Marise Payne (NSW, Liberal Party, Minister for Foreign Affairs) Share this | Hansard source

I always advocate for Australians in my work, no matter what part of my portfolio responsibilities we're talking about. But you know, Senator McAllister, and those opposite know that the response to the COVID-19 pandemic has required extraordinary things of Australia and of Australians. It has required the government to put in place a temporary childcare package, because we saw the sector facing unprecedented challenges that led it to the brink of collapse. Through those efforts we have ensured that the sector is able to continue functioning and that child care has been available for those who have needed it during the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic. But, because we have made some considerable achievements in flattening the curve, which we as a nation should be very proud of, we have the capacity to see our life and our economy returning to normal. The government will take considered steps in the response to that process as we need to to ensure that we can rebuild our economy and rebuild our country. (Time expired)