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

There was once a fable of a king who sought advice from his economic advisers. The original advice came in at 87 volumes of 600 pages each. Understandably, he asked for simpler advice, executing half of his economists at each iteration. The last surviving economist distilled all of the advice to just eight words: 'There is no such thing as a free lunch.' While, as an economist, I can understand the appeal of executing so many economic advisers, the real lesson from this story is that someone always pays.

Peter Dutton's free lunch policy flies in the face of these eight wise words. In this case, it's workers who will end up paying for their bosses' lunches. Not only is this policy misleading in using the word 'free', it is unfair in who bears the burden. In addition, it's a remarkable step away from responsible economic management.

The government has delivered two surpluses while delivering targeted cost-of-living measures. Those opposite voted against those targeted, responsible, important measures, calling them sugar hits. Many households would have been more than $7,000 worse off if they had had their way. But now the opposition has cynically brought forward a measure that's uncosted but has been estimated to cost the bottom line over $10 billion. If responsible cost-of-living measures are sugar hits, free lunches for their CEOs must be very rich desserts. Free lunches for bosses—fantastic, great move! Well done, Angus!

Sharon Claydon (Newcastle, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I remind you that you must always use correct titles when referring to members in this House. That's a reminder for everyone.