STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS

Mr PIKE (Bowman) (13:54): We know the Prime Minister has a challenging relationship with the truth. When he comes to this dispatch box, he tries his best to persuade Australians that what they're experiencing isn't really happening. The problem is that the Australian people aren't buying it.

The Australian people aren't quite as stupid as the Prime Minister thinks they are. When I was back in the Redlands this weekend, I heard from local business owner Vijay, who told me about the impact that the CGT changes will directly have on his ability to expand and hire new staff. It's now no longer worth the risk.

And I heard from the retired couple Glen and Margaret, who are two of 23,000 people within my electorate who'll be impacted by the government's reduction of the private health insurance rebate. They told me they can no longer justify the expense. The Prime Minister is so out of touch with the outside world, so lost in the Canberra bubble, that those voices are entirely lost on him.

But he's going to have to step up his efforts if he's going to outspend reality on this one. Perhaps the Prime Minister should ask the networks for another prime-time slot for him to deliver another patronising lecture. Why doesn't the Prime Minister invite Shaquille O'Neal to do a joint press conference to endorse his toxic taxes!

These taxes punish aspirations. The Australian people know that, and they want them axed. Prime Minister, will you listen to those voices from my community want these taxes axed?