Pat Conaghan (Cowper, National Party, Shadow Assistant Treasurer) | Hansard source

I take the interjection from across the floor. Perhaps they should go and speak to the member for Forde, who has actually worked on a farm and has made the concession that Australians are worse off.

In this country our business insolvency rates are leading the world. We are clocking in at eight closures per business hour. But, rather than sending life rafts, this government ship seems to be intent on aiming its cannons at those who are now somehow managing to survive against all odds. These are businesses and primary producers that have already taken hits to their bottom line in the form of rampant power and fuel increases, out-of-control insurance premiums surges and skyrocketing rents. It's a far cry from robbing the rich. In reality, this government will be sending former gainfully employed Aussies to the dole line once these small businesses finally break and are forced to start laying off staff.

The Treasurer and Prime Minister insist there will be carve outs that protect small businesses and family farms. The problem is there's no tangible evidence of that to date. We have to take them at their word—and we all know how good that word has been in the past! In stark contrast, we on this side of the floor want to provide Australians with a hand up, rather than a handout for what they have earned. We promise we will repeal these punitive taxes once this government is thrown out by the angry Aussies it represents. Rather than tax something we need more of, we'll provide a tax incentive to build and produce and look after those Aussies that deserve it.

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