Sally Sitou
Reid · Australian Labor Party · Australia
“I withdraw an unparliamentary remark that I made yesterday during the MPI. In withdrawing that remark, I would also like to apologise to you and to members of this House. I used a word that was not up to the high standard that we would expect of this place and the high standard that I expect of myself. I apologise.”
“If you vote against tax cuts for all Australian taxpayers, if you vote against helping first home buyers to buy their first home, if you vote against super on government funded paid parental leave, if you vote against payday super, if you vote against same job, same pay, then you are voting against all Australians.”
“Today, 1 July, is an important day. Mark it in your diaries. I do want to thank the shadow treasurer for bringing this matter of public importance to us, because it gives us on this side of the House an opportunity to talk about all the changes that are coming in today, because today all Australians get more help.”
“While Labor is strengthening Medicare, increasing bulk-billing rates and making Medicare urgent care clinics a permanent part of our healthcare system, the Liberal Party froze the Medicare rebate and they wanted to introduce a GP tax. Again, no rebranding is going to change that.”
“Today, Australians can access three hours of free energy through our solar sharer program. Today, the Albanese government says to all Australians that we are working hard to help you. More than 14 million taxpayers get another tax cut. But what did the coalition do when the tax package came before the parliament? What did they do?”
“It is good economic policy because it keeps parents connected to work, it supports women's participation and it gives parents more time with their children. Today is a great day because we are saying to parents, 'We want you to spend more time at home with your children.' We are expanding the government's paid parental leave to 26 weeks.”
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“I withdraw an unparliamentary remark that I made yesterday during the MPI. In withdrawing that remark, I would also like to apologise to you and to members of this House. I used a word that was not up to the high standard that we would expect of this place and the high standard that I expect of myself. I apologise.”
“It is good economic policy because it keeps parents connected to work, it supports women's participation and it gives parents more time with their children. Today is a great day because we are saying to parents, 'We want you to spend more time at home with your children.' We are expanding the government's paid parental leave to 26 weeks. That's more cuddles, more kisses—a lot more sleepless nights! But it's a great thing for our country.”
“While Labor is strengthening Medicare, increasing bulk-billing rates and making Medicare urgent care clinics a permanent part of our healthcare system, the Liberal Party froze the Medicare rebate and they wanted to introduce a GP tax. Again, no rebranding is going to change that. The Liberal Party are now becoming the Enron and Kodak of brands. They are badly damaged and irreparable and will be a footnote in history. One Nation is no better, because let's remember what we've seen from Senator Hanson in the past few weeks. She opposed paid parental leave, and then she sort of supported it but not really. I think it's because she fundamentally doesn't understand what it is. It isn't a welfare measure.”
“If you vote against tax cuts for all Australian taxpayers, if you vote against helping first home buyers to buy their first home, if you vote against super on government funded paid parental leave, if you vote against payday super, if you vote against same job, same pay, then you are voting against all Australians. That tells you everything about the modern Liberal Party. And there is no rebranding, no new name, no new logo that is going to fix a party that is rotten to the core. While we on this side of the House supported a pay increase for those on the minimum wage, helping around three million workers, the Liberal Party opposed that wage increase for our lowest paid workers. They spent nearly a decade telling Australians that low wages were a deliberate design feature of their economic policy. No rebranding is going to change that.”
“Today, Australians can access three hours of free energy through our solar sharer program. Today, the Albanese government says to all Australians that we are working hard to help you. More than 14 million taxpayers get another tax cut. But what did the coalition do when the tax package came before the parliament? What did they do? They opposed it. I know the member for Lindsay has suggested that the Liberal Party ought to rebrand. My reaction to that—and I'm going to be as parliamentary as possible here—is that you can't polish turd. There's no dressing up a dud political party.”
“Today, 1 July, is an important day. Mark it in your diaries. I do want to thank the shadow treasurer for bringing this matter of public importance to us, because it gives us on this side of the House an opportunity to talk about all the changes that are coming in today, because today all Australians get more help. Today, every taxpayer gets another tax cut. Today, over three million workers get a pay rise, and today paid parental leave will expand to a full six months. Today, Medicare urgent care clinics become a permanent part of our healthcare system. Today, small businesses get the certainty of a permanent $20,000 instant asset write-off. Today, payday super begins, so workers' super is paid with their wages, not left sitting in an employer's account for months. Today, we take stronger action on supermarkets that are price gouging.”
“My question is to the Minister for Climate Change and Energy. How has the Albanese Labor government acted to help Australians with fuel and energy prices? What policies would see Australians paying more for their fuel and electricity?”
“And the evidence is clear. Eighty per cent of employers who offer paid parental leave report increased productivity. That's why businesses and families back it. When Senator Hanson talks about winding it back, she's attacking workers' rights, holding women back and making it harder for families. Fifteen years ago, Labor introduced Australia's first government Paid Parental Leave scheme, and now we're strengthening it.”
“If you were to ask any parent what matters most in those first few months with a newborn, they will tell you it is sleep and time. Unfortunately, we can't legislate for sleep. I wish we could. But what we can deliver is time—time to bond, time to care. From 1 July, Labor is delivering 26 weeks of paid parental leave, because we back families and workers. Not everyone in this place agrees. Senator Hanson has had several goes at explaining her opposition to paid parental leave, and each time she proves the same point. She simply doesn't understand it. Paid parental leave is not welfare; it's smart economic policy. It keeps parents connected to their workplace and boosts workforce participation because, to qualify, you need to be working before your child is born. This is about supporting parents to stay in the workforce.”
“This partnership with the EU is another example of our government doing the serious work of defending Australia's interests and contributing to a safer and more stable world.”
“They are about protecting our national interests, and they are about ensuring Australia is not isolated but connected to partners who share our commitment to peace, security and stability. Just like at the World Cup, the countries that succeed are the ones that prepare, build strong teams, understand the conditions and know how to respond when the game changes. That is what the Albanese Labor government is doing. We are acting with intention and purpose. We are deepening existing relationships. We are working with partners in our region and around the world, and we are practising what the Foreign minister has described as 'amplified middle-power diplomacy'. Australia cannot approach the shifts in global power passively. We must be active, engaged and prepared.”
“And we see it in the growing use of cyberattacks, disinformation, foreign interference and economic pressure as tools of modern conflict. That is why this partnership matters. It will boost cooperation across defence industry, cybersecurity, economic security, counterterrorism, combating hatred and countering hybrid threats. It will support increased information sharing to respond to global threats. It will help build the capacity and resilience of Australia and the European Union to withstand complex security challenges in our respective regions. It will deepen cooperation to combat online radicalisation and terrorism financing, and it will establish a new space security dialogue. These are practical steps that make Australia more secure in a less predictable world.”
“Together, these efforts show strong momentum in one of Australia's most important international relationships, and, as a middle power, Australia needs as many strong and reliable partners as possible. We need to work with like-minded partners, we need to build common ground, and we need to make sure Australia has more options, more resilience and more capability in an uncertain world. This is about strengthening global responses to the volatility, hostility and conflict we are seeing across the world. We see it in Europe, where the Ukrainian people continue to show extraordinary courage in the face of Russia's illegal and immoral invasion. We see it in the Middle East, where the people of Iran continue to face a brutal and oppressive regime.”
“Under our prime minister and Foreign minister, our government is getting Australia match-fit for the challenges ahead. In March this year, the Prime Minister and the European Commission president, Ursula von der Leyen, announced the Australia-European Union Security and Defence Partnership. This is an important step forward in a strategic partnership with the EU. Australia and the EU have a longstanding relationship built on shared values of peace, security, democracy and prosperity. Under this Albanese Labor government, that relationship is going from strength to strength. This security and defence partnership builds on other important areas of cooperation, including the Australia-EU free trade agreement and negotiations for Australia's association with the Horizon Europe research fund.”
“As Australians tune in to the FIFA World Cup, we are reminded of something simple but powerful: no team succeeds alone. You need a strong defence. You need discipline. You need trust between teammates. And, when the pressure is on, you need to know who is standing beside you. That is true on the football pitch, but it is even truer in our region and on the global stage. Australia is living through one of the most challenging strategic circumstances in decades. The rules and norms that have underpinned peace, security and prosperity are coming under pressure. The world is more uncertain, threats are more complex, and many of the challenges we face do not stop at borders. That is why Australia cannot afford to sit on the sidelines.”
“In this year's budget we made Medicare urgent care clinics a permanent part of Medicare. We've made medicines cheaper, with PBS medications to cost no more than $25 for the first time since 2004. Labor is the only party that is delivering on Medicare. We are the only party that will protect and strengthen Medicare.”
“Bulk-billing rates in my electorate are now up to 88 per cent, with a total of 39 Medicare bulk-billing practices which fully bulk-bill every patient with a Medicare card. That is 59 per cent of all GP clinics in my community. When it comes to strengthening Medicare, bulk-billing is just the tip of the iceberg. We promised to deliver 137 fully bulk-billed Medicare urgent care clinics for free, urgent health care. They're open until late, open seven days and accessible without appointment so that we are able to free up our emergency hospital rooms. We have kept our promise; we have established all 137 Medicare urgent care clinics, including one in my electorate, in Burwood, at 8 Elsie Street. It opened in December last year and has already treated thousands and thousands of patients.”
“They've only got grievance and noise. Australians don't need Medicare turned into another culture war. What they need is a government that truly believes in Medicare and wants to strengthen it, and that's exactly what we get with the Albanese Labor government. Our government has made the single largest investment into Medicare ever—$8.5 billion to deliver more bulk-billing practices, GPs and nurses to help ensure all Australians have access to free and quality health care. We have the numbers to back it up, because it's working. From March 2025 to March 2026, bulk-billing increased in every single state and territory. It's now up to 81.9 per cent nationally, up more than 4.6 per cent in a year, with more than 3,600 practices fully bulk-billing.”
“They wanted Australians to pay more just to see a doctor. Bulk-billing was in freefall after a decade of cuts and neglect. That should tell you everything about the coalition's approach to Medicare. They cut, they froze and they tried to force Australians to pay more for health care every single chance they got. Then there is One Nation. On Medicare, like everything else, One Nation is all slogan and no solution. They say they support bulk-billing, but, when it comes to the serious work of strengthening primary care, supporting GPs, training more doctors and nurses and making it easier for Australians to see a GP for free, they have nothing serious to offer. Medicare and bulk-billing aren't strengthened by a press release or a dog whistle slogan. Neither One Nation nor the coalition have any plans to strengthen Medicare.”
“It's a proud Australian tradition and a proud Labor legacy. Labor created Medicare, Labor will always protect Medicare and Labor is strengthening Medicare for the future. But that promise hasn't universally been supported by all sides of politics. When the coalition were last in government, they weakened and undermined Medicare every chance they got. When we came into government in 2022, it had never been harder or more expensive to find a doctor, because the coalition had frozen Medicare rebates for six long years. Every year that the freeze stayed in place Medicare covered less and less of the real cost of seeing a doctor. That meant more pressure on GPs, more pressure on clinics and more pressure on patients. And let's not forget they tried to introduce an infamous GP co-payment.”
“I move: That this House: (1) notes the latest bulk billing data for the March quarter 2025-26 shows bulk billing has increased in every state and territory; (2) commends the Government's record $8.5 billion investment to strengthen Medicare with more bulk billing and doctors and nurses which is delivering free health care for Australians; and (3) acknowledges there are now more than 3,800 bulk billing practices across the country, with over 1,400 of these switching from mixed billing thanks to the Government's investments. Medicare is one of the most precious of Australian promises—that the health care you receive should depend on your Medicare card, not your credit card. It speaks to who we are as a country that, when you're unwell, you get the care you need no matter who you are and what your circumstances are.”
“For Katie and Mark, Annie Levine was the reassuring voice and trusted presence they needed, and that is the difference great midwives make.”
“In one of the most frightening moments of Mark's life, Annie was there for him too. She cared not just for Katie and baby Patrick but for the whole family. And that care did not stop at the hospital; in those early weeks at home, Annie's visits, advice and encouragement were, in Mark's words, invaluable. This is the kind of care that happens every day at Concord hospital—skilled, compassionate and deeply human. Stories like Katie and Mark's remind us of the important work that midwives do. That is why the Albanese Labor government is supporting the next generation of midwives through paid prac placements, so eligible midwifery students receive financial support while undertaking mandatory clinical placements.”
“Their story is one example of the extraordinary midwifery care provided through the Concord Midwifery Group Practice at Concord hospital. For Katie and Mark, what made all the difference was their incredible midwife, Annie Levine—now affectionately known as 'Aunty Annie'. The impact Annie had on this young family was profound. From their first appointment, Katie said she had never felt more comfortable with a healthcare provider. Annie listened, deeply respected their choices and empowered them. Over time, that care became more than clinical support; it became a relationship built on trust, warmth and genuine compassion. When Katie went into labour, Annie calmly guided them through those uncertain first moments. When complications arose and Katie needed surgery, Annie's care went beyond the clinical.”
“Like so many other first-time parents, I am deeply indebted to the midwives who helped me through the birth of my son. I could not thank the midwives at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital enough for their care and support. They were there for us during the many hours of a difficult labour. Recently I heard from a constituent, Mark Ottaway, who felt a similar sense of gratitude when his beautiful boy, Patrick, was born. Just 10 days later I also had the privilege of welcoming Patrick's mum, Katie, as a new Australian citizen. Having come from the United States, Katie experienced pregnancy, birth and motherhood far away from family and support networks. Like many expectant parents, Katie and Mark were excited but also very nervous.”
“We are making changes to negative gearing and we're making changes to the capital gains tax so that, when that first home buyer, that young Australian who has an aspiration to own a first home, goes to that auction, they are getting a fair crack at being able to afford buying that home. They're not having to bid against investors who have a taxation system that is heavily weighted towards them. Now, if that is not aspirational, I do not know what is. We on this side of the House are pro homeownership. We are pro aspiration and, importantly, we are supporting that first home buyer.”
“We on this side of the house are actually trying to address it from all three fronts. While those opposite ignore it—in fact, they fuelled it—we on this side of the house are addressing it on all three fronts. At every budget that we have delivered since we have been in government, we have put measures in place to increase housing supply and to support first home buyers trying to buy their first home. Let's remember what those opposite did. They failed so completely that they forgot to appoint a minister for housing. That's how seriously they took the problem. But we have addressed supply, we're addressing support for first home buyers and now, in this budget, we are levelling the playing field.”
“Homes cost around nine times a typical household income, and it takes close to 12 years to save for a deposit. So what have we done as a country in less than three generations? We've made it three times harder to buy a home and take three times longer to save, because homes cost three times more relative to income. And that's not just a statistic; it's a whole generation locked out of homeownership. Those opposite don't want to admit this fact. They don't want to talk about how first home buyers are finding it really difficult. The challenge is absolutely difficult. The challenge is immense. Part of it is making sure that we get our tax system right. Part of it is making sure that we increase supply, that we're building more homes. And part of it is to help first home buyers get their foot in the door.”
“We want people to succeed. We want them to invest. But we don't want a first home buyer going to an auction and having to compete against an investor who has the whole taxation system—negative gearing and the 50 per cent discount on capital gains tax—working for them. That's an unfair playing field. Anyone would admit that. So what happened under their watch? When my parents bought their first home 40 years ago, the dream of homeownership was within reach because a home cost about three times the average household income and you could save for a deposit in just four years. When I bought my first home 15 years ago, it had already become twice as hard. Homes were six times the average income, and it took eight years to save for a deposit. For a young Australian today it's even harder.”
“I will give the shadow treasurer some credit here. He does have some great oratory, with a lot of flair and a lot of hyperbole, but let's look at some of the facts here. Something that they don't want to admit is that a change to the CGT in 1999 by then prime minister John Howard did not have the result they were hoping for. Instead, that change—the 50 per cent discount on CGT—had the unintended consequence of making homeownership harder for first home buyers. In the shadow treasurer's hyperbole, I don't know if he's going to recognise that fact, but let us all recognise the fact, today, that the change failed to do what the Howard government was hoping it would do, which was to increase investment in shares. What actually happened was that investment in shares and dividends went down, whereas investment in property shot through the roof.”
“The last fortnight has demonstrated that the work we are putting in to get more renewable energy into the grid is working. We are now seeing that 50 per cent of our electricity is now coming from renewable energy. That has resulted in prices starting to come down as well as emissions coming down, and what a great achievement that is.”
“Through reforms to the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act, we've changed that. We've established a new National Environmental Protection Agency, a strong independent regulator with the powers, resources and transparency needed to properly protect our environment. It is something that has been missing from this country for far too long. Just as importantly, we've made the system work better. We're cutting duplication between levels of government, improving access to high-quality environmental data and giving businesses clearer guidance and faster decisions. That matters because Australia should not have to choose between protecting nature and building homes, clean energy and the infrastructure that we need.”
“I'm really pleased that we on this side of the House are talking about climate change and the impact it's having on our community. We're committed to net zero, but we've also got the practical steps to help us get there. Last year, I stood in this chamber and I had the opportunity to speak on a very similar bill because we are taking real, practical action on climate, energy and our environment. We have done so since we were first elected four years ago. Now that I'm standing here again, I'm really proud to talk about the significant environmental law reforms that we have put in place—the most significant in more than a decade—because for too long the system was outdated and ineffective, failing to properly protect nature while also creating uncertainty for businesses trying to do the right thing.”
“My colleague the member for Leichhardt spoke incredibly eloquently about the impact that climate change is having on his community in Far North Queensland—again, something those opposite refuse to acknowledge. But—even if we were to take them on their concerns about cost, what this all means and particular projects running over time—what did they have that they were proposing? A $600 billion nuclear energy program. I tell you what, the cost blowouts there would have been enormous. The time taken to build those things would have run into the decades. What a ridiculous policy. They not only came with a ridiculous policy but have also now abandoned net zero in its entirety, such is the stranglehold by the far right of this country. They're refusing to even attempt to get to net zero.”
“It was so bad that the former New South Wales fire and rescue commissioner Greg Mullins came out strongly with a number of retired fire chiefs to say that—if we do not act on climate change, take it seriously, stand up as political leaders and do something to address this problem—the bushfire season will become more intense and more frequent and everyone will be left suffering the consequences. We have seen that come to bear with the bushfires in California and with the bushfires in parts of Europe. And yet those opposite still refuse to acknowledge the impact that climate change is having on natural disasters—making them more intense and more frequent.”
“I have sat through a number of the contributions from those opposite on the matter before us at the moment. Hearing their contributions has been uninspiring because at no time have they recognised the impact that climate change is having on our environment. At no time have they recognised the huge economic and human toll climate change is having on our country and globally. The only time I think they may have mentioned climate change was to refer to the department itself. It's like they are trying to talk about this debate but refusing to acknowledge the fact that climate change is having a huge impact on our lives economically and socially. I remember how bad the 2019-20 bushfire season in New South Wales was.”
“Because aviation safety is not just about the aircraft, the runway or the passengers; it is also about the people who keep the industry flying, and secure skies should mean secure jobs too.”
“It divides workers, it weakens standards and it sends a dangerous signal across aviation that if a company does not like Australian labour standards, it can simply re-route the work offshore. That should not be the boarding pass to doing business in this country. Companies that benefit from being based in Australia should not be able to cruise at altitude on Australian profits while avoiding Australian obligations. It is about whether cabin crew doing the same job, wearing the same uniform, serving the same passengers and keeping the same flights running should be treated as a cheaper class of worker because of where they are based. And it is about whether we are serious about safe, secure and fair skies. This is exactly why we need stronger whole-of-industry accountability, including through a safe and secure skies commission.”
“Same Job, Same Pay has delivered important gains for workers across the country. It has helped ensure that companies cannot simply use labour hire arrangements to undercut wages and conditions. But companies should not be allowed to taxi around the rules, exploit a legal loophole, take off with cheaper labour and leave Australian workers standing at the gate. The Transport Workers Union has been relentless in sounding the alarm on this issue, standing up for aviation workers and making sure these concerns are heard in this place. I thank them for their tireless work, because when overseas based crews are used to undercut Australian rates and conditions the whole industry feels the turbulence.”
“This is a boarding announcement for Jetstar and Qantas Group. Before take off, passengers are told to follow the safety instructions, but, when it comes to workers, Jetstar seems to have found a different set of safety card instructions. Fasten your seatbelt, because Australian based cabin crew are being locked out of higher value international flying. Brace for impact, because workers are losing pay progression and career opportunities. And locate your nearest exit, because some overseas based crew are reportedly being paid as little as $10 an hour, with allowances so low they struggle during layovers in Australia. This is not the spirit of fair work. That should not be the flight path for our aviation industry. This is not the journey to better standards; it is a one-way ticket to the bottom.”
“More than 1,800 volunteers have assisted from course set up and marshalling to timing, barcode scanning, results and tail walking. Thank you to the run director team: Mark and Anilda Lehane, Adrian and Annette Ferris, Mike and Anna Richardson, Declan and Lorraine Ruane, Nicole Petrin, Debbie Kang, Shiona Will and Nancy Yan. They do an incredible job leading the parkrun each Saturday. Rhodes parkrun supports young people by who are completing their Duke of Edinburgh award, helping them to build their confidence. I commend all the volunteers, members, participants and supporters and thank them for everything that they do for our community.”
“They were part of something special. Rhodes parkrun was established in 2015 and is a free weekly five-kilometre walk, jog or run held every Saturday morning around the Rhodes Waterfront and Bicentennial Park. And for many people, parkrun is not just an exercise; it's a fixture in their social calendar, a chance to meet with their friends, connect and have a cup of coffee afterwards. It's also a great opportunity to get fit and look after your mental health. It's one of the most popular parkruns in Sydney, regularly attracting more than 600 participants. Since its inception, more than 24,500 people have completed the course, recording more than 190,000 finishers. None of this happens by accident. Rhodes parkrun is delivered entirely by volunteers.”
“He served as club president from 1980 to 1995 and remains a regular presence, proving, as he says, that, 'The older I get, the better I become'. Kathleen Hextell completed a Learn to Row program at Drummoyne in 2006, and she's been at the club ever since. She has poured thousands of volunteer hours and has helped hundreds of people get involved in the sport. I also want to acknowledge Kai Sakakibara, a champion BMX rider who suffered a serious injury in 2020. As part of his recovery, Kai took up pararowing at Drummoyne. His time there showed what an inclusive para program they run. Last Saturday my son, Max, and I joined local residents at the Rhodes parkrun. It was so much fun. There were people there of all ages and all backgrounds. There were super fast runners and some slower walkers all participating in this great community event.”
“I want to thank Steve Burke, the president of the club, for his decades-long association with the club and for inviting me to attend a regatta recently. With more than 250 members aged from 13 to 83 and a strong majority of women and girls participating, the club reflects the diversity and inclusiveness that we value across our community. I'm told that rowing is a sport that really gets into your blood, and I met so many members who have been part of the club for decades, generations of families who were there rowing alongside each other. I want to acknowledge three remarkable members. Graeme Wearne joined Drummoyne in 1969 and at 83 is still training and competing. He was a national champion, representing Australia at the 1979 world championships, and recently collected five medals at the New South Wales Masters Championships.”
“I want to recognise two extraordinary community sporting institutions in my electorate, the Drummoyne Rowing Club and the Rhodes parkrun. They are different in form, one on the water and one along the waterfront, but they share something important. They are powered by volunteers. They bring people together and show what community sport is all about. Established in 1919, Drummoyne Rowing Club has operated continuously in Iron Cove for more than a century. It is one of Sydney's oldest community sporting institutions and a true anchor on the Parramatta River foreshore. The club is a community driven organisation, not-for-profit, self-funded through memberships, grants and fundraising and powered almost entirely by volunteers.”
“At every budget, we've invested in building more homes and helping first home buyers. In this budget, we've delivered the biggest tax reforms in over a decade. Changes to negative gearing and capital gains tax for property investment will help level the playing field so more Australians can get a fair shot at owning a home.”
“When my parents bought their first home 40 years ago, the dream of homeownership was within reach. A home cost about three times the average household income, and you could save for a deposit in just four years. When I bought my first home 15 years ago, it had already become twice as hard. Homes were six times the average income, and it took eight years to save a deposit. Today, for a young Australian, it's even harder. Homes cost around nine times a typical household income, and it takes close to 12 years to save a deposit. In less than three generations, we've made it three times harder to buy a home—three times longer to save, homes cost three times more, relative to income. And that's not just a statistic; it's a whole generation locked out of homeownership. We need to fix this, and we are.”
“The difference here is that we on this side of the House are providing practical support for small businesses: a permanent $20,000 instant asset write-off so businesses can invest with certainty; loss carry-back, so you can recover from tough years; real reduction in red tape and compliance costs; and a cut in energy bills and help to improve energy efficiency. And, importantly—and this is something that those opposite completely mismanaged—we are investing in skills and training because that's what small businesses need—they need skilled workers. So we are backing small businesses. We're not running fear campaigns. We're not using recycled attacks. Get with the program.”
“Let's also be clear that this is not rushed reform. There is a clear transition period from 2027, giving businesses time to plan and restructure if they need to. This is responsible policymaking. 'Responsible' is an adjective that those opposite may not understand, because they've been running away from it for so long, but, on this side of the House, we are about responsible policymaking. Those opposite talk about backing small business, but, when they were in government, what was their track record? Too often, small businesses were left to fend for themselves. Those opposite announced deregulation agendas. They came in here talking about cutting red tape, but nearly half of businesses said regulation was stopping them from growing. That's not delivery; that's disappointment.”
“Around 90 per cent of small businesses will not be affected by these CGT changes at all. That is nine in 10 small businesses that will be unaffected. We didn't hear that from those opposite. If you've owned your business for 15 years and you're retiring, you still pay zero capital gains tax. You can still reduce gains by 50 per cent on active assets. You can still exclude up to $500,000 through the retirement exemption. And you can still defer CGT by reinvesting in another business asset. The reason why nine in 10 small businesses will remain unaffected by our CGT reforms is that those four exemptions still remain, so stop with the scare campaigns. When those opposite claim every business owner is under attack, they are not telling the truth. They are trying to scare people, and we have to call it out.”