Marielle Smith (SA, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

I am actually pretty pleased with this motion to take note today. It is good to have an opportunity to come in and talk about the budget. I am really proud to talk about our budget and I'm really proud to be part of a government which, after only a few months, is already delivering for Australians. This is a good position to be in. It must really suck to be part of a government that, for a decade, delivered so little for Australians.

Dr Chalmers handed down a budget last night that delivers responsible cost-of-living relief, which is really important, targeted investments to build a stronger and more resilient economy and budget repair which looks to address the waste and rorts of the last decade—sensible, reasonable initiatives to get the budget under control whilst also making sure that we provide support Australians in need.

Let's talk about some of these cost-of-living measures. Let's talk about one of my favourite topics—early learning. In this budget we deliver on our commitment to make early learning more affordable for 1.26 million families.

I will take that interjection gladly, Senator Ciccone: 1.26 million Australian families.

Senator Hughes, it is really significant. The first five years is when 90 per cent of the brain development happens. If you don't form those connections early in early childhood education, children don't have the opportunity for them to form.

Senator Hughes, I think I have the call.