Budget 2021 reply speech: Anthony Albanese delivers Labor response to Australia federal budget

My fellow Australians, none of us will forget this crisis we have lived through.

All of us are grateful that because of the sacrifices and unselfishness of so many, we have avoided the scale of death and trauma we see in other countries.

To the Australian people, I say you have been magnificent, you have been brave, you have been resolute.

Now you deserve a government worthy of your efforts.

Because it would be a disaster if we emerge from this crisis having learned nothing – and changed not at all.

What a missed opportunity if our economy comes out the other side with nothing to show for this transformational moment but the biggest debt and deficit of all time.

If you see this pandemic as a chance to build back stronger, Labor is on your side.

If you believe economic policy should deliver higher wages, Labor is on your side.

If you want more security at work, Labor is on your side.

If you support equality for women, Labor is on your side.

If you support cheaper childcare, Labor is on your side.

If you believe older Australians deserve dignity and care in their later years, Labor is on your side.

If you believe a roof over your head is up to more than market forces, Labor is on your side.

If you get that action on climate change is an opportunity for us to emerge as a renewable energy superpower and create jobs, Labor is on your side.

If you share our ambition for advanced manufacturing, high value industries, a world class services sector in a prosperous, outward looking, ambitious Australia, Labor is on your side.

And if you think sharing our continent with the oldest continuous civilisation on earth is a source of national pride and First Nations people should be recognised in our constitution, Labor is on your side.

Mr Speaker, I’ve never forgotten where I came from.

I’ve never lost sight of the power of government to help people realise their potential.

I’ve never lost faith in our country’s ability to compete and win in the world.

I truly believe this is a moment for Australia to make our own.

What we need now is a government with the plans to seize this chance.

A government driven by optimism about the future.

A government powered by determination to create opportunity.

A government that holds no one back, that leaves no one behind.

A Labor government – a government on your side.