Anthony Albanese (Grayndler, Australian Labor Party, Prime Minister) Share this | Hansard source

I thank the member for his question, but it was an interesting use of statistics there. I was waiting for him to mention the fact that 1.1 million jobs have been created under this government. I was waiting for him—and I forgive him because he wasn't here, of course. If he was here in May 2022, he would have known that inflation had a six in front of it. It was double what it is now. He would have known also that interest rates started to increase under the former government and that there have been, in fact, three reductions in interest rates this year under this government.

He would have known, when it comes to fiscal policy, that they sat there, promised a budget surplus in their first year, when they were elected in 2013, and every year thereafter and, in fact, delivered zero when it comes to surpluses. But this treasurer delivered not one but two budget surpluses, the first consecutive budget surpluses in 20 years. He would also know, when it comes to the cost of living, that this government has progressed a range of changes, from cheaper medicines to the rolling out of urgent care clinics and the tripling of the bulk-billing incentive to lower health costs. He would know the difference that we've made in paid parental leave and in the superannuation guarantee. They've made a difference.

He would know that the minimum wage has increased each and every year under this government—something that is the direct result of the deliberations of the Fair Work Commission but with the advantage of having submissions from a government that supports, not opposes, real-wage increases. The former government had low wage growth as a key feature of their economic architecture. He would know that as well. So the member is forgiven in his first term. I congratulate him on his election, for being here.

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