Opened the debate
Ley argued that the government had broken faith with young Australians by failing to deliver on the promise of 1.2 million new homes, a failure confirmed by leaked Treasury documents. Ley contended that families and small businesses were struggling with the cost of living, citing rising electricity costs and falling bulk-billing rates in healthcare. Ley claimed the budget was in structural imbalance, with Treasury advising tax increases, and criticised the government's energy policy as a train wreck that was driving manufacturing offshore. Ley also opposed the proposed superannuation tax on unrealised capital gains, arguing it punished hard work and violated taxation principles.