House debates Questions without Notice

Economy

Thursday, 15 October 2026 House of Representatives

Daniel Mulino

Daniel Mulino Fraser, Australian Labor Party, Assistant Treasurer

2:41 pm

I thank the member for Macquarie for her question. I know the member for Macquarie understands the importance of managing the economy responsibly and prudently given the challenging global economic environment. Foreign wars and economic shocks have a real impact here. It is only by delivering a growing economy with low inflation and shared prosperity that we can ensure that working people benefit.

Our approach to economic management comprises a number of key elements. The first is managing the budget well. We have improved the budget position over the last four years by around $230 billion, compared to what we inherited from those opposite. Because of this, gross debt in 2025-26 was $197.6 billion lower than estimated when we came to office. That involves saving around $70 billion in interest costs in the 11 years to 2031-32. Treasury's advice is laid out in the budget papers and is clear. These responsible actions that we have taken in the budget are helping to take the pressure off inflation.

The second is investing in the nation's future. We have put in place free TAFE. This means hundreds of thousands of Australians are getting the skills they need for the jobs that they need. This investment in skills and the supply side of the economy is so important for productivity. We have also committed to a Future Made in Australia, so important in this uncertain environment. We are building sovereign manufacturing capacity.

Our third focus is on cost-of-living relief because we know that many Australians are struggling, almost every element of which those opposite vote against, and we are delivering tax cuts for every Australian taxpayer. This means an Australian worker on the average wage will be up to $2,816 better off from 2028.

I'm asked about alternative approaches. I am sad to say that—

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