Peta Murphy (Dunkley, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

Appropriation Bill (No. 3) 2019-2020 today is something that is supported by the Labor Party and contains important measures that should go through. But people should be in no doubt that, when the Morrison government talks about their great handling of the economy and their great handling of finances, they are trying to pull the wool over Australians' eyes. It's an example of debate in this country, led by this government, letting down the Australian people.

The Australian people know that there are external crises and threats that are affecting our country. They know about the coronavirus. Sadly, far too many Australians know about the local bushfire threats to life, properties and the economy. But they also know—and it doesn't matter how many times the Morrison government tries to pretend otherwise—that under the Morrison government stewardship the economy is floundering. They know that spin is no replacement for delivery. The truth of the matter is that net debt has more than doubled under this government. Gross debt is well over half a trillion dollars. Record highs are what we're experiencing. Household debt is a real issue, and you only have to talk to people in your electorates. I would urge members on the other side of the parliament to do so to know the burden that these debts are placing on them. Economic growth has slowed. It's halved under Morrison's leadership. The Australian economy is not just in danger from internal—

See this speech in context