STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS

Mr NG (Menzies) (13:43): We've delivered a budget that backs the hard work and aspiration of everyday Australians across the country and in my community of Menzies. We're cutting income taxes, putting over $2,800 a year back in the pocket of the average worker, a new $250 tax offset and a $1,000 instant deduction—real cost-of-living relief that will help people right now.

We're delivering cheaper medicines. Urgent care clinics are here to stay. We're increasing bulk-billing.

There were 19 bulk-billing clinics in my electorate at the end of last year; there are now 29. We're levelling the playing field for first home buyers so they aren't priced out by property investors. We know the status quo is broken.

We don't want a generation locked out of homeownership. We want every Australian to have the opportunity to own their own home. We're backing 2.7 million small businesses—the engine room of my electorate in suburbs like Box Hill, Blackburn, Bulleen and Doncaster—with a $20,000 instant asset write-off.

And we've done it responsibly, with $64 billion in savings, debt down and a budget $264 billion stronger than we inherited. And this morning came more good news. The Fair Work Commission handed nearly three million workers a pay rise of 4.75 per cent, with those on the minimum wage receiving an increase of six per cent.

We backed a real pay rise above inflation, and it is here. We're committed to helping Australians every day and building for tomorrow.