STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS

Mr NG (Menzies) (13:34): Happy financial New Year Eve, as everyone says. Every single day, the Albanese Labor government is focused on making things better for hardworking Australians in my community, in Menzies, and right across the country. From tomorrow, we're giving every worker a tax cut, reducing the lowest tax rate and putting more money back in people's pockets every single pay day.

From tomorrow, those on the minimum wage will receive a six per cent pay rise, taking their pay to $1,000 a week for the first time. And some of our lowest paid workers, those on award wages, people working in essential services like aged care and child care, will receive a 4.75 per cent, much deserved pay rise. From tomorrow, payday superannuation begins, giving workers more certainty and more chance to accrue retirement savings.

From tomorrow, the $20,000 instant asset write-off becomes permanent, helping small businesses right across the country with their cash flow. From tomorrow, paid parental leave reaches a full 26 weeks—six months of support for new parents to be shared amongst them, as they see fit. And from tomorrow we're banning supermarket price gouging, ensuring the duopoly doesn't rip off hardworking Australians at the checkout.

Only the Labor government has a positive vision for Australia: an economy that works for people and not the other way around. That means higher wages, combined tax cuts of over $2,800, protecting people from price gouging and support for families.