Michael McCormack (Riverina, National Party) | Link to this | Hansard source

Last night on level two in the parliament, there were two vastly different events. One was held in the Channel 9 studios, and it was a celebration of the Sydney Morning Herald's 195 years of publication. The Prime Minister gave a very good speech—he did. The Leader of the Opposition gave a far better one.

Indeed, about a few hundred metres along the corridors, something vastly different took place. It was the consideration in detail. As long as I've been here, ministers have turned up to the Federation Chamber to answer questions from both the government and the opposition. These are questions that people across Australia need to know the answers to: questions about the budget. And it's no wonder that ministers were absent from those discussions.

Jim Chalmers (Rankin, Australian Labor Party, Treasurer) | Link to this | Hansard source

Have you ever had someone rep you?

Michael McCormack (Riverina, National Party) | Link to this | Hansard source

No, never. I always turned up. I always did. But I'll take that, interjection, because you had ministers missing in action—from Defence and the National Disability Insurance Scheme. They were not there to prepare to defend their own budget. They were not there to answer the questions that Australians are asking about the budget. Why are there $77 billion worth of tax hikes in this budget? Why is this budget hurting so many ordinary, everyday Australians? What have we got? ministers missing in action.

Carol Berry (Whitlam, Australian Labor Party) | Link to this | Hansard source

I rise to support the reforms contained in the budget. This budget is designed to deliver fairer outcomes for Australian workers and aspiring homeowners. This budget will build on the tax cuts we've already delivered and further reduce the tax burden for over 13 million workers. That's teachers, nurses, tradies, aged-care workers, disability support workers, early childhood educators and all Australians who work hard for their wages.

The coalition opposed our tax cuts last year, a move that was soundly rejected by millions of Australians across the country, and we urge those opposite not to make the same mistake again. This budget will make it easier for Australians to buy their own home. For too long too many Australians have been locked out of the housing market. The challenge of housing affordability is a massive issue in our community, and there is widespread acceptance that our housing market is not working, especially for young people aspiring to own their own home. We cannot accept the unfair status quo, which is effectively locking out an entire generation from ever owning their own home. That is why our government is taking action.

This budget will restore hope for thousands of people across the country that they might one day be able to afford their own home— (Time expired)

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

In accordance with standing order 43, the time for member statements has concluded.