House debates

Thursday, 14 September 2017

Statements by Members

Turnbull Government

1:54 pm

Photo of Jason ClareJason Clare (Blaxland, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Communications) Share this | | Hansard source

Tomorrow, Malcolm Turnbull's government turns two.

Photo of Tony SmithTony Smith (Speaker) Share this | | Hansard source

The member for Blaxland will refer to members by their correct titles.

Photo of Jason ClareJason Clare (Blaxland, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Communications) Share this | | Hansard source

The Prime Minister's government turns two, and what a cracking two years it's been. Debt's gone up; the deficit's gone up; electricity prices have gone up through the roof; and taxes have gone up. Almost everyone now has to pay more tax—unless, of course, you're a millionaire. If you're a millionaire, this year you got a $16,000 tax cut. What else? There are cuts to schools, cuts to TAFE, cuts to universities, cuts to pension supplements and cuts to penalty rates. He's stuffed up the NBN. It's now double the cost and still doesn't work properly. He introduced laws to make it easier to be racist but refuses to introduce laws to make it easier to marry. They've refused to set up a royal commission into the banks, stuffed up the census, caved in on climate change and even had to made five ministers resign. For one, it was because she went real estate shopping on the Gold Coast on the taxpayers' dime and, for another, it was because his mum made him Italian.

I've got a confession to make. My mum made me Italian the other night. It was terrific—spaghetti bolognaise—but I didn't have to resign! It's not all that bad, though. He hasn't knighted anyone yet. I don't think he's eaten any raw onions yet—maybe a few truffles. On behalf of the Australian parliament: happy birthday to you, Malcolm. The millionaires of Australia salute you. (Time expired)

Photo of Tony SmithTony Smith (Speaker) Share this | | Hansard source

I just say, before I call the member for Dunkley, to the member for Blaxland that I cautioned him at the start of his contribution about using correct titles. He flouted that ruling at the end. If there is a repeat of it, I will take action against him.