Melissa McIntosh
Lindsay · Liberal Party · Australia
“The working homeless are one of our country's most worrying trends. When a working mother escapes violence only to trade fear inside her home for fear inside a parked car with her children, we should all be asking how Australia has come to this.”
“They told me they have women living in cars while waiting for transitional accommodation, women that are working jobs, women trying to keep their children safe and women doing everything right yet unable to secure a rental property because the market is simply too tight.”
“In my own electorate of Lindsay, the number of people sleeping rough in the Penrith local government area has increased by over 30 per cent in just one year. For every person counted sleeping rough, there are many more living in cars, couch surfing or remaining in unsafe situations because they simply have nowhere else to go.”
“More than four million Australians live in poverty, rents have soared, childcare costs continue to rise, and homeownership is slipping further out of reach. Mortgage arrears have risen by 6.8 per cent over the past year, while credit card arrears among Gen Z have surged by almost 29 per cent.”
“OzHarvest's latest frontline report reveals more than 350,000 people are seeking food relief every month, while more than 74,000 are being turned away because services cannot keep up with demand.”
“It cuts me to the core to hear the Penrith Women's Health Centre say that around 10 per cent of their clients are now working homeless. These are women fleeing violence, often with little more than the clothes on their back. Last year alone, the centre supported 750 women escaping violence in their homes.”
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“Despite my predecessor, the member for Banks, introducing a bill to this parliament that would take strong action on this terrible trend—which included imposing jail terms and providing stronger social media take-down powers—the Albanese government has refused to allow it to be debated. It is unsurprising, though, given they had to be dragged kicking and screaming to take action to protect our kids online from social media harms, only doing something about it after the Leader of the Opposition announced the coalition's policy. Shame on the Albanese government for prioritising political stunts over practical and impactful legislation that will help Australians.”
“The government have refused to support a single one of these bills that would protect Australians and their families from gambling harm. They've offered nothing of their own. There's been no action by this government to implement laws against 'posting and boasting' acts of crimes online, despite crime being a significant national concern in each and every one of our communities across this country. Offenders of youth crime, in particular, are using social media in an effort to one up each other online with brazen acts of vandalism, breaking and entering, stealing cars and violence to gain notoriety.”
“There is no coverage on their properties to call triple 0 if there is an accident or an emergency. People with life-saving health devices are having to charge them constantly because the device is searching for a signal that isn't coming, rendering the device useless—because it isn't on them; it's on charge. It isn't good enough, and the Albanese Labor government should be ashamed of their lack of response to help people impacted. And where is the government's legislation to reduce gambling harm? No, we haven't seen it. It's been a long time coming. It is not here in the House nor the Senate. But the coalition brought forward legislation. The Australian Greens even brought forward legislation. Even the crossbench has brought forward legislation.”
“That bill does nothing for Australian consumers, nothing to protect them from the cost of living, nothing to protect them from never-ending price increases of energy bills or when at the petrol bowser and nothing to protect them from interest rate increases. Yet it is, again, this week before the Senate, prioritised over bills that might actually make a difference. The NBN bill is nothing more than a political stunt and tells you everything you need to know about this weak and failing government. The Albanese government's priorities are all wrong. The shutdown of the 3G network was a complete mess. Thousands of consumers have been left with worse coverage or no coverage at all, particularly those in regional and remote areas. Our farmers have had their agtech equipment rendered useless.”
“It strengthens consumer protections, streamlines enforcement activity and provides greater visibility of operators in the market. This is the sort of legislation this parliament should be focused on, legislation that protects Australians. Disappointingly, though, this bill has entered the parliament on the eve of an election and is unlikely to pass the Senate and become law before the parliament is prorogued. What is more disappointing is that this bill took second place behind the Albanese government's NBN commitment to public ownership bill, which this parliament has spent hours debating so the Albanese government could attempt to revive their privatisation scare campaign.”
“The revised penalty framework will also allow penalties to be based on the value of the benefit obtained from the breach of conduct or the turnover of the provider, allowing for penalties of greater than $10 million should it be deemed appropriate. The Australian Communications Consumer Action Network, the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman and the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission have long advocated for civil penalty reform to ensure penalties for breaches of codes and standards reflect the severity of the breach and harm caused. The increase in the penalties will address this and align the telecommunications penalty framework to those in the energy and banking sectors, competition, legislation and Australian consumer law. The coalition will support the bill.”
“The bill will make compliance with industry codes mandatory, removing the requirement for a two-step process before ACMA can then take action—no more warning shots—ensuring more immediate action can be taken for breaches of the codes. I will note, given much scrutiny of the telecommunication sector over recent years, this is a change the sector itself has called for, notably the Communications Alliance, which represents the telecommunication industry and has been calling for these reforms since 2023. These changes will strengthen the regulator's powers to ensure that the regulatory regime is as robust as it can be and that operators are held to the highest standards. Finally, the bill will increase the penalties issued to providers for breaches of industry codes and standards from $250,000 to $10 million.”
“The requirement to monitor and report suspected scams and spoof numbers is another important one. If telcos aren't adhering to the code, the impact on people financially, psychologically and emotionally is significant. In 2024, phone scams had the highest overall losses of scam types, with more than $107 million lost by nearly 2,200 people. ACMA issued nine breaches of the scams code last year but none resulted in a financial penalty to providers. That's because of the two-step process. People's safety and wellbeing is of the utmost importance. The changes in this bill will strengthen ACMA's powers and the speed at which they can use them to provide even greater protections for consumers and ensure that we have responsible operators in our telecommunications sector.”
“Between September 2023 and September 2024, ACMA issues 23 enforcement actions, 12 formal warnings, two remedial directions, 20 directions to comply, two enforceable undertakings, infringement notices totalling close to $7 million, and, in one case, court proceedings. Some of these breaches relate to people's safety, which is of the highest priority. For example, there were seven notices issued to providers in 2024 for breaches of the emergency call database rules. These rules require the telco providers to keep a person's telephone number and address updated so that when the number calls 000, emergency services like police, fire or ambulances, are deployed to the correct address the first time. Adherence to this code is vital. People's lives depend on it.”
“This enforcement action can include penalties through the Federal Court, enforceable undertakings and issuing an infringement notice. Currently, part 6 of the act says: Compliance with an industry code is voluntary unless ACMA directs a particular participant in the telecommunications industry … to comply with the code. This phrasing has led to a misconception that compliance with industry codes is voluntary. As the explanatory memorandum to the bill states that, while code compliance is technically voluntary, after ACMA issues a direction to comply, or a formal warning to a provider, ACMA can take enforcement action if the provider continues its non-compliance.”
“Schedule 2 of the bill amends the Telecommunications Act to make registered industry codes directly enforceable by ACMA. The telecommunications industry has a co-regulation model by which industry is responsible for the preparation of codes, which are then submitted to ACMA for registration. Once a code is registered with ACMA and in force, the code must be complied with by the sector. In practice, what has been established under the act is a two-step enforcement process. If there is a complaint, a wrongdoing or a breach of an industry code, ACMA will direct a provider to comply—essentially, issue a warning to do the right thing and to get their house in order. Should they not, ACMA's enforcement powers then become available.”
“Full visibility of all telecommunications operators will also ensure ACMA can target compliance and enforcement activity and, where necessary, take appropriate action. Stakeholders have raised some concerns with us about the scheme, primarily around the application process and the need to ensure there is limited administrative burden on providers, particularly the smaller operators. There is also some concern around a provider's ability to contest the decision to deny registration, or registration renewal, to ensure that they have appropriate appeal channels. We have raised these matters with Minister Rowland's office, who assured us that these will be addressed administratively and there is no need to amend the legislation.”
“This will provide ACMA as a regulator for the sector with visibility of all of the operators in the Australian market, of which there are an estimated 1,500. This will ensure ACMA is able to educate, monitor and, where necessary, take swift enforcement action for breaches of any codes or standards. Should providers breach their obligations or pose a risk to consumers, ACMA will have the ability to cancel their ability to operate. These arrangements are similar to those in the energy sector, where the Australian Energy Regulator has the power to exclude operators from the market where there is a risk to consumers. As part of the scheme, providers will also be required to report all cybersecurity incidents. Where there is a cyber breach, the appropriate bodies must be notified and remedial action taken swiftly.”
“I rise to speak on the Telecommunications Amendment (Enhancing Consumer Safeguards) Bill 2025. The bill makes important changes to the Telecommunications Act to strengthen consumer safeguards—something we all agree is a top priority. The bill will create a register of carriage service providers, enable the direct enforcement of industry codes, amend the existing two-step process for the application of penalty amendments for infringement notices, and increase the maximum penalty amount for breaches of the codes from $250,000 to $10 million. The new carriage service provider registration scheme will require all telecommunications providers to apply to the Australian Communications and Media Authority for registration to operate in Australia.”
“I've touched now on groceries, energy and housing, and finally I want to talk about small business. Insolvencies are at record rates for our great local small businesses. We never hear about this from the small business minister, though. Parts of Western Sydney have some of the highest rates of business insolvencies. Australians are fed up, and we know that all they want is for Australia to get back on track.”
“The figures are real life. You go to any local community food bank, and they can tell you this very sad story. We come to housing. Unfortunately, buying a house, a family's first home, is getting harder. A coalition government will limit housing for foreign investors, to ensure more homes are available for young couples who just want their chance at the Australian dream. Rent is at record rates in many areas across Australia, and our young people in particular are being smashed by this, as are single parents—as is every Australian. The coalition will invest billions of dollars to get sewerage to local roads and much more built to ensure greenfield development sites aren't sitting idle—which is what's happening right now—but can be approved to build great Aussie homes as soon as possible.”
“These family manufacturers, these cafes and these households across Western Sydney are struggling, and they know the answer is gas. We must approve more gas projects to get more gas into domestic supply lines to bring down costs. It is that simple. But this Labor government only cares about renewables. We need a diversified energy grid made up of sources that fit communities and provide us with reliable, 24/7 base-load power, like nuclear energy can, and gas as well. I've touched on groceries and I've touched on energy prices, and both of these things are heartbreaking because these are the costs that are impacting Australians. These are the costs that mean Australians who have never had to line up at a food bank previously have to do so so they can feed their families—those double-income families. This is real-life stuff.”
“The Albanese Labor government's broken promise on energy costs is astounding. It's about time the energy minister actually apologised to his Western Sydney community, who are furious about the price of energy to power their homes. And I know they're furious, because I'm in the neighbouring electorate, and every time a member of the minister's community steps over they tell me how angry they are with the minister for energy. I've met with businesses in the McMahon electorate, which borders my community, and those manufacturers are struggling so much right now. Higher energy prices mean less money is being invested in their business to employ more local people to make more local products so people can get the benefit of a strong local economy, which is not happening right now. The price of gas is sky high.”
“The cost of energy is one of the biggest drivers of the economic harm to young people, families and seniors that are battling at this time. The draft default market offer this month highlighted a stark reminder for every person in Western Sydney. My community will be paying more than $1,300 extra on their electricity bills in the coming financial year than what this Albanese Labor government promised. Remember their tagline? It was that energy would be $275 less in 2025, which is where we are today, compared to 2022 prices. Prime Minister, you may have said that on almost 100 occasions during the last campaign trail, but I can guarantee that, when you set foot in Western Sydney during the election, it will be the first and last thing you hear from people on the ground.”
“I have some real-life figures for you. The cost of bread is up 21 per cent. Dairy is up 18 per cent. Seafood is up 15 per cent. Fruit is up 12 per cent, and chicken is up 10 per cent. These are essential items, but Australians just can't afford them right now because of the Albanese Labor government's cost-of-living crisis. Labor have spent the election so far talking about anything and everything apart from their policy failures that are hurting everyday Australians right now. Every minister on the economic team should hang their head in shame for the way they keep patting themselves on the back, despite every Australian suffering. It's like Australians couldn't have ever had it any better than they have it right now. In addition to groceries, energy is No. 1, and it's up.”
“We are going to protect kids online.' Every parent out there knows that this is a major issue when it comes to bullying online, and when it comes to exposure inappropriate content. We, as a government, will ensure that any child under 16 won't have access to social media online—that is, TikTok, Facebook, all social media platforms. It took us and Peter Dutton to take leadership on that, and for the government to come forward and make that same policy. These are just a few things where there is such a lack of leadership. Only a coalition government— (Time expired)”
“We have shown leadership in this space, and Australians can know that a Dutton led coalition government will restore the full 20 Medicare-subsidised psychology sessions. In the energy affordability space, my second shadow portfolio, we had 97 promises to the Australian community that their power bills will be cut by $275 by this year. Yet, right across Australia, people are paying so much more for their electricity. Western Sydney residents are paying $1,000 more. This is on top of inflation that's causing higher grocery prices, and people are just struggling so much that they are now lining up at food banks to feed their families. Finally, in my newest portfolio in communications, it took the opposition leader to come forward and say 'Kids' safety means something.”
“From local to the portfolios I've been very fortunate to have since coming into opposition, the first was in mental health. Mental health in this country has been completely ignored by the Albanese Labor government. It took the opposition leader, a number of years ago now, to say, 'If we are in government, we will restore the 20 free Medicare funded sessions for people that need psychology sessions that have been cut in half by the Albanese Labor government.' There's an outcry from the sector, saying, 'Please support people with mental illness in this country.' Yet, from those opposite, there is absolutely nothing. We have the former chair of Mental Health Australia calling out the government for their lack of action on mental health.”
“The local community are scared about the future that is coming. They should be excited about the future for our kids and the opportunities that Western Sydney airport will bring. Other roads have been cut around the airport in my community as well—major roads that take people to school, that take people to work and that keep them safe. Another issue lacking leadership is that of airport flight paths into Western Sydney International Airport. We've been fighting hard. My community is the most impacted community of all out of all the electorates across Western Sydney. The flight paths were able to be moved for one electorate—the electorate of Macquarie, a Labor seat. It seems like no other calmness could be made for anyone else with the flight paths and the flights that would be going ahead. It is extraordinary.”
“It was due to start in the beginning of 2023, and here we are in 2025 with the construction nowhere in sight. This is a major road, and it is about the safety of people that are taking their kids to school or that are going to work. This Albanese Labor government seems to take no interest in the people of Western Sydney. It's not just about this local road in my community. Major infrastructure projects have been cut across the board—$2 billion dollars in cut projects—when we have an international airport right on our doorstep due to open next year. There are roads around the airport, local roads, that are going to be major freight roads in the not-too-distant future, yet the infrastructure minister cut funding to upgrade these roads so they can deal with the trucks that are going to be driving along them.”
“Australians are feeling upset, they're feeling angry, and they're certainly—and rightly—feeling let down by this Albanese Labor government, because of the pure lack of leadership, because of the broken promises that have been made time and time again since the last election. It is true that all politics is local, and at the heart of this are the broken promises on a local level, the heartbreak on a local level. I know this, because there were promises made to my community during the 2022 election. The government stood up and declared: 'We will do this for you,' yet people are still waiting, and what they're getting is absolutely nothing. The Albanese Labor government came into my electorate during the last election and promised that a road that I secured funding for would be fast tracked.”
“The Prime Minister is once again missing in action when it comes to important legislation to keep Australians safe. Australian communities have had enough of criminals and young offenders committing violent actions and boasting about it via social media. We have seen horrendous footage of homes being invaded and people being accosted at night. The coalition stands firm that a Dutton led government will ensure 'post and boast' laws are passed through parliament to ensure that no-one is glorifying their criminal activity online.”
“Last week the South Australian Premier announced that his state will outlaw 'posting and boasting', making South Australia the sixth jurisdiction committed to ending violent crimes being put online for notoriety, following the lead of the opposition leader. In March 2024, the coalition made a strong stand on 'post and boast' laws by introducing a bill to parliament which sought to impose jail terms and provide stronger social media takedown powers. Under the coalition's plan, a person could be jailed for up to two years for depicting violence, drug offences or property offences for the purpose of increasing a person's notoriety. The Albanese Labor government demonstrated that it was weak on law and order when it refused to support the coalition's bill.”
“We have had rallies on the Voice in St Marys and roundtables on women's health, small business, manufacturing and housing. A highlight was restoring the Emu Plains Anzac Day ceremony alongside the Emu Plains Lions, the Nepean Historical Society, Penrith RSL members, the Girl Guides, Emu Plains churches and our piper, Tim Badger. I will always fight for our amazing community, from Londonderry to Luddenham and Regentville to Colyton.”
“Since the Labor government came into office, people have had nothing but contempt from this government, or disregard for what is right. The Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government put out a midnight media release rather than coming to Penrith and speaking to people about the impacts of the flight paths on our community. We are the most impacted electorate. There were, of course, beneficial changes for the Blue Mountains, represented by Labor. These decisions should not be political but based on strong community consultation. On a positive note, there have been many great community events, including celebrating the Luddenham Show, the Penrith Christmas tree lighting and so much more.”
“We've also fought against cuts to Mulgoa Road and semirural roads leading to the Western Sydney airport. The government just doesn't understand the coalition's vision for our new airport and the opportunities it will bring to the people of Western Sydney. We need investment in the roads that will connect Western Sydney to our new airport. We want Mulgoa Road finished, as committed to by the Albanese Labor government. It is not right that they have taken away funding to finish the job properly. Thank you to everyone who has been vocal about restoring funding for this vital project to decongest our roads around Glenmore Park, Regentville and Jamisontown. Our community has been frustrated—and that's probably a mild way to put it—on the issue of flight paths to and from the Western Sydney airport.”
“Since being re-elected in May 2022, it has been a really amazing three years working alongside the community of Lindsay for our fair share. There have certainly been a lot of fights along the way—that is, fighting against what the Albanese Labor government is trying to do to my community when it comes to ripping away infrastructure funding and having a complete disregard for the people who live there. Together the people of Lindsay and I have continued to fight against the Albanese Labor government's go-slow on Dunheved Road. The Labor Party promised to fast-track the upgrade of Dunheved Road, and they did this during the 2022 election campaign to try to win the seat. However, it is now two years behind schedule—a broken promise to the people of Lindsay.”
“It took the Albanese Labor government until November last year to introduce a bill to ban under 16s from being on social media. Because it took so long, we'll probably have to wait until this December for the promised implementation of the ban. Labor has a track record of delaying the rollout of important projects. Australians would be right to question whether implementation will go ahead by December or if this will be another Albanese Labor government broken promise.”
“Today is Safer Internet Day. It's a reminder to everyone how important it is to keep an eye on kids when they're online to help keep them safe. That's why the coalition established the eSafety Commissioner, to advocate and work towards protecting our kids online. Unfortunately, cyberbullying is rife throughout Australia and there are so many children suffering now. Almost half of kids—that's half!—aged between eight and 17 have been treated in a hurtful or nasty way, bullied online, and this is unacceptable. The opposition leader announced the coalition's position on protecting Australian kids online in June last year. He led the debate on social media bans for under 16s because he knows it's vitally important to keep kids away from harmful activities online.”
“The Labor government have been sitting on a report from their own committee inquiry since 2023, yet all they seem to be able to do is decide to wait until after the election. The government could have supported our commonsense bill back in 2023. A coalition government would ensure that families enjoying the broadcast of their favourite sporting event will be protected from gambling ads, which we know cause harm, particularly to children. The Albanese Labor government is failing Australian families by doing nothing. It has been clear over the last week in particular that, even though everyone else is coming to the table and everyone else has a plan, the Albanese Labor government has no plan at all.”
“The Albanese Labor government is out in the cold when it comes to a lack of commitment to the reduction of gambling harm. The opposition leader took leadership on this issue nearly two years ago. The coalition's position is to ban gambling ads one hour before, during and one hour after live sports broadcasts. Our bill was put to the Senate, but Labor and the Greens voted against it. Last week, the Greens put forward their own bill, and Independents in both the House and Senate have come forward with their own positions on gambling. Everyone is activated about this issue except for the Prime Minister. It is like the Prime Minister is dog paddling in the slow lane while everyone else is in an Olympic race to end gambling harm.”
“Western Sydney is at the brunt of this cost-of-living crisis, which has been compounded by the utter neglect on adequate infrastructure, no real policy on housing and relying on immigration to essentially keep the economy afloat. Our community wants leadership. That's what they tell me when I'm out in Western Sydney. It's time to remove this weak Albanese Labor government from office. A Dutton coalition government will deliver on our plan to reduce inflation, boost productivity, invest in infrastructure and get on with the job of delivering for everyday Australians that Labor has left behind.”
“The Albanese Labor government has not delivered on its original commitment to infrastructure for the Western Sydney community. Infrastructure has not caught up with some of the housing developments. We have a population boom in Western Sydney. You can't have one million people arrive in Australia without providing adequate infrastructure for additional housing being built where they live. The absolute disconnect on policy from this Labor government is astounding. The coalition has taken leadership on this very issue, wanting to reduce immigration to sustainable levels—without doing so, our infrastructure and housing crisis will get worse.”
“When will she do a press conference from her electorate office in Ballarat about Western Sydney—wait, she's already done that. That's her favourite thing to do. The minister came to Western Sydney to claim a win with investment in our regions. She tried to pull the wool over our eyes by saying her government had put new funding into Western Sydney infrastructure. That funding was set by the Morrison government. She put it on hold then ripped it away and only invested some of it back into Western Sydney, but she wanted us to be grateful. It's extraordinary. An honourable member: We had a good infrastructure minister in the Morrison government. A fantastic infrastructure minister in the Morrison government. Since that time, we have been completely abandoned.”
“Let's not forget when she refused to meet with Western Sydney residents to discuss the changed bypass to the Western Sydney Airport. She actually came to the electorate of Lindsay with the energy minister but didn't have time to go 15 minutes up the road on that day to Penrith and talk to those impacted by the change in the flight paths. We had a Senate committee hearing on flight paths in my electorate. The minister was there, up the road, but didn't appear. She would not face the people, but she's been very good at putting out midnight media releases to avoid scrutiny. Western Sydney is really sick and tired of being hoodwinked by the Albanese Labor government, particularly this infrastructure minister. When will she visit Lindsay, Hume or Fowler—non-Labor areas—to hear community feedback about the flight paths?”
“Shortly, when the airport opens, they are going to be major freight roads for an international airport. Not only is this inadequate; it puts local residents at risk, and they are very concerned about their safety. The coalition has now committed funding to one of these roads, Fifteenth Avenue, to the tune of $500 million, alongside the New South Wales government. This is important because the people of Werriwa, which is where this road is, deserve this much-needed road funding. Austral, the community in Werriwa, is growing so fast, with tens of thousands of homes to be constructed, connecting the airport to the Liverpool CBD. The minister delaying the release of the independent report and not getting on with these projects is one in a bundle of examples of the infrastructure minister being tricky with the people of Western Sydney.”
“Then the minister took away funding from vital projects, including the M7-M12 link already under construction. This is needed to connect multiple parts of Western Sydney via the motorway to the new Western Sydney International Airport, which is a Commonwealth responsibility. We want the airport to succeed. We don't want investment left behind for the airport that's going to enhance people's lives in Western Sydney and make going to the airport and all around Western Sydney easier, and we don't want the people of Western Sydney to be left behind. Unfortunately, the minister also cut funding for the Western Sydney transport development network. The network was made up of seven roads, which are old semi-rural roads, in desperate need of upgrades; these are potholed roads.”
“The Treasurer and the infrastructure minister committed to the Morrison government's infrastructure plan in the Labor government's October 2022 mini budget, but—what a surprise—Labor broke this commitment and broke promises to the Australian people that they made during the 2022 election, and decided to conduct an independent review of Western Sydney infrastructure by local experts. They also called for a review of the entirety of infrastructure funding in Australia. Before the May 2023 budget, the Albanese Labor government received the Western Sydney report but decided to shelve it until November. This meant they were not going to be pressured publicly to fund certain projects in Western Sydney that the independent report evaluated as high priority. The budget went ahead without taking the Western Sydney report into consideration.”
“Mortgage stress has risen particularly in Western Sydney, where people are so aspirational and working so hard to get ahead. Renters are feeling the pinch just as hard. A Dutton led coalition government will spend $5 billion building the infrastructure needed to get new housing developments online to boost housing numbers and help bring down the heat in the property market. I've spoken about the Albanese Labor government's failures on energy affordability and reliability, hits to manufacturers and small businesses, the weakened economy and housing struggles. But there's another key topic on the minds of people in Western Sydney—that is, the Labor government's broken promises on infrastructure funding and projects right across Western Sydney.”
“We want to see our manufacturers thrive and ensure our Western Sydney economy reaps the benefits of this. But it can only be done with a government that will take the energy crisis seriously. A Dutton led government would invest in nuclear to ensure reliable energy for Australians and keep renewables and gas powering our economy and households. What about housing? There have been so many interest rate rises that have smashed Australian families, and the Albanese Labor government thinks that Australians have it so good. Labor have not done the hard yards to reduce inflation. They've increased spending, and we know a budget deficit could soon feature on the government's books if they manage to get to a budget before calling the election.”
“They're desperate for gas to flood into the market so they can get some relief from high prices to power their factories. They can have all the solar panels in the world but they can't use solar; they need gas. Without affordable and reliable power, Aussie made products will go out of existence—and manufacturers have told me this—because our small manufacturers will not be able to compete with overseas competitors any longer. I had a local manufacturer—who has been in the industry, an engineer, for years—in tears because manufacturing is going offshore and he feels there is nothing he can do about it. We have so many people in our Western Sydney community who rely on their manufacturing job, whether they be from Blacktown, Fairfield, Liverpool or Campbelltown.”
“They broke their promise because despite having a little bit of relief, people are still paying $1,000 more than they had been promised by the Albanese Labor government. I know that people across Western Sydney can't afford this. Small businesses, struggling to keep their doors open because of high wage prices and high energy bills, can't afford these broken promises. It's extraordinary that electricity costs have gone up by more than 30 per cent. The cost-of-living crisis is hurting Aussie families who can't afford their energy bills, their groceries or their petrol to get to and from work. Gas, as well, is really important in the mix for Western Sydney manufacturers. Yet again, our manufacturers have been let down because gas is up 30 per cent. Manufacturers need gas to produce Aussie made products in this country.”
“What will the Australian public remember about the Albanese Labor government when election day comes? Broken promises. In almost every portfolio where this government has tried to deliver, it has underdelivered or, worse than that, it has made a commitment to the Australian people and then broken that promise. It has done this in my community in Lindsay; it has done this across Western Sydney; it has done this to every single Australian. On nearly 100 occasions, the Prime Minister said that energy prices would go down by $275. In question time today, those opposite were shouting out, 'But people have gotten $300', but power bills are up $1,000 and so Australians are actually worse off under this government.”