Leon Rebello (McPherson, Liberal National Party) | Hansard source

The nerve of those opposite to interject on this is ridiculous. It just shows you disrespect for older Australians. Patricia from Mudgeeraba said:

Where do you think we are going to get any extra money from? Have already had to sacrifice House and Car insurance and cannot afford certain food items. Seriously !!!!!!

Lorraine from Burleigh Heads said:

I believe it is ABSOLUTELY DISGUSTING that this abhorrent Labor government is robbing older Australians to cover up their lack of fiscal understanding and knowledge. It's obscene that people—

And this is clear—

that have worked and saved and paid taxes throughout their working lives and continue to be taxed by ATO standards, are now paying STEALTH taxes. Because they are old. Aged Care changes recently implemented, makes the term (Aged Care) a complete misnomer. There is no care from this government for anyone other than themselves and their cronies.

Christine from Palm Beach said:

At 72, I feel betrayed by the government. We're trying not to be a burden on society but we may have to be now. We've worked hard for over 50 years—myself as a nurse and my husband as a chef and raised 2 kids and saved hard for retirement. This is like a slap in the face for our contribution. All the insurances have increased and food and electricity skyrocketing. We feel we are paying the price for this terrible government.

And older Australians are. We've seen this time and time again. Samuel from Reedy Creek said:

This change confirms that Labor has no concern for those who have reached a later stage of life but who have made every effort to bear a share of the costs of the health services necessary for a fair society.

They've done the right thing. They've done exactly what government asked them to do for so much of their working career, and now the rug is being pulled out from under them. That's not only incorrect; it is wrong, it is mean and it is unfair.

I heard the previous contribution from the member opposite, and he spoke about us on this side stoking division on this. He spoke about us stoking division. The ones on the government side of this chamber are the ones who are dividing Australians. They're dividing older Australians from everybody else. You cannot say that you are trying to unite—

See this speech in context