Jane Hume (Victoria, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for the Public Service) Share this | Hansard source

My question is to the Minister representing the Treasurer, Senator Gallagher. One Australian told the cost-of-living committee that their mortgage is going up month after month while at the same time no extra income is coming in. In addition, the rising costs of electricity and gas are harder to budget for because of price fluctuations, and food is making the weekly budget have to stretch further than it did in the past. 'The inaction by government, particularly in areas where they could make a difference, is so frustrating.' Another said, 'Interest rates impact our mortgage, inflated food prices in supermarkets, massive energy costs—these are our three biggest, and as part-time workers we are impacted terribly.' The Prime Minister said that he had a plan for cheaper electricity and cheaper mortgages. Minister, will your government admit to these Australians and those like them that you have failed to deliver cheaper energy and cheaper mortgages?