Melissa McIntosh (Lindsay, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Energy Affordability) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is to the Prime Minister. The recent Council of Small Business Organisations Australia report has revealed that three-quarters of small businesses are concerned about energy price rises. The report also notes that half of small businesses are worried about paying their bills in the future. How are small businesses meant to survive under this energy and cost-of-living crisis driven by the Albanese Labor government?

Hon. Members:

Honourable members interjecting—

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

Order! The member for Lindsay was heard in silence and she was given respect. We will give the same respect to people on their feet, no matter where they're standing in the chamber.

Chris Bowen (McMahon, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Climate Change and Energy) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Of course, the government's acutely aware of the concerns of small business when it comes to energy prices. That's why we've delivered two rounds of energy bill relief to small businesses, opposed by those opposite—opposed by the member for Lindsay. Two successive budgets delivered energy bill relief not only for households but for small businesses. That's because when we say, 'Small business is the engine room of our economy,' we mean it and we deliver for them. All they deliver are slogans, platitudes and contempt for small business.

We're also delivering support for small businesses through the CEFC and other programs to help them invest in their own businesses to reduce their energy prices and bills. That's what we're doing. We're getting on with the job of practical projects to help small businesses. As well as energy bill relief, we deliver, while the opposition delivers nothing but slogans.