Jason Wood (La Trobe, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Community Safety, Migrant Services and Multicultural Affairs) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Youth crime is out of control under Labor, with no consequences for violent crimes. Labor's way of weak bail laws and raising the age of criminal responsibility makes the problem worse. Instead of stringent bail laws, Labor allows violent youth to receive multiple bails for serious crimes. A Dutton-led government would work with the states to deliver strong laws and tackle knife crime. Under Labor, youth gangs post assault videos on social media. A Dutton-led government would punish those posting these videos, removing their criminal glory.

Early intervention is crucial to prevent young people from engaging in crime, yet Prime Minister Albanese cut $50 million from high-risk-youth programs, leaving kids and families helpless. For example, Labor cut the funding for regional youth support services in Gosford, New South Wales which helped 3,000 young people and achieved a 25 per cent reduction in crime and an 85 per cent reduction in recidivism. Former member for Robertson Lucy Wicks initiated this program. Now it has been cut, but well done to Lucy, who's standing up for the people of Robertson to have this program recommitted. Under the Liberals, we committed $120 million. This Prime Minister should be condemned for allowing youth crime to go untouched across the nation. (Time expired)

Sam Rae (Hawke, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Australians are strong, resilient and optimistic people. But over the last few years people across our communities have been doing it tough. We faced COVID and the challenges it brought while the Liberals forgot to order vaccines and squandered billions of dollars on rorts and corporate handouts. As we began to recover, the world faced a global inflation crisis, pushing up costs for families and businesses. When Australians gave Scott Morrison the flick, the Liberals left us with inflation soaring above six per cent, interest rates climbing and a trillion dollars of Liberal debt. Acting in the national interest isn't always easy. It needs more than cheap slogans and angry, divisive politics. Remember, the Liberals have opposed every single cost-of-living measure that our government has put on the table.

Our Prime Minister and this Labor government have made the responsible decisions necessary to get the budget under control, get real wages moving and put in place an economic plan that works for Australians. We've delivered tax cuts, strengthened Medicare, reduced energy costs and made child care more affordable. We're building homes, investing in manufacturing and creating secure jobs. While we fight for Australians, the Liberals are backing taxpayer funded long lunches for bosses. The Liberal leader is even goading the Reserve Bank into delaying rate cuts, for his own cheap political gain. Make no mistake—if they're elected, the Liberals will cut Medicare. The Liberals will slash school funding. (Time expired)

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

In accordance with standing order 43, the time for members' statements has concluded.