Don Farrell (SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Trade and Tourism) Share this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Walsh for her question and congratulate her on the terrific job that she is continuing to do for the people of Victoria.

The Albanese Labor government has overseen the largest indexation increases to government payments in the history of more than 30 years of Australian government allowances. Australian pensioners haven't seen a rise like this in over 12 years, over the entire length of the former, cold-hearted Liberal-National coalition government that now sits opposite because the Australian people simply had enough—enough of the lack of economic planning to lead us out of the pandemic and enough of the lazy policy that has left our nation's most disadvantaged the most exposed to the tumultuous global economic conditions.

This government is committed to serving all Australians and ensuring that, no matter what your circumstances, there is a strong social safety net to protect you when you need it most. This reflects the fundamental principles of this government to leave no-one behind and hold no-one back. This indexation will be yet another building block that we are putting in place to help ordinary Australians manage the challenging economic times that we face, ensuring that the government payments keep up with the cost of living.

Our government understands the challenges Australian households are facing with increasing cost-of-living pressures, especially those on low incomes. The measure to increase government payments by four per cent demonstrates yet again how we are committed to a welfare system that supports the most vulnerable Australians, encourages those who are able to work or study and remains sustainable for future generations. (Time expired)