STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS

Mr HASTIE (Canning) (13:57): This Labor government is strangling Aussie small business. From Denmark in WA to Sydney and to Manuka here in Canberra, wineries, cafes and restaurants are choked by rising costs and red tape. Many have collapsed under the pressure.

Small business closures have reached record levels under Labor. Now their doors of businesses built over the years with risk, sweat and tears are closed. Why?

Ask small business owners. They'll tell you. Labor's inflation is gnawing into their margins.

Labor's red tape has bound them hand and foot, and Labor's net zero obsession is sending power bills through the roof. Small businesses ask us: 'Why would anyone start a business in this country?' Many are desperate, and when the heavy lifters in the economy, our small businesses, are sending a distress signal, you've got to listen. Small business needs a plan.

Here's the difference between the coalition and Labor: we are for small business, we are for lower inflation, we are for lower taxes, and we are for cheaper power. We have a plan to cut wasteful spending, high inflation, high taxes and high power prices. We have a plan to build infrastructure.

We have a plan to build our nation. We want an Australia that is bigger, stronger and better, where young Australians can take risks, start a business, buy a home and raise a family. Only the coalition is going to put small business first.