ADJOURNMENT
Mr SMALL (Forrest—Opposition Whip) (17:24): As World Cup fever grips our nation and, indeed, the globe, I'm reminded of sport's rate power to transcend borders, ideology and the differences in our community. It unites us in moments of joy and despair, and, believe me, as a Dockers man, I have known my fair share of the latter. While we rally behind the Socceroos, there remains one question that divides households, friendships and workplaces alike—Messi or Ronaldo?
It's a question of immense magnitude, a question argued in schoolyards, pubs and dining rooms across Australia right now and in every corner of the world. It's a question that, at least initially, might seem trivial but perhaps implies something deeper because new research out of Singapore suggests exactly that—that this debate is not merely about football but is about the essence of our character.
Across 26 countries, researchers found a clear pattern: those of a more conservative persuasion tend to favour Ronaldo, while those of the left-wing inclination lean toward Messi. I'm here with the Assistant Minister for Defence who confirms that is the case tonight! What is more, the Australian public shows a propensity for Ronaldo.
Now, I think that tells us something because Ronaldo represents something unmistakable. He presents discipline, drive, the relentless pursuit of results, and the belief that hard work, ambition and self-confidence are the path to success. That resonates with Australian.
It resonates with a country that believes in aspiration. It resonates with a people who understand that effort must lead to reward. It resonates with those who put their head down and have a crack.
In short, it resonates with Australians. That's the Australia that I want to believe in. The study went on to say that those who favour Ronaldo report higher levels of self-esteem and, most importantly, higher levels of ambition.
That is the point because ambition matters. Aspiration matters. The belief that your blood, sweat and tears will be rewarded matters.
When this Prime Minister pushes the false pretence of ambition, Australians see right through that because they know what ambition truly is. They live it, they embody is, and they long for a government that will reward it. That's the Australia that I want to fight for in this place and the Australia we mustn't forget.
That is exactly why the coalition has unveiled its policies across the economy. Aspiration must be backed by practical policy. Take our Tax Back Guarantee.
Right now, Australians are being pushed into higher tax brackets due to inflation, and they're simply not getting ahead. That punishes effort; that punishes ambition. The inflation is crippling that reward for effort for Australians.
Our plan to index those tax thresholds ensures that Australians keep more of what they earn and is putting more money into their pocket each and every year rather than into the Treasurer's coffers. Look at housing. For too many young Australians, the dream of homeownership is drifting out of reach, so we'll align housing completions with population growth and migration.
We'll invest some $5 billion into the infrastructure that's required to unlock housing lots and get new homes built in this country. We'll also cut red tape because building homes and, indeed, businesses, workshops, factories and new mines should be encouraged in this country. We should be ambitious for our future.
We're committed to allowing aspiration to once again flourish in this nation, and that starts with our policies. It would be wrong to forget the real engine room of our economy. Small businesses or family businesses each day are taking risks, employing Australians and driving growth.
Our permanent instant asset write-off for $50,000 gives them the confidence to invest, expand, take risks and create opportunities for other Australians. When you support small business, you are supporting Australian aspiration—the very thing that this country is built on. All of this is underpinned by an economic management plan to stop our spiralling national debt.
It's no coincidence that our nation backs Ronaldo. It backs discipline, effort, hard work and ambition. We need a government that matches that ambition, and that is what the coalition is offering.
The SPEAKER: In accordance with the resolution agreed to earlier, the House stands adjourned until 9 am tomorrow. Question agreed to. House adjourned at 17:29 Federation Chamber Tuesday, 23 June 2026 The DEPUTY SPEAKER ( Ms Payne ) took the chair at 12:32.