Simon Birmingham (SA, Liberal Party, Minister for Finance) Share this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Scarr for his interest. I know it's the interest of every single Liberal and National and Country Liberal in this place, who are dedicated to creating opportunities for Australians in a stronger economy.

Last night our government handed down a budget that delivers a plan for a stronger future; that delivers a long-term economic plan to continue the growth in jobs and our economy, which is world leading; and that delivers record investments in essential services and necessary and essential investment in our defence and national security. It creates a stronger, more secure Australia. It's a budget that recognises the challenges we've come through from COVID-19 and those we now face in a more uncertain and contested world. It's a budget that recognises the pressures households are feeling right now, which is why we are taking the dividends of a stronger economy to reduce debt and to reduce deficits, compared with what was previously forecast. It's why we're also taking some of those dividends to help ease the pressures on Australian households—to ensure the 22c-per-litre cut in the petrol excise, which will save around 15 bucks every time an Australian goes to fill up their car and, of course, provides additional benefits to hardworking parents, who have to run around to work, to school and to sport. It provides additional benefits for those in regional Australia, who have further distances to drive and for whom the impacts are greater. It provides additional support to low-, middle- and fixed-income Australians by lifting the tax offset provisions by providing one-off payments to help people get through the temporary spikes that we are seeing in relation to the cost of living.

But, of course, it does much more in terms of our plans for the future. It helps first home owners, getting more first home buyers into the market. It provides additional support for the provision of housing across the board. This is a plan that shows we continue to support Australians in every aspect of their lives. (Time expired)