Addressing Strategic and Domestic Challenges
Dave delivered his first speech to the Senate on Wednesday 20 March 2024. In it, he warned that Australia's strategic holiday was over, and that the world was becoming a more dangerous and contested place. He urged Australia to defend the international principles that deter aggressors, rather than free-riding on the efforts of others.
Dave spoke of the domestic challenges facing Australia, including a growing tax burden, low productivity, rampant growth in government expenditure, declining living standards, and a lack of competition in key sectors. He warned that Australia risked a path of national decline unless these challenges were addressed.
He also spoke of the increasing burden being placed on younger Australians, from the unaffordability of homes to growing student debt and high income taxes. He warned that housing is a social good, not an asset class, and that unless housing is made more affordable, Australia risked generational inequity and social division.
Warning against growing risks to social cohesion, Dave emphasised the importance of strong institutions, shared civic values, and respect for fellow Australians as critical components of Australia's success as a pluralistic society.
"The biggest challenge we face in Australia is that born out of complacency."
Dave Sharma, First Speech to the Senate