ABC News Breakfast Pre-Budget Comments from Kate Chaney (14 May 2024)
Getting lots of reaction from all quarters this morning on that front. Let's bring in independent MP for the West Australian seat of Curtin, Kate Chaney. Kate, good morning to you.
Good morning, Michael.
So, a second surplus. What's your reaction to that?
Well, it is good to see a second surplus because obviously, we have this delicate balance with inflation. But it doesn't mask the underlying structural deficit. Really, in this budget, I'm very curious to see what we've got for the long term. We need that short-term relief, but I've got some serious concerns about the long-term impact of the budget.
What are your constituents telling you in WA about how they're suffering from the cost of living and what they want from the government in particular?
Well, I actually did a survey last week asking people about how the cost of living pressures are affecting them and what they would like to see. The two things that came out on top were tax reform so that it's easier to buy a home than an investment property, and grocery relief were some of the things that people wanted to see. But what I'm interested in is, people are also saying more social and affordable housing.
Well, the government's promised with the states to do more on that front. Is that enough or would you like to see the government go further?
Well, I think it's going to come down to whether or not they can actually deliver on it. With all the different pressures, we've had some big announcements about goals of 1.2 million homes. It will come down to whether they can actually be built and delivered, given the labor market at the moment. So I think the proof will be in the pudding.
Would more energy bill relief, for instance, like the relief we saw last year, be helpful for your constituents, particularly the low-income members in your electorate?
I mean, of course, any relief is welcome, but there is this delicate balance. Because while the treasurer says there'll be cost of living relief that isn't inflationary, the reality is, any extra money that you put into covering any expense means that there's more money being spent on something else. So I think that's a really fine balance to find. A big night expected, energy is expected to be front and center.
We had the government recently announce its commitment to gas to 2050 and beyond. You're elected to Parliament on a strong climate change-battling platform. You're also from WA, a big gas-producing state. Where do you stand on gas as a future energy need?
Well, I think one of the long-term issues we have is we're giving the market very mixed signals when it comes to decarbonisation. Now, there is no doubt that there is this global transition happening, and we have the opportunity to be part of that or to hold on to the old economy for as long as possible. I think the future gas strategy is a real problem because if we want to crowd in more private investment into renewables and into new economy industries, we are not sending the right signal. If we're saying we're open for business, you know, on gas to 2050 and beyond.
Kenny, thanks for your time. Thanks for persisting during the treasurer's press conference. It's quite chilly here in the Senate courtyard. Really appreciate you taking the time for a news breakfast. Thanks, Kate Chaney there, the independent MP for the WA seat of Curtin.
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