Anthony Albanese government accused of turning middle class into working poor: ‘They just can’t keep their heads above water’
- Peter Dutton criticized the cost of living package
- He will give a speech on the federal budget on Thursday
- Dutton said the government should support “most deserving”.
Opposition leader Peter Dutton has accused the Albanian government of turning Australia’s middle class into ‘working poor’.
Mr Dutton is due to deliver his speech on the federal budget in parliament on Thursday night and is expected to criticize Labour’s migration institutions and parts of the cost of living package.
He said Australians will face a tax increase from July, with lower and middle income compensation not extended by the government.
Anthony Albanese is pictured with partner Jodie Haydon
“You have a situation that Labor has created over the course of the last 12 months where I think we have a middle class of Australians, a working poor that Labor has created,” Dutton told Seven.
‘(They are) people who work hard, go to work and can’t keep their heads above water.’
He said the government should spend the money it collected from workers and companies wisely.
“The Australian taxpayer is happy to support those in need, but you have to help those who deserve it most,” Dutton told 2GB radio.
“It’s not for people in a situation where they can get a job, but they refuse to take a job.”
The opposition leader has expressed support for the planned expanded access to GP bulk billing and energy bill relief.
Dutton used parliamentary question time on Wednesday to question Prime Minister Anthony Albanese about the impact of 1.5 million migrants over five years on the city’s congestion and housing.
Treasurer Jim Chalmers has rejected claims that his budget will prolong inflation and contribute to higher interest rates.
Dr. Chalmers called on Mr. Dutton to clarify his position on the $14.6 billion cost package.
“If he thinks people don’t need help with living expenses, he should say so,” the treasurer told ABC radio on Thursday.
Asked about the impact of migration, Dr Chalmers said population projections were smaller than they were a few years ago.
“That completely torpedoes this ridiculous campaign by Peter Dutton and others on migration,” he said.
“They (coalition) predicted a much bigger Australia in their own budget.”
Dr. Chalmers said the administration had policies, including a new tax break for rental properties, in addition to a multibillion-dollar infrastructure pipeline to deliver the services and facilities communities need.
He reiterated that he was not making any changes to the planned phase three tax cuts.
Dutton is also expected to address a coalition claim that Labor has added $25,000 to the cost of the average family since the overthrow of the Morrison government in May last year.
The figure includes 10 interest rate hikes, increases in grocery and utility bills, and the impact of tax changes.