James McGrath (Queensland, Liberal National Party, Shadow Assistant Minister to the Leader of the Opposition) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Over the past few weeks, many Australians have received their most recent power bill, and for many it's been a real shock—no pun intended. I've been inundated with countless stories of the power price hikes that many Australians have had to endure under this Labor government. One couple had the horror story of having a power bill of $150 in April, then $300 in June and then $580 in July—$580 a month for their power bill. Their bill increased fourfold in just four months. How on earth is anyone meant to survive in this country if they are paying that much a month for electricity? Businesses, families and young people across this country are suffering at the hands of the Albanese government's reckless energy policy and Labor's failures in this cost-of-living crisis.

While Australians are being hit with exorbitant power bills, guess where the Prime Minister is? Well, he's not by the side of working families. The Prime Minister spends most weekends—and most workdays, actually—travelling around the country trying to garner support for Labor's Canberra voice. Hats off to him for supporting the aviation sector, but why on earth is he not talking about the issues that are affecting all Australians regardless of their race? The Prime Minister is so focused on Labor's Canberra voice that he's left Australians behind, and at the end, when this Voice referendum fails, what will he have to show for it? Not only will reconciliation be taken backwards because of the Prime Minister, but Australians will be paying higher mortgages, higher rents, higher power bills and higher insurance premiums. Prime Minister, delay Labor's Canberra voice and focus on the issues impacting all Australians.