Cost of living
Renee HEATH (Eastern Victoria) (18:00): (402) My adjournment matter is for the Treasurer, and the action that I seek is for him to outline what measures are being undertaken to reduce the cost-of-living crisis Victorians are facing. Despite Victorians paying the highest taxes of any state or territory in Australia, Victoria has the highest level of debt of any state or territory in Australia. Something is not working. You cannot tax your way into prosperity. No government ever has and no government ever will. Prosperity follows governments that get out of the way and allow individuals to thrive. Prosperity follows a government that allows its people to use its resources and get the most out of them. This state has natural gas, and Labor will not let us use it. This state has coal, and Labor will not let us use it. This state has timber, and Labor will not let us use it. Victorian families are feeling the heavy weight of financial pressure. This government is placing pressure on small business, which is the engine room of our economy. It is placing pressure on parents who want to send their kids to a non-government school. It is placing pressure on home owners and rental providers. Since coming into government, this government has slugged Victorians with more than 49 new or increased taxes, so we know what you are doing to increase the cost-of-living crisis, but I want to know: what are you going to do to decrease it?