Natasha Griggs (Solomon, Country Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

Sorry, Mr Deputy Speaker. I was referring those remarks to the shadow Treasurer, not to you. I think it is quite ironic that they should come in here, particularly the Leader of the Opposition, and put their names to this MPI. The Leader of the Opposition leads a party which, when in government, saw four leadership spills, and he had a hand in every single change of Prime Minister. Yet he comes in here and tries to lecture us about stability, after six years of absolute chaos and dysfunction. Those opposite have the audacity to come in here and lecture us. What a joke! I can't believe it! They talk to us about cost of living pressures. Well, they implemented the carbon tax. We got rid of it. We listened to the Australian people. They did not want the carbon tax. We got rid of the carbon tax.

Those opposite come in here and start lecturing us about stability. The Australian people know what we are focused on. We are focused on putting measures in place to protect Australia and to ensure that there is financial stability and security over the long term. The McClure report on Australia's welfare system was released today. The report, which was commissioned in 2013 by the then Minister for Social Services, the Hon. Kevin Andrews, examines the welfare system to make sure that it is sustainable for the future—so that it is efficient and effective for the future. This government is working hard to ensure that Australia will be able to support those who need help, while respecting those who contribute to that support—something which those on that side do not know anything about. The current system has evolved over many decades, and it is complex.

Opposition members interjecting—

Mr Deputy Speaker, do you know what? When they were speaking, we gave them the courtesy of listening. They should give us the same courtesy—particularly the member for Griffith, who is a serial offender and who is not even in her seat. At least when we are not sitting in our seats we give you the courtesy of listening and being respectful—something that you guys know nothing about.

Opposition members interjecting—

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