Cameron Caldwell (Fadden, Liberal National Party, Shadow Assistant Minister for Housing) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Across Australia, we have seen the living standards of all Australians decline. I received an email from one of my locals, Brett, who's a mortgage broker, and he summed it up this way:

In my profession, I see the raw reality of the cost-of-living crisis every day. Many of my clients are now at breaking point, with some already skipping meals just to make ends meet.

This was all before the current fuel crisis that is emerging in our country.

Last week the coalition decided that we should be proactive in doing something to help Australians get through this crisis. Brett went on in his email to say:

I am calling for a reduction or tax concession on diesel for primary producers and food chain suppliers. Such a measure would provide a necessary buffer against escalating costs …

And do you know what? Brett wasn't the only one who thought this was a good idea. The coalition brought this to the table, and the Prime Minister has copied our homework.

Australians are rightfully sitting around their kitchen tables right now, saying, 'Why is this prime minister always the last one to arrive at the crisis?' Australians deserve better leadership than what they are seeing under this Labor government. Mortgages are up, the cost of living is up, and petrol is now through the roof, with diesel more than $3.20 a litre. Something more must be done, and leadership needs to be shown.