Richard Di Natale (Victoria, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I move:

That the Senate—

(a) notes the many pieces of legislation arising from the 2014-15 and 2015-16 Budgets that would create greater income inequality in Australia that have been previously rejected, and will not secure passage through this Senate;

(b) requests the Government to withdraw these previously rejected Budget measures from the Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook so as to more accurately represent the true fiscal position of the Commonwealth; and

(c) instructs the Government that, in its preparations for the 2017-18 Budget, this Senate resolves that, for the duration of the 45th Parliament, any proposed measures which further attack the most vulnerable Australians, increase their disadvantage or social exclusion, or disproportionately benefit the highest income Australians, will not pass into law.

James McGrath (Queensland, Liberal National Party, Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I seek leave to make a short statement.

Stephen Parry (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Leave is granted for one minute.

James McGrath (Queensland, Liberal National Party, Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Since the commencement of the 45th Parliament, the coalition government has passed, with the support of the Senate, more than $20 billion of budget savings, including measures from the 2014 and 2015-16 budgets. The government continues to work constructively with the parliament to pass its agenda, and notes inequality will worsen for future generations of hardworking Australians if the budget is not repaired. The government's economic approach is focused on targeting help to those who need it most and enabling hardworking Australians to benefit from their own efforts.

Stephen Parry (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The question is that motion No. 155, moved by the Leader of the Greens, Senator Di Natale, be agreed to.