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

Australians deserve honesty. They don't deserve to be treated like mugs by their own government. But yesterday we saw the Prime Minister call those on this side of the floor 'the axis of grievance' while evading giving an actual answer to any question posed by the opposition on behalf of those we represent.

But I think he misspoke; rather than 'axis', he meant to say 'apex'. I do understand, Prime Minister; they're easy words to mix up.

Yes, we on this side of the floor are absolutely the apex of grievance. By definition, the apex of grievance is a legal phrase referring to the absolute peak or breaking point of a prolonged complaint or injustice. It refers to the climax of a dispute or a historical flashpoint.

As representatives, we are here to make sure that the collective grievances of our constituencies are heard by those opposite—that their legitimate and real pressure points are being expressed and considered in the policies we create and not swept aside by spin and gaslighting. After four long years under this government, we are at a historical flashpoint when it comes to the erosion of living standards for the average Aussie. They deserve a government that listens, answers and acts, not one that diverts, deflects and denies the problem exists.

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