Question Time AU

Matter of Public Importance

Economy

House of Representatives · Tuesday 25 March 2025

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

At a glance

Keith Wolahan criticised the government's fiscal trajectory, citing rising living costs and long-term spending projections from the Intergenerational Report. He argued that despite wage increases and subsidies, families are financially worse off due to inflation and tax bracket creep. Matt Burnell responded by highlighting economic improvements under Labor, including falling inflation and record-low unemployment. Burnell also listed specific government measures to reduce costs for households, such as tax cuts and childcare support, while accusing the opposition of focusing on unrelated issues.

Outcome

The matter was debated without a vote being taken.

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

How the debate unfolded

Opened the debate

Keith Wolahan (Menzies) (Liberal Party) Liberal

Wolahan argued that current government spending levels create an unsustainable burden on future generations, referencing the 2023 Intergenerational Report. Wolahan stated that real government spending per person had risen significantly since before the pandemic and would continue to increase if unaddressed. Wolahan claimed that average families are financially worse off by over $10,000 after accounting for wage increases, subsidies, and tax impacts. Wolahan attributed these difficulties to the government's inability to live within its means, which he said drives up costs for households.