‘Our roads are not paved in gold’: Dutton Pilbara visit highlights social issues and interest rate woes

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton said he was humbled on his recent trip to the Pilbara after mingling with residents — hearing directly from locals about what matters most to them. The leader of the Federal Liberal Party made the comments during a tour of Rio Tinto operations in the Dampier Port on Wednesday, where he was joined by member for Durack Melissa Price and Pilbara Liberal candidate Amanda Kailis. ‘Even in an environment like this, where people in many jobs are earning good money because they work hard, they spend time away from their family, there are other people in the community who are really doing it tough, and we have to make sure that we provide support to those people as well,” Mr Dutton said. “Now, there’s inflation data out today which indicates that Australians are going to suffer for longer under this Government because people are desperately waiting for a decrease in interest rates, and the Albanese Government keeps putting in place inflationary policies which are going to keep interest rates higher for longer. “I really worry for a lot of families and small businesses that we’ve spoken to here, and around the country, that they’re struggling to put food on the table, to keep the doors open in their small business at the moment.” Ms Price said Mr Dutton’s visit to the Pilbara was a wonderful opportunity for the Opposition Leader to understand how important the region was. “We know that we are the economic powerhouse of the nation, but our roads are not paved in gold and there are just as many social issues — people struggling with housing affordability here in the Pilbara,” she said. In response, Pilbara MLA Kevin Michel said Peter Dutton had no idea about what goes on in the Pilbara. “The locals I speak to are grateful for the targeted cost of living relief measures the Cook Labor Government is providing, which are easing pressure on families and businesses,” he said. “WA Labor’s responsible financial management has meant we’ve been able to support Western Australians living in the regions, with an increase to the value of the Regional Pensioner Travel Card and the Regional Airfare Zone Cap scheme saving residents hundreds of dollars each year. “This is on top of the statewide $700 Household Electricity Credit and the WA Student Assistance Payment schemes.”