Alicia Payne (Canberra, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

There are three things you can guarantee in life: death, taxes, and Canberra bashing from the Liberal Party. For those listening to the opposition leader's budget reply tonight, I have a challenge for you. Count how many times he uses the word 'Canberra' as a slur. You could even make it a drinking game, but you might need an ambulance at the end. It is staggering how brazen those opposite are at attacking our community and the hardworking people who live here. And in case you've missed it, they've increased their commitment to cut the Public Service to 41,000 public servants. That is half of the APS. It's not just an attack on the hardworking public servants in Canberra and every Canberra small business in our entire local economy; it's an attack on every Australian who relies on public services and the good governance of this nation. The opposition leader knows that, but he is willing to gamble the wellbeing of Australians on his divisive populous politics.

If you're a veteran claiming DVA supports, you'll remember what it was like under the Liberals—a backlog of 42,000 veterans' claims, some waiting more than two years to be processed. That's what happens when you hollow out the Public Service. It took a Labor government and the hardworking APS to clear that backlog. However, the Liberals have confirmed that DVA staff are in their sights, as with the rest of the APS. Today they've confirmed that, if elected, they'll actually increase your taxes. They'll actually not only oppose but repeal the tax cut we delivered for all Australian taxpayers in our budget on Tuesday night. Well, I will always stand up for hardworking public servants and the services that Australians need.