Andrew Willcox (Dawson, Liberal National Party) Share this | Hansard source

The No. 1 issue for all Australians right now is the ever-increasing cost-of-living pressures, and, unfortunately, they're increasing at a rapid rate. Everyone is affected and no-one is immune—the young couple who have just purchased their first home, the mum and dad who are working long hours to feed their three kids or the pensioner who is too scared to turn on the air conditioning. I want to thank the member for Flynn, Mr Colin Boyce, for raising this critical issue as a matter of priority. Well done.

The Labor government promised a lot during the election, but these promises seem to have disappeared into the wild blue yonder. Labor promised a plan to bring down the cost of living. Labor promised cheap electricity—they actually promised this 97 times. Labor promised a cheaper mortgage. Labor promised no changes to franking credits. But, six months on, all that Australians have from their government is a growing list of broken promises, causing fear and uncertainty in our communities.

On budget night, this Labor government walked away from a commitment to reduce every household's energy bill by $275—a promise repeated over 97 times. Instead, what this government has given us is a 56 per cent increase in power prices. It's getting harder and harder for families to make ends meet and to enjoy the simple things in life—and those things are fast becoming luxuries. Garnier shampoo is now being replaced with Homebrand. A piece of rump steak is now too expensive, and mincemeat is purchased instead. Tinned fruit and frozen veggies are replacing fresh produce.

The coalition had a plan to target this very issue, using the agricultural visa. Labour shortages across our ag sector are creating significant strain on farmers and pushing up the cost of fruit and veggies. The National Farmers Federation have estimated that we need an additional 172,000 workers for the sector. Since the Labor government has scrapped the ag visa—except for Vietnam, and that's only thanks to pressure from the coalition—Labor has a plan for only 42,000 workers, and that leaves our farmers short 75 per cent of what's required. Farmers have not got the certainty to plan and are having their produce fall to the ground. When there is no-one to harvest the produce, it goes nowhere, and the profit is zero. The inaction of the Albanese government is costing Australians at the check-out.

In my electorate of Dawson, kids are missing out on playing sport because they have to travel to neighbouring towns to compete. This is purely due to the cost of fuel. This is another choice that's been forced on families: sports, or food on the table. A pensioner who can't afford the expense of running their air conditioner will be forced to suffer in the stifling heat and humidity that my region experiences every summer. Constituents who need to travel for regular medical appointments with specialists—from smaller towns like Bowen to main centres like Townsville, a 400 kilometre round trip—are struggling with the extra fuel costs. Do they make those trips, or do they neglect their health? People want to know when this government is going to get their act together and address the cost-of-living crisis.

My people in Dawson deserve a government that does more than just congratulate themselves at every opportunity. They're crying out for real solutions that will ease the growing cost pressures, bring electricity prices down and keep food on the table. Prime Minister, our country needs you to take responsibility. You're not in opposition; you're at the helm.

Since the budget was announced, we've seen inflation hit 7.3 per cent—the highest level in more than three decades. Homeowners with mortgages are feeling overwhelmed by their extraordinary payments.

Already, a family with a $750,000 mortgage is paying $1,200 more each month compared to what they were prior to the election. I am urging the Labor government to get the priorities of this nation right. We are staring down the barrel of a very bleak and very dark future. For the sake of the good people of Dawson and all Australians, it's time to put the cost-of-living crisis as priority number 1. And, for the record, Australia is not in $1 trillion of debt. That is just another Labor lie. Those figures are available to everybody—have a look.

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