Regional Australia

Repacholi argued that the government was actively supporting regional industries through investments in clean energy, critical minerals, and manufacturing. Repacholi highlighted cost-of-living measures such as energy bill relief, cheaper childcare, and expanded bulk-billing clinics in the Hunter region. Repacholi also mentioned improvements in mobile coverage and broadband, as well as fee-free TAFE opportunities for apprentices.

Willcox claimed that renewable energy projects were destroying agricultural land and habitats while driving up electricity and gas prices. Willcox argued that the promise of universal bulk-billing was not being met in his electorate, forcing residents to travel long distances for medical care. Willcox also criticised the government for failing to deliver on promised funding for the Bruce Highway and for proposing speed limit reductions instead of road upgrades.

Scrymgour stated that the government was addressing cost-of-living pressures through subsidised freight for remote stores and replacing the CDP with a new employment program. Scrymgour highlighted investments in roads, urgent care clinics, and bulk-billing incentives that had increased access to healthcare in remote areas. Scrymgour also mentioned tax cuts and apprentice incentives as part of the government's support for regional communities.

McCormack argued that regional councils had lost autonomy over funding decisions with the removal of the Building Better Regions Fund. McCormack claimed that the removal of distribution priority areas had led to doctors leaving regional areas for metropolitan centres. McCormack called on the government to increase funding for hard infrastructure like asphalt roads rather than focusing on speed limit debates.

Urquhart highlighted specific cost-of-living measures including wage increases, superannuation rises, and extended paid parental leave. Urquhart noted the rollout of energy bill relief and the expansion of urgent care clinics and Medicare walk-in centres in regional Tasmania. Urquhart also mentioned student debt reductions and apprentice incentives as part of the government's targeted support for regional families.

Venning listed several failures including rising power prices, deteriorating road conditions, and the proposed tax on unrealised gains for farmers' superannuation. Venning argued that the government had reduced Commonwealth funding for regional road projects and failed to address childcare deserts in rural areas. Venning also criticised the long wait times for aged care packages, which he said posed risks to elderly rural residents.

Smith argued that the government was delivering on telecommunications through low-orbit satellite proposals to improve mobile coverage in remote areas. Smith highlighted investments in TAFE facilities, childcare in remote communities, and regional airports to support isolation during wet seasons. Smith also mentioned floodproofing roads and the addition of bulk-billing GPs in his electorate as evidence of government support.