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

Australians should have faith because we've demonstrated an ability to increase the take-home pay of Australians by cutting their income taxes. We've demonstrated the ability to increase the ability of Australians to earn a wage by creating more jobs. Under our government 1.7 million more jobs have been created during our time in office. That's 1.7 million more Australians who have the opportunity to work, the opportunity to earn an income, the opportunity to support their families. And thanks to our income tax cuts they get to take more of that pay home as well.

Those opposite, I see, like to come and grandstand in relation to hardworking aged-care workers. I know that they will do that. I've heard their calls to say they believe there should be an increase in wages for aged-care workers. But will they put a number on that? No. They don't have the guts. They won't put a number on it. They won't budget a cent for it in their election campaign promises, because they're all just hollow rhetoric with no real action.