Question Time AU

Matter of Public Importance

Cost of Living

House of Representatives · Tuesday 25 March 2025

Official Hansard for this day (APH) · Read this debate on OpenAustralia

At a glance

Members debated the state of the Australian economy and the cost of living crisis. Opposition members argued that living standards have declined under the Labor government, citing rising prices for groceries, energy, and housing, and criticised the government's energy policies and lack of structural solutions. Government members defended their record, highlighting falling inflation, low unemployment, and specific relief measures such as tax cuts, energy rebates, and cheaper medicines. The debate concluded with no vote, as is standard for Matters of Public Importance.

Outcome

No vote was taken as this was a Matter of Public Importance.

Summary in reported speech - not a transcript. AI-generated, so check the official record before quoting.

How the debate unfolded

Opened the debate

Ted O'Brien (Fairfax) (Liberal Party) Liberal

O'Brien argued that the standard of living had dropped significantly under the Labor government, with prices for essentials rising by double digits or more. O'Brien claimed the government lacked economic understanding and was increasing the tax burden on Australians, resulting in an average loss of $312,000 over time. O'Brien criticised the government's energy policy as a failure that was driving businesses to insolvency and causing high electricity prices. O'Brien dismissed the announced $150 energy relief as a superficial measure that did not address the underlying policy failures.

Government response

Justine Elliot (Richmond) (Australian Labor Party) ALP

Elliot argued that the choice at the election was between Labor's plan to build the economy and the Coalition's plan to cut services. Elliot highlighted that inflation was falling, real wages were growing, and unemployment was at a 50-year low. Elliot listed several cost-of-living measures delivered by the government, including tax cuts, energy bill relief, cheaper medicines, and free TAFE. Elliot also noted the government's support for communities affected by Tropical Cyclone Alfred, including hardship payments and disaster allowances.

Opposition response

Melissa McIntosh (Lindsay) (Liberal Party) Liberal

McIntosh presented figures showing significant increases in the cost of bread, dairy, seafood, fruit, and chicken. McIntosh argued that energy prices were a major driver of economic harm, noting that households in Western Sydney were facing higher bills than promised. McIntosh called for more gas projects to lower costs and criticised the government's focus on renewables. McIntosh also highlighted record business insolvencies and housing affordability issues, arguing that the Coalition would limit foreign investment in housing and invest in infrastructure to increase supply.