STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS

Mr RICK WILSON (O'Connor) (13:41): This Labor government is adding insult to injury with their relentless attacks on small business. On this Prime Minister's watch, small business insolvencies have reached record levels. Across O'Connor, hard-working small businesses are faced with an onslaught from every side.

Right now the farmers who feed Australia and the world don't know whether they'll be able to access the skilled workers they rely on for harvest. Our beautiful south coast tourist hot spots are preparing for the busy summer months, but don't know whether they'll be able to receive the skilled workers they need. This is all at a time where Labor's inflationary agenda has delivered 16 interest rate rises, while 'Albonomics' has seen rise to record inflation levels, both now higher than any major advanced economy.

O'Connor small businesses deserve better. If this wasn't enough, Labor's budget has increased taxes while their ideological net zero crusade pushes energy prices through the roof. To the many small businesses struggling to stay afloat, let alone get ahead, Labor's botched credit card ban threatens to push them over the edge.

Next week I look forward to welcoming shadow minister for small business, Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price, to Manjimup, Albany, Esperance and Kalgoorlie. We will be visiting and listening to the hard-working small businesses of O'Connor. Only the coalition will back Australia's small businesses who have had a gutful of Labor's poor economic management.