Sharon Claydon (Newcastle, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is to the Prime Minister. How will Labor's cost-of-living tax cuts help Middle Australia and what is standing in their way?

Anthony Albanese (Grayndler, Australian Labor Party, Prime Minister) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I thank the member for Newcastle for her question and I look forward to being back in Newcastle tomorrow with the member at an event there in the great industrial city of Newcastle. She knows that the people of Newcastle and the Hunter will benefit from the fact that the tax cuts that passed this chamber earlier today will benefit every single taxpayer in Newcastle. How do we know that? It is because they'll benefit every single taxpayer right around the country, all 13.6 million of them.

We want people to earn more, and we want people to keep more of what they earn. Those opposite want people to work longer for less. We are doing the right thing for the right reasons.

I note the interjections from the shadow Treasurer. This is the bloke who, earlier today, had backbenchers moving amendments that were in his name while he sat there in the chamber, and those amendments were to remove any reference to the cost of living when it comes to tax policy and any reference in the title to the cost of living. Then, of course, he voted for his second reading amendment. The second reading amendment said this:

the Coalition is committed to going to the next election with a tax reform package that is in keeping with the stage 3 tax cuts …

Rollback is back! It was moved by the shadow Treasurer. They then went on to vote for our legislation. The big tip is: if our legislation doesn't get carried, then their Morrison tax cuts from way back in 2019 would of course stand. So if they're better, why did they vote for our plan? They voted for our plan and changed their position because our plan is the right plan. Our plan is the one that addresses living standards for low- and middle-income earners.

There have been 70 questions in this place this week so far—72 now.

Sussan Ley (Farrer, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Women) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

And 100 lies!

Milton Dick (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

No. The Deputy Leader of the Opposition knows that language is unparliamentary. I will ask her to quickly withdraw so we can continue on with question time.

Sussan Ley (Farrer, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Women) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Mr Speaker, I withdraw.

Milton Dick (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I give the call to the Prime Minister.

Anthony Albanese (Grayndler, Australian Labor Party, Prime Minister) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Seventy-two questions in this place, and not a single question from the opposition about cost of living.

Milton Dick (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The member for Herbert is warned.

Anthony Albanese (Grayndler, Australian Labor Party, Prime Minister) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

It says everything about where their priorities are. It's all about the politics, never about the people. It's never about assisting people. We on this side of the chamber will continue to stand up for the interests of people.