Angus Taylor (Hume, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Defence) Share this | Hansard source

As Christmas approaches, families look forward to a season of celebration, but for an increasing number of households the festive season brings more stress than joy. Rising grocery and power bills, higher rents and mortgages—the general squeeze on everyday expenses means that Christmas has become increasingly difficult for too many Australians. In the cost-of-living crisis under Labor, more households are struggling to afford the basics, let alone the extra expenses that come with Christmas. That's why initiatives like Wests Group Macarthur's Giving Tree Appeal in my electorate are so important. This year Wests Group has once again partnered with Big Yellow Umbrella, a local charity, to run the 2025 appeal, an effort that has become a lifeline for families who are doing it tough.

My electorate office is proud to support the appeal and help encourage local generosity. From early November through to 7 December, people across the region can drop off new, unwrapped gifts at several Wests locations, including at my electorate office in Camden. These go directly to children, parents and carers who, without this support, may have very little to unwrap on Christmas morning. Even small gifts can have a profound impact, especially for families who are feeling the weight of these cost-of-living pressures.

I want to recognise everyone involved—the volunteers, the partner organisations, the donors and the staff—for their enormous effort. At a time when so many Australians are feeling forgotten or left behind, this appeal shows that generosity runs deep in the community.

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