Katy Gallagher (ACT, Australian Labor Party, Minister for the Public Service) Share this | Hansard source

If I just block out some of those interjections, I will get to it. As I said yesterday, we have provided a very significant cost-of-living package through the October budget and through the May budget to address those pressures where we can without adding to inflation. Every single step along the way, as we've been designing those programs and implementing them through legislation, those opposite have opposed them. It's one thing to stand up and ask questions about what you're doing in the same breath as you're opposing the steps that we're taking to reduce those pressures on families and households across Australia. It's hypocritical, I would argue, to, on the one hand, rail against it and, in the same breath, use your vote—every single one of your votes—and sit on the other side to block legislation that would introduce measures that support households with those cost-of-living pressures. We are totally focused on cost of living. Since day one of this government—

Opposition senators interjecting—

Well, have a look. Go back and have a look. Have a look at the October budget. Have a look at the energy bill relief. Have a look at the cheaper child care. Have a look at the fee-free TAFE. Have a look at cheaper medicines. And where were you then? Absolutely nowhere.

Opposition senators interjecting—