House debates
Thursday, 10 October 2024
Statements by Members
Economy
1:43 pm
Carina Garland (Chisholm, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source
Our government's No. 1 priority is helping Australians with the cost of living, and our economic plan is focused on helping people while fighting inflation. We're making it cheaper and easier for households to get the medical care and medicines they need. We've tripled the Medicare rebate to see a GP for eligible patients, and our Medicare urgent care clinics, including one in my electorate, mean medical care is more accessible and people can get the care they need when they need it without having to worry about costs. I have spoken to residents in my community in Chisholm about this and it has been incredibly well received. I know our cheaper medicines initiatives have relieved cost-of-living pressures too because that's what constituents have been telling me. And Chisholm residents have the highest number of 60-day prescriptions in the state of Victoria, saving millions of dollars for locals.
In addition to these changes we've also delivered: a tax cut for every Australian taxpayer, not just some; $300 in energy bill relief for every Australian household and $325 for eligible small businesses; and a third consecutive pay rise for 2.6 million workers. We know there's more to do and we'll keep fighting hard every day to deliver for every Australian.