Ley Slams Albanese Government Over ‘Chaotic’ Security Laws, Rising Costs
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Opposition Leader Sussan Ley accused the Albanese government of rushing through national security legislation and warned Australians face higher taxes and soaring living costs as Parliament returned this week.
Ley told reporters in Canberra that her Shadow Minister for Home Affairs and Shadow Attorney-General were still being briefed while legislation was introduced, calling the process “rushed, secretive and chaotic.”
“This is not the way that the Prime Minister and his ministers should conduct policy around critical issues of national security,” Ley said. “They haven’t got it right, and they’re not going to get it right unless they actually consult us and do this properly.”
She said the handling of the bills raised doubts about the government’s competence in safeguarding national security.
Ley Attacks Productivity Roundtable
Turning to the economy, Ley criticized the government’s productivity roundtable, calling it a “complete flop.” She said the outcome appeared focused on raising taxes rather than addressing declining productivity.
“All we’re hearing is more taxes — on your super, your savings, your home, and now a tax on your spare bedroom,” Ley said. “Are you going to put a meter on people’s mattresses?”
Ley said Australians were promised cheaper living costs but instead were facing higher prices. She cited a 30% rise in electricity bills and 15% higher health costs.
“Every Australian who was promised life would be cheaper is finding life is instead becoming more and more expensive,” she said.
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Coalition Energy Policy Under Review
Ley confirmed the opposition’s energy working group, led by Liberal MP Dan Tehan, was shaping the Coalition’s policy with two key commitments: reliable, affordable power and meeting international emissions reduction obligations.
“We will have reliable, affordable power for households and families, and we will play our role in reducing emissions internationally,” Ley said. “The two things the government has not got right.”
She said energy costs were forcing small and medium businesses to close. “That point in time will give us an opportunity to highlight to Australians and demand from this government, what is this actually costing?”
Environmental Approvals and Delays
Ley also signaled willingness to work with Labor on reforms to environmental approvals, citing long delays to gas projects.
“We know the deadweight loss and the drain this is having with projects being an average of 500 days,” Ley said. “I am prepared to continue to talk with the government about anything that will help solve the delays and bring back certainty and investment.”
She pointed to the Graeme Samuel review of environmental laws commissioned during her time as environment minister, accusing Labor of reheating old reports rather than acting.
“What they need to do is get their act together and actually get the department working effectively now on doing the job that it should — approve projects within the statutory time frames,” she said.
Leadership Questions
Ley, who became opposition leader three months ago, rejected suggestions of division within the Coalition over climate and energy policy.
“Absolutely I will,” she said when asked if she expected to lead the party to the next election. “Because I know my party room and I know the party room that I lead.”
She acknowledged differences of opinion on energy but welcomed them. “We do need to reflect on the result of the last election with humility,” she said. “I welcome the diversity of views and I respect them all. We will bring them all together.”
Net Zero Debate
Ley dismissed claims her leadership was under pressure after some members called for a debate on net zero emissions.
“I will never stand at the front of my party room and dictate what the situation or policy or set of arrangements will be,” Ley said. “It will always be constructive. It will always be collegiate.”
She said Tehan’s working group was already consulting with industry, including the gas sector, and that policy discussions would continue across the party.
“An energy policy discussion is always a good discussion,” she said. “Net zero is part of a much broader energy policy, and we need to talk about the broad energy policy which we’re doing now.”
Coalition Party Democracy
Ley also defended the right of Liberal and National MPs to introduce private members’ bills, despite potential clashes with Coalition policy processes.
“Private members’ bills and private senators’ bills are a feature of our party and a feature of the great democracy within our party,” she said. “The Labor Party doesn’t allow these things because you all have to sing from the same song sheet every single day of the week.”
She said the party’s grassroots membership would continue to play a role in shaping policy. “I deeply respect our members,” she said. “But I also acknowledge the diversity of opinion, which was reflected back at us following the last election.”
Focus on Cost of Living
Ley ended by reiterating her message that the government had failed on its central election promise.
“Life was supposed to be cheaper under Labor. Instead, Australians are paying more — for electricity, for health, for everything,” she said.
The Coalition, she said, would use question time to press the government on what she called “secret plans to tax Australians.”
“We are here. It’s another day in Parliament. Our job is to hold the government to account,” she said.
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