WA COST-OF-LIVING CRISIS DEEPENS AS HOUSEHOLDS AND BUSINESSES HIT BREAKING POINT

Media Releases

SENATOR DEAN SMITH SHADOW ASSISTANT MINISTER TO THE SHADOW TREASURER SHADOW ASSISTANT MINISTER FOR THE COST OF LIVING LIBERAL SENATOR FOR WESTERN AUSTRALIA 1 April 2026   WA COST-OF-LIVING CRISIS DEEPENS AS HOUSEHOLDS AND BUSINESSES HIT BREAKING POINT Western Australians were already under pressure before the Middle East conflict with new data showing the crisis is now accelerating. The latest CCIWA Consumer Confidence Survey reveals confidence has fallen to its lowest level since March 2023, with cost-of-living pressures driving growing economic anxiety. The survey of 836 households found that 72 per cent identified living costs as their biggest concern, while 28 per cent expect economic conditions to worsen. More than half—54 per cent—are already planning to cut discretionary spending, including on dining, retail and entertainment. At the same time, a CCIWA snap survey of more than 430 WA businesses highlights the scale of the fuel-driven shock to the economy. The survey found 82 per cent of businesses are experiencing higher supplier costs, with 45 per cent directly impacted by fuel shortages. Nearly one in three—31 per cent—describe the impact as significant or severe, while just 7 per cent report no impact. Businesses are being squeezed from both sides, with 56 per cent absorbing higher costs and 44 per cent passing those costs on to consumers. This confirms a clear reality: the cost-of-living crisis in Western Australia was already entrenched—and is now worsening. Households are facing rising mortgages, rents and fuel prices, while businesses deal with higher costs and supply disruptions. The result is a compounding cycle where higher business costs drive higher consumer prices. The economic consequences are already emerging with nearly half of businesses cutting non-essential spending, while one in four are reviewing staffing levels, raising concerns about jobs and economic resilience. With households tightening budgets, sectors like retail, hospitality and tourism—particularly in regional WA—are expected to feel the impact first.   Quotes attributable to Senator Dean Smith “Western Australians were already under pressure before this latest shock – this data makes clear the Albanese Labor Government has failed to get on top of its cost-of-living crisis.” “More than 70 per cent of households say living costs are their biggest concern, while over 80 per cent of businesses are facing higher costs – yet Labor continues to deny it has a spending problem that is driving inflation and making it harder to run a business in WA. “This is what happens when you have a high spending government fuelling inflation – business costs go up, families cut back, and yet Labor remains out of touch with what is happening on the ground.” Western Australians deserve a government focused on easing COST-OF-LIVING pressures, not making them worse – because right now, families and businesses are being left behind.” ENDS

WA SUBURBS WORST AFFECTED BY LABOR’S MORTGAGE PAIN REVEALED

Media Releases

SENATOR DEAN SMITH SHADOW ASSISTANT MINISTER TO THE SHADOW TREASURER SHADOW ASSISTANT MINISTER FOR THE COST OF LIVING LIBERAL SENATOR FOR WESTERN AUSTRALIA 26 February 2026   WA SUBURBS WORST AFFECTED BY LABOR’S MORTGAGE PAIN REVEALED   The top ten suburbs negatively impacted by 13 interest rate rises under the Albanese Government have been revealed. New analysis of ABS Census figures*, commissioned by Senator Dean Smith from the Federal Parliamentary Library, shows where mortgage pain is hitting hardest. Brabham–Henley Brook topped the list of homes owned with a mortgage at 75.5 percent, followed by Piara Waters–Forrestdale (72.7 percent), Byford (68.4 percent), Landsdale (68.1 percent) and Harrisdale (67.2 percent). Rounding out the list were Aveley (67 percent) Carramar (66 percent), Alkimos-Eglinton (64.6 percent), Casuarina–Wandi (64.1 percent) and Wellard–Bertram (61.3 percent). It is worth noting that these suburbs are located in the Labor-held seats of Burt, Hasluck, Brand, Cowan and Pearce – highlighting that the very communities Labor represents are among those most exposed to rising interest rates and mortgage stress. The analysis uses the most recent Census data on mortgaged homes and models repayment changes to include the February 2026 interest rate increase – and the potential effect of further increases. In Piara Waters-Forrestdale, for example, mortgage holders experienced a $785 increase in median monthly repayments between August 2021 and January 2026 – the majority of which Labor has been in Government.   Between January and February 2026 alone, as a result of the recent RBA decision to raise interest rates, this jumped $78 a month, or $936 a year. In a warning sign of what might be to come, the RBA has confirmed the link between Government spending and inflation – and flagged further rate rises will be necessary unless Labor addresses inflationary pressures. If interest rates hypothetically increased 25 basis points in each remaining quarter of 2026, monthly mortgage repayments in Piara Waters-Forrestdale would climb by $240 – representing a whopping $2,880 annually. Because the Census baseline is from August 2021, the number of affected households today is likely significantly higher, reflecting population growth and new housing development across Perth’s outer metropolitan growth corridors. The impact is accentuated by the fact loans are larger, confirmed by recent ABS data that highlighted record loan sizes and deeper debt in WA. The average loan increased by $55,000 in the December quarter to $688,000, reflecting the relentless surge in house prices. In Western Australia, the value of finance for new home buyers jumped from $1.86 billion to $2.21 billion in the December quarter – a staggering increase in just three months. WA also recorded the largest annual increase in average loan size for owner-occupiers in the nation, up 16 percent in the year to June 2025 And mean dwelling prices in WA climbed 4.5 percent, or $40,800, in the September quarter – again among the strongest increases in the country.   Comments attributable to Senator Dean Smith: “The next election will be won or lost on the cost of living and Labor’s failure to keep inflation in check.” “Many of those bearing the worst of the brunt are living in Labor-held electorates that are battleground seats for winning Federal Government.” This analysis, which goes beyond the percentages to reveal the actual financial impact on Western Australians, confirms those who are struggling to make ends meet under the Albanese Government are the people whose interests it was elected to represent.” “The Reserve Bank of Australia is acting responsibly where the Albanese Government won’t, making it clear that the latest rate rise was necessary due to Labor’s reckless spending.” “These figures also highlight the significant, additional mortgage pain that will hit Western Australian household budgets if market predictions of another three rate increases come to pass on Labor’s watch.”   ENDS *ABS Census, August 2021

Shadow Assistant Minister for Competition, Charities and Treasury – Media Release – Homeowners in mortgage arrears nearly doubles

Media Releases

SENATOR DEAN SMITH SHADOW ASSISTANT MINISTER FOR COMPETITION, CHARITIES AND TREASURY SENATOR FOR WESTERN AUSTRALIA MEDIA RELEASE 9 September 2024 HOMEOWNERS IN MORTGAGE ARREARS NEARLY DOUBLES Growing home loans, combined with the impact of 13 interest rates rises under Labor, has created a staggering increase in the number of Australians falling behind in their mortgage repayments – with WA the second worst affected state. Senator Dean Smith, Shadow Assistant Minister for Competition, Charities and Treasury, has obtained mortgage arrears figures from the Reserve Bank of Australia revealing the significant challenges Australians are experiencing in the Albanese Government’s cost of living crisis. The RBA figures confirm that the share of borrowers in 90-day arrears has surged across all states in Australia. In some states like New South Wales and Victoria the rate of increase nearly doubled. Share of borrowers in 90-day arrears (%) NSW    VIC    QLD    WA     SA     TAS 2023   0.31   0.37   0.29   0.43   0.33   0.29 2024   0.57   0.67   0.47   0.62   0.54   0.50 Source: RBA Victoria has the highest share of borrowers in 90-day arrears at 0.67 percent, closely followed by Western Australia at 0.62 percent. The latest ABS data shows that since the low interest rates that characterised the start of the pandemic in early 2020, the average loan in Western Australia has jumped by $146,800, or 36.1 percent. It’s important to note that, during this time, the national average full-time adult weekly wage increased by just 14.2 percent, meaning income is not keeping pace with homeowner’s financial commitments. Quotes attributable to Senator Dean Smith: “Once again, Australian homeowners – including those in WA – are being reminded that life isn’t easy under Anthony Albanese and Labor.” “What these new RBA numbers reveal is that many Australians are now unable to meet their monthly mortgage repayments and that is because Albanese Government cannot control its homegrown inflation, leaving the RBA to do the heavy lifting with rates rises.” “Combine these rate rises with ever growing loans caused by a housing shortage aggravated by Labor’s record and unplanned migration policies, and you have a desperate situation.” “My home state of WA is one of the worst affected by this housing crisis, with the average home up by 40% – or $174,400 – in just four years.” “Gosnells in Perth, for example, is now ranked within the top eight areas in Australia with the highest share of borrowers that have a high mortgage burden, sitting at 15 percent according to the RBA.” “The median price of a home in that suburb has also surged by 32.5%, and rents have risen by 20.8%” “This is a crisis brought on by Labor’s economic mismanagement – and Australians are hurting as a result” ENDS

Paterson, Smith, Adeniyi – Media Release – Multicultural youth swimming program will save lives and boost social cohesion

Media Releases

SENATOR JAMES PATERSON SHADOW MINISTER FOR HOME AFFAIRS AND CYBER SECURITY SENATOR DEAN SMITH SHADOW ASSISTANT MINISTER FOR COMPETITION, CHARITIES AND TREASURY FELICIA ADENIYI LIBERAL PARTY CANDIDATE FOR COWAN 30 April 2025 MULTICULTURAL YOUTH SWIMMING PROGRAM WILL SAVE LIVES AND BOOST SOCIAL COHESION An elected Dutton Liberal Government will provide $150,000 over three years from a revitalised Safer Communities Fund (SCF) to support multicultural youth swimming lessons in Cowan, ensuring improved water safety and greater social integration for more than 600 local kids. Utilising Royal Life Saving WA’s 8-week ‘Swim & Survive’ program, the classes will be run from Stirling Leisure Centre – Leisurepark in Balga for up to 208 children a year, with the cost of any swimming equipment included. Liberal candidate for Cowan, Felicia Adeniyi, said this funding would help children and their families feel safer in and around the water. “This is especially important in Cowan, where a significant percentage of the population was born overseas. We know that multicultural communities are at greater risk of drowning due to cultural differences in swimming ability,” Ms Adeniyi said. “This funding is a direct response to requests from concerned families in Cowan, and particularly the Organisation of African Communities in Western Australia, given the tragic drownings that occurred in recent years.” Senator for Western Australia, Senator Dean Smith, said the swimming program also has a key role in preventing isolation and fostering greater social integration for multicultural children. “Water safety knowledge and swimming are, fortunately, part of life for the wider community, but it’s vital that multicultural families are not excluded from this,” Senator Smith said. “The swimming program will help ensure that these children can confidently and safety enjoy the same activities as everybody else in Cowan, fostering a stronger sense of community here.” Shadow Minister for Home Affairs and Cyber Security, Senator James Paterson, said under a Dutton Liberal Government, the Cowan community will be better supported. “Getting Australia back on track means keeping Australia safe – safe for families, safe for businesses, and safe for communities,” Senator Paterson said. This commitment is part of the Liberals’ plan to strengthen our local communities and get our country back on track.

Smith, Adeniyi – Media Release – $295 million for congestion-busting major road upgrades in Cowan

Media Releases

SENATOR DEAN SMITH SHADOW ASSISTANT MINISTER FOR COMPETITION, CHARITIES AND TREASURY LIBERAL SENATOR FOR WESTERN AUSTRALIA FELICIA ADENIYI LIBERAL FOR COWAN 29 April 2025 $295 MILLION FOR CONGESTION-BUSTING MAJOR ROAD UPGRADES IN COWAN An elected Liberal Government will deliver two transformational upgrades to congested major roads in Perth’s northern suburbs worth a total of $295 million. This much needed infrastructure boost means locals will spend less time on the road and have a safer driving experience. The Liberals will deliver a grade separation project at Reid Highway and Erindale Road for $225 million. $70 million has been allocated for grade separation works at Wanneroo Road and Hepburn Avenue. Liberal candidate for Cowan, Felicia Adeniyi, said that the upgrades would support residents in Hamersley, Balcatta, Westminster and Balga, as well as the thousands of motorists who use Reid Highway every day. “The northern suburbs are growing rapidly and our road infrastructure must keep up with the increased demand to avoid delays and accidents,” Ms Adeniyi said. “Many locals have made it clear this is a priority and we are committed to delivering it so people can spend less time in the car and more time doing what matters.” Senator for Western Australia, Senator Dean Smith, said that the upgrades would improve road safety at some of Perth’s busiest intersections. “These are incredibly busy roads and the upgrades will ensure they are fit for purpose in this dymamic, expanding part of the city,” Senator Smith said. “This significant commitment is confirmation the Liberals understands the needs – and potential – of Cowan and its motorists.” ENDS

Smith, Reynolds, Adeniyi – Media Release – Delivering world-class facilities for Wanneroo Rugby Union Club

Media Releases

SENATOR DEAN SMITH SHADOW ASSISTANT MINISTER FOR COMPETITION, CHARITIES AND TREASURY LIBERAL SENATOR FOR WESTERN AUSTRALIA SENATOR LINDA REYNOLDS LIBERAL SENATOR FOR WESTERN AUSTRALIA FELICIA ADENIYI LIBERAL FOR COWAN 12 April 2025 DELIVERING WORLD-CLASS FACILITIES FOR WANNEROO RUGBY UNION CLUB An elected Liberal Government will provide $4 million towards the redevelopment and expansion of the Wanneroo Rugby Union Club, ensuring that the club remains a hub for grassroots and elite-level rugby in Perth’s northern suburbs. Liberal candidate for Cowan, Felicia Adeniyi, secured this commitment to ensure local athletes, families, and community groups can enjoy improved sporting opportunities and facilities. “The club has long been a mainstay of Western Australia’s rugby community, but its current facilities have become outdated and no longer meet the demands of a growing player base, including in the rapidly expanding women’s rugby competition,” said Ms Adeniyi. “This investment will ensure that the club can expand and modernise its infrastructure to cater to increased membership.” The upgrades will include: New female change rooms to support the club’s growing women’s teams, providing a professional space for training and game days. Improved spectator amenities to enhance the game-day experience for families, fans, and visiting teams. A high-performance training academy, aimed at developing the next generation of elite rugby players, supporting pathways into professional and national teams. The club’s redevelopment will help attract visiting teams for training camps and tournaments, boost the local economy, and raise the profile of rugby players in the local area. Senator Dean Smith and Senator Linda Reynolds both welcomed the announcement. “Sport is at the heart of our northern suburbs lifestyle and this investment will ensure that the club remains a centre for rugby excellence in WA, attracting locals and interstate and international teams,” Senator Smith said. “It is also advantageous timing ahead of the 2027 and 2029 Rugby World Cups, where professional teams will be looking for high-quality training facilities,” said Senator Smith. “This funding recognises the key role the club plays in our local sporting and social life, and will enable it to deliver improved services to athletes and their supporters,” Senator Reynolds said. “This redevelopment will not only enhance the playing experience for athletes and sports enthusiasts, helping them to reach their full potential, but also drive economic benefits through use by professional teams and for events,” said Senator Reynolds. This commitment is part of the Liberals’ plan to strengthen our local communities and get Australia back on track. To read more about our plan, visit https://www.liberal.org.au/our-plan. ENDS

Senator Dean Smith – Shadow Assistant Minister for Competition, Charities and Treasury – Transcript – Interview with Gary Adshead, ABC Drive

Transcripts

SENATOR DEAN SMITH SHADOW ASSISTANT MINISTER FOR COMPETITION, CHARITIES AND TREASURY LIBERAL SENATOR FOR WESTERN AUSTRALIA TRANSCRIPT – INTERVIEW WITH GARY ADSHEAD, ABC PERTH DRIVE Topics – Leader’s debate; polls, early voting; defence spending; EV subsidies E&OE GARY ADSHEAD And we have in Canberra Dean Smith, the Liberal Senator firebrand, as we like to call him. DEAN SMITH G’day to you, Gary and Madeleine. MADELEINE KING Why don’t you put that on a t-shirt, Gary? DEAN SMITH I thought you might ask me what I’m doing in Canberra when I should be somewhere at pre poll? MADELEINE KING Well, I was going to just let that slide by. GARY ADSHEAD Well, I just thought it must be sort of secret business. I wasn’t going to ask, Dean. But you’re not going to tell us. DEAN SMITH I’ve been participating in a debate with Andrew Leigh, who is Labor’s charity spokesman, at the National Press Club. And, of course, the flights don’t line up. But I’ll be back in town tomorrow. So, you’ll see me out on the pre poll in the Northern Suburbs. GARY ADSHEAD Excellent. Alright. How’d the debate go? Did you have a win? DEAN SMITH Debates are so hard to know when you’re in the thick of it. I think there is one rule of thumb, though. If no one comes up to you after the debate, you haven’t performed very well. If people do come up and introduce themselves, you think, okay, I didn’t do too badly. But people came up and asked me some questions. GARY ADSHEAD Well, there you go. Now this was last night. This was the debate that was on Nine, of course, between Peter Dutton and Anthony Albanese. I’ll get your reaction to what was said here. (RECORDING) ANTHONY ALBANESE You ripped $80,000,000,000 out of those two items in February 2014. (RECORDING) PETER DUTTON Prime Minister, you couldn’t lie straight in bed, honestly. This is unbelievable. (RECORDING) ANTHONY ALBANESE Well, you can go to abuse, you can… (RECORDING) PETER DUTTON Well, it’s just the reality. It’s just the reality. (RECORDING) ANTHONY ALBANESE That’s a sign of desperation, Peter, frankly. As is lying. That’s a sign of desperation. (RECORDING) PETER DUTTON Go to the February 2014 budget papers. People can do that online. It’s all available for all to see. (RECORDING) ALLY LANGDON Okay. I feel like we’ve given a fair bit of latitude here. I mean, let’s see what’s – I think we’re done with this one. GARY ADSHEAD Ally Langdon there finding out what it’s like to sometimes control politicians who are either face to face or not. Now listen, Dean Smith, is the Prime Minister a liar? Is he? DEAN SMITH Well, last night’s debate was a clear win for Peter Dutton. We saw strength of character. I thought that Peter was very quick off the blocks, drawing attention to Labor lies around nuclear costs, power prices, Medicare. I thought it was great to hear Peter populating his arguments with cost-of-living statistics, with some important data. So, I thought it was a clear win for Peter Dutton. Some of the commentary in today’s papers reinforced that view as well. It is the third debate. I think there’s one more debate on the fourth Sunday. So, I think, certainly, someone like myself was really encouraged by it. GARY ADSHEAD Right. Okay. I think that might have been the fourth, to be honest. But, Madeleine, who won that debate, do you think? MADELEINE KING Well, I mean, I, I can’t really tell how Dean judges the winner of the debate. So, who chats with someone after? It is really difficult to tell. But from that, what we heard then is, it did sound a little bit unhinged, a little bit desperate from Peter Dunton. But what I would say about these debates, and especially this level of debate between a Prime Minister and someone hoping to be Prime Minister, is the enormous amount of pressure both of these leaders are under. And I don’t know about you, Dean, and you’ve been in a debate at the Press Club today with Andrew Leigh, who’s also a very competent Member of Parliament. You can hardly imagine the level of pressure both of these men are under. So I have a lot of respect for both of them for doing it, but I think the Prime Minister is clearly much better prepared and well-practiced in in debates because he’s been in front of the media consistently, openly and honestly for much longer than Peter Dutton. I think it shows in the past debates and again last night, but, you know, I would say hats off to everyone who participates. DEAN SMITH But there was a very interesting part of the debate, Madeleine, when the Prime Minister was asked to talk about whether people will be better off in the next three years based on what he said in Perth back in May 2022, that people would be better off under Labor. And his response was, we certainly want people to be better off in three years’ time. Hardly a vote of confidence. GARY ADSHEAD Well, out of interest… MADELEINE KING I would say everyone knows that they will be better off under a Labor government because… DEAN SMITH But he said we want people to be better off – hardly a vote of confidence. MADELEINE KING Cheaper medical care and cheaper medicines are going to be put on the chopping block… GARY ADSHEAD Are you worried about the polling, Dean Smith? Are you worried about it? Because, I mean, the, the Australian’s front page has got another news poll that says that one of the interesting factors at the moment is the switch off of women from Peter Dutton. DEAN SMITH You’ve heard it said, Gary, but we will know the outcome on Saturday, the 3rd of May. There’s a lot of business to be made, lots of papers to be printed speculating about…

Senator Dean Smith – Shadow Assistant Minister for Competition, Charities and Treasury – Address – National Press Club

Speeches

SENATOR DEAN SMITH SHADOW ASSISTANT MINISTER FOR COMPETITION, CHARITIES AND TREASURY LIBERAL SENATOR FOR WESTERN AUSTRALIA ADDRESS – CHARITIES AND NOT-FOR-PROFITS PRE-ELECTION FORUM – NATIONAL PRESS CLUB 23 April 2025 ***CHECK AGAINST DELIVERY*** INTRODUCTION Thank you, Julie – and thank you to both our sponsors and all of you from across the Australian charity and not-for-profit sector joining us today. I am grateful for the opportunity to continue this vital conversation with you. Since becoming Opposition charities spokesman, my door has been wide open to the sector – listening to your challenges and sharing your hopes for the future. And I have been out in the community, starting with visits in late 2022 and early 2023 to Adelaide, Moree and WA’s Kimberley region, to name just a few locations. The challenges organisations faced were real and the need for practical solutions was, and continues to be, urgent. Three years have now passed under the Albanese Labor Government. I have been visiting many charities again recently – in Queensland, Western Sydney, the Mornington Peninsula – especially those with a focus on food relief. Their situation has not improved. After three years of this Government, it is more desperate than ever. Labor policies heralded three years ago have been allowed to lag, practical initiatives are nowhere to be seen, and process has been dressed up as outcomes. The sector has been left to feed, clothe, house and counsel record numbers of Australians – many of them for the first time – through the Government’s cost of living crisis. Our charities and not-for-profits are, in many cases, literally keeping people and communities alive. And while the Albanese Government remains in power, they are doing it alone. FOOD RELIEF CHARITY FUNDING That is why I was in Brisbane’s south last week with Opposition Leader Peter Dutton, announcing $19.5 million from an elected Liberal Government to build a new Foodbank Queensland distribution centre. It is part of a $69.5 million commitment to the food relief sector over four years from the 1st of July this year. The $50 million announced in the Budget in Reply will be made up of: $20 million over one year – $10 million to the three nationally funded food relief charities of Foodbank, OzHarvest and SecondBite and $10m for other charities also providing these services around the country – for the new freezer or delivery truck they desperately need; and $10 million annually for three years from 1 July 2026 for Foodbank, OzHarvest and SecondBite. The Coalition believes it is significant, immediate initiatives such as these that will changed the lived experiences of local charities, volunteers and those in need. THE SECTOR AND ECONOMY UNDER LABOR I don’t need to tell you that the sector and its clients are doing it tough – you are living it. But look at the numbers. Real household disposable income has collapsed by 8 percent under the Albanese Government and ABS statistics reveals basic foodstuffs, including bread, breakfast cereals, fruit, eggs, cheese and cooking oils all jumped in price by more 20 percent. Nearly 2 million households experienced severe food insecurity in the past 12 months, more than half with at least one person in paid work. And RBA data confirms the number of Australian mortgage holders running at least three months late on their repayments has increased in every state and the ACT during the past couple of years. MISSED OPPORTUNITIES There has been opportunity alongside the challenges – opportunity for genuine reform, to improve giving, to build a stronger sector by making it easier, rather than harder, for charities and not-for-profits to operate. These are goals we all support. Frustratingly, these opportunities have largely been lost. Great expectation surrounded the Productivity Commission’s efforts and the ambition of doubling philanthropic giving by 2030, but the Report was underwhelming. At best, it represents refinement over transformation – but its work is not completely lost. Many of you will be interested in how to progress the proposed DGR system reforms and the Coalition will listen intently to your position. But it is also important to recognise that the Report expressed some caution, noting that “making assessments about which classes of charitable activities should be within the scope of the DGR system is challenging, subjective and contestable”. Key policy makers, including the Government and Opposition, have rejected commendations affecting the DGR status of school building funds. And, importantly, the Report also observed that “the effects on the overall level of giving are expected to be relatively modest” – adding there would be a net fiscal cost to the Budget. DGR reform is still very much a work in progress, but the real opportunity for transformation is not with the DGR but through philanthropic giving. The Coalition has a strong record of tangible policies to support philanthropy, including: introduction of prescribed private funds by the Howard Government; and provision of DGR status to 28 entities associated with community foundations by the Morrison Government. It is to the philanthropic part of the giving equation that the political effort must be applied if we are to realise a genuinely new world of giving in this country. The Coalition’s first step will be to engage with the Fundraising Institute and Philanthropy Australia on a clear, agreed plan to uplift giving. The ‘Not-for-Profit Sector Development Blueprint’ will also be top of mind for many in the room. Let me tell you that the Coalition understands: the need for a plan that looks to the medium and longer term; the importance of strengthening relationships between government and the not-for-profit sector; that effectiveness depends on an enabling environment; and the centrality of decisions around funding and procurement. I commit that an elected Coalition Government will engage in comprehensive consultation with the sector on the Blueprint across all its 18 key initiatives. But more than this, I announce today that a Coalition Government would escalate our consultation with the sector by convening two Ministerial-level round-table discussions within the first six months of being elected. The…

Dutton, Sukkar, Smith, Evans – Media Release – Coalition Commits Funding to New Foodbank QLD Distribution Centre

Media Releases

THE HON PETER DUTTON MP LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION THE HON MICHAEL SUKKAR MP SHADOW MINISTER FOR SOCIAL SERVICES SENATOR DEAN SMITH SHADOW ASSISTANT MINISTER FOR COMPETITION, CHARITIES AND TREASURY MR TREVOR EVANS LIBERAL NATIONAL PARTY CANDIDATE FOR BRISBANE COALITION COMMITS FUNDING TO NEW FOODBANK QUEENSLAND DISTRIBUTION CENTRE An elected Dutton Coalition Government will commit $19.5 million for Foodbank Queensland to establish a new distribution centre in South East Queensland to deliver more critical food relief services across the state. This builds on the Leader of the Opposition’s announcement in his Budget-in-Reply speech of $50 million to help food charities – like Foodbank, SecondBite and OzHarvest – to expand their services, including school breakfast programs, to support Australians struggling under Labor’s cost of living crisis. Foodbank Queensland currently delivers over 13 million kilograms of food every year from its facility in Morningside, providing food to over 425 charities to assist families impacted by food insecurity. It also runs School Breakfast Programs in 425 schools, giving children access to a healthy breakfast and making sure they do not attend school feeling hungry. A new Foodbank Queensland Distribution Centre will include: 4,500 pallet spaces, which is triple the current volume; temperature-controlled zones allowing for enhanced food safety, quality and extending the shelf life of ambient, chilled and frozen products; dedicated areas for safe and efficient food delivery and dispatch; and multipurpose training space and office space for volunteers and staff. The Leader of the Opposition, the Hon Peter Dutton MP, who visited Foodbank’s Morningside site today, said this announcement highlighted the Coalition’s commitment to helping those in need. “Under Labor’s cost of living crisis, we know that charities are experiencing increased demand, including from Australians who have never previously relied on that support. Families are having to make difficult choices about whether they can afford the necessities like food, rent and medicine. The Coalition is committed to making life easier for all Australians, and ensuring our most vulnerable can access the support they need.” Shadow Minister for Social Services, the Hon Michael Sukkar MP said nearly 2 million Australian households of all age groups and demographics have experienced severe food insecurity in the past 12 months. “Under the Albanese Labor Government, Australians are experiencing the worst collapse in living standards in history. Real household disposable income has plummeted by 8 per cent, and the price of everything has soared by more than 10 per cent since the last election. “Unlike Labor, we have listened to the sector and know Australians need increased support now. Only a Coalition has a plan to fix Labor’s cost of living crisis and get Australia back on track.” Shadow Minister for Competition, Charities and Treasury, Senator Dean Smith, noted that Foodbank had reported that around 700,000 Queensland households experienced food insecurity last year, including 22% of households earning more than $95,000 and 25% of mortgage holders. “This significant investment in food relief will make a real difference on the ground where people are doing it tough. The new Foodbank Queensland Distribution Centre will be three times the size of the current facility, enabling Foodbank Queensland to expand its services to more families in crisis, including in regional and remote areas, and expand the School Breakfast Program.” Liberal National candidate for Brisbane, Mr Trevor Evans, said “People in Brisbane are doing it really tough right now, and it’s the same story for community and volunteer organisations like Foodbank. I’m really proud that this funding commitment will go some way to getting better outcomes and support for some of Brisbane’s most vulnerable people.” Only the Coalition has a plan to fix Labor’s cost of living crisis and get Australia back on track. 14 April 2025 MORNINGSIDE, QLD