4:22 pm

Photo of Brian MitchellBrian Mitchell (Lyons, Australian Labor Party) Share this | | Hansard source

A big day in Australia is 1 July. On that day in 1932 the Australian Broadcasting Commission began its first radio broadcast. On this day in 1949 Johnny Farnham was born, as was Missy Elliott in 1971. In 1979 on this day Sony sold the first Walkman, and on 1 July 2024, Australians saw a much-needed cost-of-living relief package, with historical Labor tax cuts. Supporting Australians during the difficult times that we inherited from the Liberal Party is the centrepiece of the Albanese Labor government's time in office.

In 1 July, every single Australian taxpayer, 13.6 million Australians—46,000 in my own electorate of Lyons—got a tax cut, with an average cut of $1,279 per person, and I'm happy to say that the majority of taxpayers got a bigger tax cut than they would have under the Liberal Party. That means that a hardworking family with a household income of $120,000 between mum and dad will receive an additional $45, according to their payslip, each week, every week, forever. On top of that, we are expanding on last year's energy relief package, which ensured every household in Australia got support with $300 off energy bills. Of course, we provided extra support through the Paid Parental Leave scheme, and the Fair Work Commission brought down new award rates.

Under Labor, Australians have more jobs, higher wages and bigger tax cuts.