Melissa Price (Durack, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

I am also very pleased to speak on this rather unusual matter of public importance and very pleased to talk about this government and how it is undertaking the listening, learning and implementing of change from Australia so that we can turn around the mess created by those opposite and their abysmal social and economic mismanagement.

Those opposite raised this matter today: the need to listen, the need to learn and the need to change. Those opposite have graciously—at long last—publicly acknowledged the need to do just that, to change the financial downward slope that our government inherited from the dark days of the incompetent Labor system of mismanagement.

I thank those opposite for drawing attention to their own shortcomings, of the need for our government to step in and make changes to preserve the outgoing financial tide and to pick up the pieces for the Australian people. As a government we inherited from Labor an appalling financial situation just 15 months ago. We learnt that major systemic changes will be required to reverse the downward spiral, to reverse the debt that Labor created, to repair and recalibrate the NBN and education, to rebuild our international reputation to revive trade, to stop the boats—the list goes on.

Those opposite have noted that our government is moving carefully, with a plan, and its eye firmly focused on the endgame. We shall not be distracted as we make incremental changes based on an informed plan, not based on fast-fire quick fixes. Yes, our government has learnt from the blunders of Labor. Our government has learnt that the way Labor tried to govern was without a plan and without listening; however, Labor certainly did introduce change, there is no denying that—and each Labor change led from one calamity to another. There is a very long list. I will give a couple of examples: their poorly thought out and expensive mining tax; Labor's total mismanagement of maritime arrivals—Labor's boat policy was 'Let them come in; the water is fine;' and who can forget the pink batts debacle?

Yes, we have learnt from Labor. We have learnt what not to do. Those opposite had to learn the hard way. They went down in a screaming heap when the people of Australia told them loud and clear that they had mismanaged the country and our reputation throughout the world. They were not listening. They were out of touch with voters and they were not making changes that would see them turn the tide of driving the country right to the wall.

This week, we move into a new parliamentary year. It is true that the summer break has provided more time for members to reflect, listen, learn and consider the government's plans to rebuild the nation. These plans and major changes must be borne out in our policy and legislative timetable. Our government's change agenda must be underpinned by a sound budget and debt position. All of Australia knows this and they are tired of hearing it. That is what I have heard from my constituents. But they want us to get on with it: stick with the planned changes, hold our nerve and get the budget and debt under control.

This week we debate another major systemic change regarding higher education. The successful passage of the Higher Education and Research Reform Bill 2014 will lead to great changes and benefits for students in the bush—who I am particularly interested in—but also to the city. For those who can take a long-term view, there will be paybacks for the Australian nation. We will be making possible the world-class education that Australian students need and deserve, opening up higher education to those from lower socioeconomic—

See this speech in context