Bill Shorten (Maribyrnong, Australian Labor Party, Assistant Treasurer) Share this | Hansard source

Because I like the member for Casey. But it cannot be left unsaid that the federal opposition has—at least to date—expressed an unwillingness to support the government in this place in delivering the reforms I have outlined. They simply seem to ignore the tide of demographic trend sweeping towards us. In simple terms we face a situation where the number of retirees will grow faster than the number of workers. Yet up until this point the opposition has regrettably consistently chosen to oppose what I have outlined today despite modelling by the Treasury showing that the government’s superannuation reforms will save Australian taxpayers $42 billion over 25 years in lower pension outlays.

The introduction and implementation of the Gillard government’s superannuation reforms build upon and enhance Australia’s already robust retirement income system. Our changes will facilitate a dignified and an adequate retirement for millions of Australian workers, and they will help build our country and our economy as we go about securing the next wave of prosperity. Our reforms are the right answer to the challenges before us.

My profound hope is that members opposite will soon join the new consensus, put down the instruments of political noise and join the chorus. Let us seize this opportunity to deliver for future retirees, our children and our grandchildren. Seize the opportunity for sound reform and deliver for Australia’s future. I commend this statement to the House. I seek leave of the House to move a motion to enable the member for Casey to speak for 9½ minutes.

Leave granted.

I move:

That so much of the standing and sessional orders be suspended as would prevent the member for Casey to speak in reply.

Question agreed to.

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