Pat Conaghan (Cowper, National Party, Shadow Assistant Treasurer) | Link to this | Hansard source

Yesterday, we heard Labor spruiking their changes that came into effect with the new financial year, and there was a lot of chest beating and oversimplified statements around the standards of living that would make anyone not living in the real world think that things have never been better. But the average Australian knows that's not true, and they're feeling the pressure of household budgets at breaking point, and, at the same time, their salaries are not buying what they used to when Labor came in. It's simply Labor's 'divert, deflect and deny' talking points. I've taken the liberty to change the script, and it sounds a little bit like this. They say: 'As of today, we've hit new heights when it comes to the cost-of-living pressures, with increases in prices over the past four years that this country has never seen before. Insurance is up 42 per cent. Household electricity bills are up 38 per cent. Gas is up 37 per cent. Rents are up, and your weekly food shop is up 17 per cent. For those young Aussies with a mortgage, you've seen 15 interest rate rises since Labor came to power, and it is a direct result of inflationary policies—

A division having been called in the House of Representatives—

Sitting suspended from 10 : 43 to 10 : 54

Before I was interrupted, I was reading from the new Labor talking points. They go on to say: 'For Aussies with a mortgage, you've seen 15 interest rate rises since we came to power as a direct result of our inflationary policies, so, on average, you're spending another $29,000 on your mortgage. And, as a result of our May announcements, your house is now worth 10 per cent less—congratulations!

Small businesses, we haven't forgotten you. We know that your input costs are already through the roof and your profit margins are even slimmer. We know that the number of annual insolvencies has tripled this financial year when compared with 2022. But we're going to kick the boot in a little further and raise your labour costs by increasing the minimum wage, which sounds good on paper but actually means business owners will be forced to reduce their staffing numbers and unemployment is set to rise. Oh, and, if you're thinking about selling your business, we'll take an increased chunk of that too. But it's okay, everyone. Labor's groundbreaking income tax cut will put $4.80 back in your pocket to cover it.'

A tiny cut doesn't release the pressure created from failed policies that favour ideology over prosperity. Even if they don't realise it consciously, Australians are feeling it every single day. The coalition remains committed to reversing the decisions that have led to the biggest hit to Australian living standards this century. We will get back to basics with a sensible tax system that rewards aspiration and productivity. We will put in place an energy policy that ensures affordability over ideology. We will support small businesses and family households. And we will put Australians first.