Julie-Ann Campbell (Moreton, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

When the member for Herbert opened his speech today he said, 'Let's look at what this government spends money on,' because he believed that it was quite astonishing. He said it was quite astonishing, and I want to have a look at what this government spends money on. Let's find out what the members opposite think is quite astonishing. First, the Albanese government has its eye firmly fixed on health care—on investing in urgent care clinics that make health care more accessible and more affordable in our suburbs; on bulk billing—making sure bulk-billing doctors are everywhere across our nation; and on women's health—making the biggest investment into women's health that this country has ever seen.

Where else do the LNP think the Albanese Labor government's spending, which is prioritised on the things that matter to people most, is astonishing? Second, we've spent money on housing, with five per cent deposits, and on making sure this government is investing in building houses so our young people and people trying to get into the market for the very first time have the ability to have a house when it matters most. Third is the cost of living. This is astonishing, particularly when you look at the LNP's track record on the investment that this government has sought to make into costs of living, with 20 per cent off student debt, much cheaper medicines and free TAFE.

When I came here today, I expected a debate on what is important to the Australian people when it comes to spending. But after listening to speaker after speaker from the coalition, I have found that this debate is not about that. This debate is a stalking horse for the coalition's priorities right now and those priorities are themselves. Because while Labor is focused on delivering for everyday Australians, the coalition is focused on infighting, on chaos and on themselves.

What have we heard from the LNP, from the opposition people who have been speaking on this debate today? We have heard a lot about the denial of climate change. We've heard a lot about how they don't believe net zero should be a policy. We've heard a lot about what shouldn't be spent. When the LNP and opposition talk about what shouldn't be spent, that is a cover for what they would cut. We know what they cut because they've told us. They would cut free TAFE. They would cut health investment, and we have seen them do that again and again. It's absolutely a stalking horse to hide their track record when it comes to the budget because we know what they did when they were in government. Budget deficits are the hallmarks of an LNP government. When it comes to this government, not only are we undoing what they did in when they were in government but we are also investing in everyday Australians.

We have heard from four members of the opposition on this topic this afternoon and they have complicated what is in essence a very simple conversation about contrast. On the one hand you have proven fiscal record—unfortunately, one of deficit for the coalition honed over nine years of economic mismanagement—and contrasting that, on the other hand, you have the achievements of the Albanese Labor government. Let's take a closer look at those achievements.

When Labor came to government in May 2022 the Australian economy was under severe strain, and the economic outlook was bleak. Inflation had surged to 6.1 per cent and was continuing to rise. Thanks to years of policy confusion and inaction, everyday Australians were left with a severe housing shortage and limited access to vital healthcare services. Wage growth was stagnant, and there was instability in the energy sector. The coalition's report card for their years in government included a litany of broken promises and failures, and they said that they'd offset spending, but net decisions were negative for four in five of their budget updates.

In contrast the final budget outcome from 2024-25 confirms that the Albanese Labor government has delivered the largest nominal budget improvement ever achieved in a single term. The work to repair the budget started on day one, and since then Labor's responsible economic management has turned two Liberal deficits into two Labor surpluses. In our third year, we have substantially reduced the deficit and have been committed to paying down debt. While the opposition only care about themselves, Labor is focused every day on delivering a responsible budget and spending that supports Australians.

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