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

My home state of Victoria had two by-elections on the weekend and they certainly sounded the alarm, loud and clear. Labor's wrong priorities, broken promises, bad policies and waste and mismanagement have meant that Victorians have had enough. From Frankston to Bentleigh, from Moe to Mentone, from Warrnambool to Wonthaggi and everywhere in between—inner-city, regional and outer suburbs—Victorians are frustrated. They're feeling that they're falling through the cracks. They were willing to give the Albanese government the benefit of the doubt, but now they want change.

It's an absolute pleasure to have joined one of my candidate colleagues, Benson Saulo in the seat of Macnamara, meeting so many locals in Elsternwick last week to hear about what's important to them and, most importantly, how they feel that they've been let down by the Albanese government. You don't have to walk too far down Glen Huntly Road to see how many small businesses, how many traders, there are being pushed further and further to the wall.

We met with Perry, who owns a famous restaurant down there, the Mediterranean Greek Tavern in Elsternwick. He explained to us how rising costs, particularly energy, utilities and rents, are making it increasingly difficult for him to keep his doors open and how consumers are responding to the cost-of-living crisis. All around the country we're hearing this. The cost-of-living crisis has run out of control because of the decisions Labor have been making. Inflation has lasted higher for longer, interest rates have lasted higher for longer and the cost-of-living crisis has continued on, unabated.

With the calibre of candidates, like Benson Saulo, though, at the upcoming election in Macnamara people have an opportunity to make a real difference. He is a man who will make a difference for the community that he loves. The voters in Macnamara now have a true choice. He is a community champion that Macnamara needs. He's dedicated, genuine and committed and I am very confident that he will be a strong—

Helen Polley (Tasmania, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Senator Roberts, you have the call.