Simon Birmingham (SA, Liberal Party, Minister for Finance) Share this | Hansard source

Our direct economic and health support since the start of the pandemic now stands at some $267 billion. We've outlined the next targeted steps of investment to support parts of Australia, regional parts of Australia, industries in Australia, that continue to face difficulties in relation to the pandemic. We have ongoing measures in place, but we are shifting in terms of the temporary and targeted nature to make sure we stick to those principles of proportionality outlined at the beginning.

Can I welcome, in fact, the statement of the Leader of the Opposition today, where he said:

We obviously do need to shift away. These mechanisms won't be in place forever.

That, indeed, is very correct.

The Leader of the Opposition's comments stand in contrast to those of the member for Maribyrnong, who happened to be out in the media this morning. The former Leader of the Opposition said, 'What's the point of tax cuts?' What's the point of tax cuts! Those on this side understand very clearly that tax cuts put more money into the pockets of Australians, give them more capability to support, to invest— (Time expired)