Mr WALLACE (Fisher) (16:08): This government is frightened. It's frightened by democracy, frightened by parliament and frightened by the very transparency that it repeatedly promised. In opposition, Labor promised to shine a light on politics and bring back accountability. I want to play a little pop quiz now as to who said this: 'My government is unashamedly an open government.' Who said that? The Prime Minister. 'I'm not frightened of scrutiny and transparency.' Who said that? The Prime Minister. 'We're shining sunlight on a shadow government that preferred to operate in darkness, a government that operated in a cult of secrecy and a culture of cover-up and which arrogantly dismissed scrutiny from the parliament and the public as a mere inconvenience.' Who said that? Mr Buchholz: Same bloke. Mr WALLACE: 'When it comes to your money, which of course is from taxpayers we all serve, the only condition that should be attached is accountability.' Who do you reckon said that? The Prime Minister. 'To serve as Prime Minister of Australia is a rare privilege. If successful, I'm determined to restore a greater sense of responsibility to the office of prime minister, a deeper respect for the Australian people and for the integrity of our democracy, real accountability and delivery.' Who do you reckon said that? Mr Violi: Not the PM—surely not! Mr WALLACE: It was the Prime Minister. He also said: The health of our democracy, the integrity of our institutions, the transparency and fairness of our laws, the harmony and cohesion of our population … these aren't just noble ideals. They are a powerful defence against the threat of modern authoritarianism. Who do you reckon said that? Mr Violi: No, not the Prime Minister! Mr WALLACE: This takes the cake. The Prime Minister also said: Labor will restore integrity and transparency to our aged care system. Whether you are in residential care or home care, Australians should have confidence the money they are paying is going where it should … I think anybody who has been watching question time in this last week would know the truth about this government and its care about the aged-care system. Democracy in every nation is fragile. I could not believe the words that came out of the member for Bruce's mouth when he heaped scorn upon the concept of parliamentary accountability. Those members opposite, this government, are acting in ways which are absolutely antithetical to the principles that they stood for when they were the opposition. Let's look at what they've done. They've cut staff numbers for the opposition and the crossbench. Most Australians might think, 'Oh well, so what?' A government is only as good as the opposition who holds it to account, and this government continues to strip away from the opposition and the crossbench our ability to hold this government to account. It also has laid on the table proposed changes to the debates on matters of public importance—like the matters that we are discussing today. In unprecedented ways, it is seeking to strip the opposition's ability to hold this government to account. It's also increasing non-disclosure agreements when dealing with stakeholders. This government does not walk the talk. This government has a rule for us when we're in government and a rule entirely for itself when it is in government. It is absolutely hypocritical. Cutting the number of staff for the opposition and the crossbench, as I said, may not be a hot-button issue for many Australians—unlike the cost of living—but a government that strips away the ability to hold it to account is a lazy, insecure government that is frightened of being held to account. The FOI changes that this government is seeking to introduce are an absolute disgrace. A recent report by the centre for public— (Time expired)