Leon Rebello (McPherson, Liberal National Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is to the Prime Minister. According to the ABS, there are now 34,000 more unemployed Australians than a month ago; inflation is soaring above the RBA's target band, leading to concerns about stagflation; and every month the average household is paying $1,800 more on their mortgage under this Labor government. Is this what the Prime Minister meant when he promised, 'No-one will be left behind'?

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

I thank the member for his question, but it was an interesting use of statistics there. I was waiting for him to mention the fact that 1.1 million jobs have been created under this government. I was waiting for him—and I forgive him because he wasn't here, of course. If he was here in May 2022, he would have known that inflation had a six in front of it. It was double what it is now. He would have known also that interest rates started to increase under the former government and that there have been, in fact, three reductions in interest rates this year under this government.

He would have known, when it comes to fiscal policy, that they sat there, promised a budget surplus in their first year, when they were elected in 2013, and every year thereafter and, in fact, delivered zero when it comes to surpluses. But this treasurer delivered not one but two budget surpluses, the first consecutive budget surpluses in 20 years. He would also know, when it comes to the cost of living, that this government has progressed a range of changes, from cheaper medicines to the rolling out of urgent care clinics and the tripling of the bulk-billing incentive to lower health costs. He would know the difference that we've made in paid parental leave and in the superannuation guarantee. They've made a difference.

He would know that the minimum wage has increased each and every year under this government—something that is the direct result of the deliberations of the Fair Work Commission but with the advantage of having submissions from a government that supports, not opposes, real-wage increases. The former government had low wage growth as a key feature of their economic architecture. He would know that as well. So the member is forgiven in his first term. I congratulate him on his election, for being here.

Tim Wilson (Goldstein, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Small Business) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Patronising!

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

The member for Goldstein is warned. Do not interject with that kind of interjection.

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

From a bloke who spoke about the Wilson government online, you know—talk about fantasies! I think you're safe there, Leader of the Opposition. I don't know about the others behind you, but I reckon you're pretty safe from this bloke.