Amanda Stoker (Queensland, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

Ah, Senator Ayres, the ultimate troll, hiding fearfully from the shadows of political figures from other countries in other decades, hiding from very scary people, like Ronald Regan and Margaret Thatcher! They're not alive and with us, of course, but Senator Ayres is hiding away, terrified that somebody might suggest that—I don't know—the economy might need to have the support of this parliament to grow and become able to get out of this crisis on its own.

It's the kind of crazy, blatant double-speak we get from those opposite all the time. I'll give you an example. When those on this side of the chamber extend JobKeeper, providing a gentle transition out of government support for those businesses that are using it, as they emerge bit by bit from this economic shock, they don't acknowledge the fairness in that. They don't acknowledge the extra help that the taxpayer is providing to keep people in jobs. No, no, no. We have to put the most negative spin on it as possible. 'It's a cut,' they say. They cannot resist talking down our economy. But do you know what?

There's something that Australians need right now, and it is to believe that the people in this place want them to go forward, want them to succeed, believe in their economy, believe that their businesses can get back on their feet and believe that they're going to have a government to support them to do just that. But those on the other side are intent every day that we are here on running down Australians and their good work. We're prepared to fight for you, Australians. We'll fight for your job, we'll fight for your business and we'll fight for truth. (Time expired)

Question agreed to.