Deborah O'Neill (NSW, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is to the Minister representing the Prime Minister, Senator Wong. Last night, the Albanese Labor government delivered a responsible budget that further helps with the cost of living while building Australia's future. What are the measures that provide much-needed relief to Australians and build on what Labor has already delivered?

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

Well, we know that at least the Australian Labor Party is focused on cost-of-living issues for Australians, unlike the opposition and the Australian Greens. With this year's budget, Labor's fourth responsible budget, we are building Australia's future, and we will deliver further tax cuts to every Australian taxpayer. When the new tax cuts are combined with Labor's first round of tax cuts, the average tax cut is around $43 a week, or more than $2,200 a year, next year and around $50 a week—more than $2,500 a year—in the year after. On top of that, we're providing another $150 in energy bill relief, strengthening Medicare and investing in bulk-billing so more Australians can see a doctor.

You don't like that, do you, Senator Hume? We're putting more funding into public schools, we'll make more cuts to HECS debt to help Australian students, and we're building more houses and helping more Australians into homes of their own.

We know Mr Dutton and the coalition are recklessly opposing Labor's cost-of-living relief again. They have previously opposed it, and they are continuing to oppose it. It was quite remarkable earlier today to see what happened in the House of Representatives. Everyone will remember that the opposition tried to stand in the way last time Labor wanted to make sure all Australian got a tax cut. Well, they're at it again, telling hardworking Australians they don't deserve a tax cut. Those opposite voted against tax cuts this morning, and I anticipate they'll do so again tonight. Why have they done that? Because we know they have $600 billion to find to fund their risky nuclear scheme, so they can't support tax cuts. The reality is that Australians know the only way to pay for Mr Dutton's reckless nuclear scheme is deep cuts to essential services like Medicare. Mr Dutton and the Liberals cut everything but your taxes. (Time expired)

Sue Lines (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Senator O'Neill, first supplementary?

Deborah O'Neill (NSW, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Thank you, Minister. It's clear that Labor is strengthening Medicare, investing in housing and education, and advancing reforms to make our economy stronger, as well as building a future made in Australia. Minister, what risks exist to Labor's work to build Australia's future?

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

Thank you, Senator O'Neill. As you know, under Labor inflation is down, interest rates are coming down, unemployment is low, growth has rebounded, and real wages and living standards are growing again. The only people who are unhappy about that are Mr Taylor, Senator Hume and Mr Dutton. It's all helped by our responsible cost-of-living measures, which support Australians who are under pressure.

Of course, the biggest risks to all of this progress are Mr Dutton, Mr Taylor and the Liberal Party. Mr Dutton has said, 'Past performance is the best indicator of future practice.' Well, Australians know about his past performance: cuts to health, a GP tax, more expensive medicines and cuts to education. We know they will sack public servants, and we know that Senator Hume has made clear she doesn't care about the veterans in the backlog. You don't, do you? You've made that clear, Senator Hume. (Time expired)

Sue Lines (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Order! Senator McGrath, you've had an awful lot to say this question time. It's not appropriate. I invite you to make your contribution at taking note. Senator O'Neill, second supplementary.

Deborah O'Neill (NSW, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The Liberals and Nationals have already said they won't support tax cuts for every Australian. Mr Dutton stated, 'We've said that we won't support tax cuts,' and Senator Hume has claimed that now is not the time to give Australians a tax cut. Why does Labor believe every Australian deserves a tax cut, and how will they be worse off if their hard-earned tax cut is taken away?

Sue Lines (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Thank you, Senator O'Neill. Minister—I've got the minister on her feet, Senator Hume. You've had a lot to say too. I invite you to make your contribution at taking note.

Order across the chamber! Senator O'Neill, you've asked the question.

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

We know Australians have been under pressure from the cost of living, which is why we are delivering responsible cost-of-living relief, despite the opposition of Mr Dutton and the Liberal Party and the National Party—like Labor's tax cuts. You see, the Liberals won't tell Australians what essential services they'll cut but they have made it crystal clear they're not going to cut Australian taxes.

It's incredible how quickly Mr Taylor was to jump out of the gates to say no! In one of his recent disastrous interviews, the shadow Treasurer managed to say no to supporting everything, including his own leader. I would have thought it would be easy for him to rule out he was gunning for the leadership. He can say no to tax cuts for hardworking Australians but can't say no to a promotion! And now the Liberals are telling the media the message is, 'Leave him alone.' Leave poor Mr Taylor alone. Maybe he needs space for a clear run.

Australians can't risk a Liberal government, whether it's led by Mr Dutton or Mr Taylor. They'll cut everything but your taxes. (Time expired)