STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS

Ms PENFOLD (Lyne) (13:41): The Treasurer's complete lack of business experience is finally catching up with him. We're witnessing a government completely and utterly out of its depth when it comes to the economy. Little wonder—not one cabinet member has experience running a business, including the Treasurer, whose policies have caused 14,500 businesses to collapse in 2025 alone, the worst year for insolvency since records began.

We on this side remarked that small business is the backbone of this country. That is not some throwaway line. It is something we believe to our very core, because on this side of the house we know that small business drives the country's prosperity, drives local employment and anchors the character of our communities.

I seriously don't think this government has thought through its relentless attacks on small business. If you keep pushing them and keep squeezing them, they will go. Where will you get your much needed revenue from then?

Small business has had enough of 'Big Bill' Bowen, 'All Talk' Aly, 'Chaos' Chalmers and Anthony Albanese, who doesn't need a moniker. It is time this government take a look around and see the devastation it is causing— Ms PENFOLD: I withdraw. It is time this government takes a look around and see the devastation you are causing.

Stop hurting small business. Stop pushing families to the brink. Stop kicking hard— (Time expired)