Slade Brockman (WA, Liberal Party) | Hansard source

I, too, rise to take note of the answers given by Senators Ruston and Colbeck. I think what is really galling here today, Senator Pratt—through you, Madam Deputy President—is that the Labor Party has forgotten so quickly the decision of the Australian people just a few short weeks ago. One of the key issues that addressed the minds of the voters of Australia, particularly the older voters of Australia, was: between those opposite and those on this side, who could be trusted to look after older Australians? I think that the people of Australia answered pretty decisively on that particular issue. They answered quietly but decisively.

Senator McGrath interjecting—

Senator McGrath, I will accept that interjection. We on this side will not be lectured by those whose policies sought to take to the Australian people an additional tax burden of $387 billion, including taxes directly targeting retirees. That was an absolute disgrace.