House debates

Thursday, 10 October 2024

Statements by Members

Cost of Living

1:52 pm

Photo of Dan RepacholiDan Repacholi (Hunter, Australian Labor Party) Share this | | Hansard source

Delivering cost-of-living relief is our top priority, but every day the 'no-alition' throws a tantrum, claiming we're not doing enough. What a joke! They continue to block our cost-of-living relief even though they've been about as helpful as a screen door on a submarine. I'm happy to help them out with a little memory jog.

Let's run down the list, shall we: tax cuts for every taxpayer—you're welcome; wages moving again; big pay rises for minimum wage workers, aged-care staff and early childhood educators; and same pay, same job, which the Hunter Valley is still celebrating. When it comes to cost-of-living relief those opposite are just jealous. They hate us 'cause they ain't us.

While they whinge and whine, we roll up our sleeves with cheaper child care for families, because raising kids is expensive enough without having to pay for it twice; $300 off the family electricity bills; lower medicine costs, because coughing up shouldn't cost you an arm and a leg; and free health care at Medicare urgent care clinics. And let's not forget that Commonwealth rent assistance has increased every year we've been here, the first back-to-back hikes in more than 30 years.

To the 'no-alition': it's been an absolute pleasure reminding you what we've done. We know how hard Aussies are doing it right now, and this is why this government delivers real cost-of-living relief. We'll keep doing that because, unlike those opposite, we're not just talk; we actually get stuff done.