STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS

Mr SMALL (Forrest—Opposition Whip) (13:56): At half past two this afternoon, the Reserve Bank hands down its latest decision on interest rates, but, whatever the RBA does today, the reality for Australians across this country is still the same. Inflation and interest rates are too high because Labor has lost control of its budget and the economy. Across Australia, Australians are still feeling the squeeze every time they pay the mortgage, pay the power bill or go to the supermarket.

It is simple: Labor is spending too much, taxing too much and putting too much pressure on prices. Because of Labor's out of control spending, Australians are the ones that are paying more for everything. Debt is set to pass $1 trillion for the first time, and the budget is forecast to remain in deficit for at least a decade.

After more than four years of this government, Australians have suffered the worst collapse in living standards in the developed world. Australians don't need more spending and higher taxes. They need a government that can restrain itself and manage the economy, because, whatever the RBA's decision today, the verdict on the Albanese government is in.

Labor has lost control of the budget and the economy, and Australians and their families are the ones paying the price. Our plan is for lower taxes, lower power bills and lower inflation, because Australia is worth fighting for.