Michaelia Cash (WA, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations) Share this | Hansard source

The whole point is, it is the lack of accountability shown by the Minister representing the Prime Minister, the contempt that was shown to the Australian Senate this week. Yes, it is a matter of urgency that this motion be debated. Looking at the substance of the motion that Senator Birmingham has moved, why should we take note of this? Because it is important for us as the opposition to hold the government to account for broken promises. The government went to the election and stated certain things to the Australian people. Are we saying we should not note this fact in the chamber? Are we saying that it is not important enough for this place to actually note that, prior to the election, Mr Albanese said on over 97 occasions, 'I will reduce your power bills by $275'? And you had in the Australian Senate this week a simple question. Can you actually even say the words '$275'? The minister can't even bring himself to say the words '$275'.

So, President, I would put to you and to the chamber: it is of great importance that this suspension motion be agreed to. It is of great importance because the contempt that has been on display to this place, to the people who've joined us here in the gallery this week and to the Australian people has, quite frankly, been like nothing I've seen in my almost 15 years here. (Time expired)