Senate debates

Wednesday, 28 September 2022

Bills

Social Services and Other Legislation Amendment (Lifting the Income Limit for the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card) Bill 2022; In Committee

11:09 am

Photo of Dean SmithDean Smith (WA, Liberal Party, Shadow Assistant Minister for Competition, Charities and Treasury) Share this | Hansard source

Really? How remarkable. This is the last sitting day until 25 October. Wow. So that place isn't even going to be able to talk about these initiatives until 25 October. This place isn't going to be able to consider these amendments until 25 October. The Labor Party thinks it can play with the livelihoods of older Australians and play with the livelihoods of small to medium-sized businesses across our country. It's remarkable. This is an important and critical issue. Agriculture producers across our country, small businesses, the chambers of commerce, National Seniors Australia, Council on the Ageing and the Antipoverty Centre are all saying that something more must be done for people. This is a modest initiative, but the government is putting maximum effort into delay and frustration.

On 7 September, during question time, Senator Farrell, as the Minister representing the Minister For Social Services, was asked to explain: why is it that the government's initiative is temporary when the coalition's initiative is permanent?

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