MATTERS OF PUBLIC IMPORTANCE

Mr REBELLO (McPherson) (16:03): I've spoken on this subject a number of times in this place, but it's clear that the government didn't listen then, and they're not listening now, from listening to some of those speakers opposite, so I will speak to it again. This motion goes to the government's ongoing failure to support older Australians while imposing an $11 billion tax grab on private health insurance.

All of us on this side of this chamber have engaged with our communities. We've spoken to the older Australians that we're supposed to represent in this place, and we've actually heard what they have been thinking and what they feel about this. I've received thousands of emails from thousands of people who have reached out to me or to my office to raise the impact that this will have on them and on their future.

That's right—thousands. We had over 2,000 who completed my survey in the first 2½ weeks. If you'd like copies of those, I'm happy to provide them to you, for those calling out.

I'll read some out to you. Patricia from Mudgeeraba— Government members interjecting— Mr REBELLO: The nerve of those opposite to interject on this is ridiculous. It just shows you disrespect for older Australians.

Patricia from Mudgeeraba said: Where do you think we are going to get any extra money from? Have already had to sacrifice House and Car insurance and cannot afford certain food items. Seriously !!!!!!

Lorraine from Burleigh Heads said: I believe it is ABSOLUTELY DISGUSTING that this abhorrent Labor government is robbing older Australians to cover up their lack of fiscal understanding and knowledge. It's obscene that people— And this is clear— that have worked and saved and paid taxes throughout their working lives and continue to be taxed by ATO standards, are now paying STEALTH taxes.

Because they are old. Aged Care changes recently implemented, makes the term (Aged Care) a complete misnomer. There is no care from this government for anyone other than themselves and their cronies.

Christine from Palm Beach said: At 72, I feel betrayed by the government. We're trying not to be a burden on society but we may have to be now. We've worked hard for over 50 years—myself as a nurse and my husband as a chef and raised 2 kids and saved hard for retirement.

This is like a slap in the face for our contribution. All the insurances have increased and food and electricity skyrocketing. We feel we are paying the price for this terrible government.

And older Australians are. We've seen this time and time again. Samuel from Reedy Creek said: This change confirms that Labor has no concern for those who have reached a later stage of life but who have made every effort to bear a share of the costs of the health services necessary for a fair society.

They've done the right thing. They've done exactly what government asked them to do for so much of their working career, and now the rug is being pulled out from under them. That's not only incorrect; it is wrong, it is mean and it is unfair.

I heard the previous contribution from the member opposite, and he spoke about us on this side stoking division on this. He spoke about us stoking division. The ones on the government side of this chamber are the ones who are dividing Australians.

They're dividing older Australians from everybody else. You cannot say that you are trying to unite— Ms Comer: Mis- and disinformation coming out from those opposite. The DEPUTY SPEAKER: The member for McPherson has the right to be heard.

Mr REBELLO: It's really striking a nerve for them because they're embarrassed. This is their families. This is their parents.

This is their grandparents that they're affecting, and they should be embarrassed. I'm going to read them some more because I think they'd benefit from it. Anthony from Coolangatta said: Things are tough enough as it is.

Glen from Berleigh Waters said: If responsible fiscal management was done by the Fed Govt they wouldn't have to hit retirees to help balance their budget. That goes to a key point. Every discussion that we're having in this place is about the government's inability to manage the economy.

So what are they doing? They've got no idea for how to grow the economy, no idea for how to grow the pie, so instead they're finding pockets in our economy of people who have done the right thing. They've worked.

They've saved. They've invested. They're thinking, 'Okay, we will take their money and we will use it to cover up our economic incompetence.' There are hundreds and thousands of these stories across the country that have reached out to members of parliament on this side of the chamber.

I'm sure they're sitting in your inboxes, members opposite, as well, and I encourage you to read them.