Penny Wong (SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Foreign Affairs) Share this | Hansard source

I notice that the opposition interjected just as we were getting to cost of living being the No. 1 priority. It says something about their priorities, doesn't it? What I would say to senators is that this government, the Albanese Labor government, will deliver a budget that is responsible, affordable and suited to the times, just like our first two budgets. This will be a budget for every Australian from a government working for all Australians—a budget about the two things that have driven our government for the last two years: cost-of-living relief and a future made in Australia.

We know Australians are feeling under pressure, so this budget will deliver an historic cost-of-living relief package without adding to inflation. That's because cost-of-living relief is our priority and the first priority of this budget. Our budget is designed to deliver to every Australian, for every Australian, a tax cut for every taxpayer and stronger Medicare in every community, funding 29 more Medicare urgent care clinics, taking the total to 87 across the country, all while boosting bulk-billing and making medicines cheaper. This budget will deliver more homes in every part of this country, and this budget will deliver a better deal for working parents. We are investing in a future made in Australia for every Australian, attracting more investment in homegrown industries so we can make more things here. We are opening the doors of opportunity by making university and TAFE more accessible and more affordable, including wiping $3 billion in debt and prac placements to help both those goals.

Of course, the contrast between this budget and the mismanagement of those opposite couldn't be more stark. All we need to look back to is the budget from 10 years ago, Mr Dutton's 2014 budget. (Time expired)