Economy

Violi stated that nearly 15,000 small businesses became insolvent in the previous year, a 33 per cent increase. Violi argued that the government's failure to acknowledge its spending addiction was worsening the situation for families and businesses. Violi claimed that the government preferred unionised large businesses over small enterprises that could not be unionised.

Cook argued that the government was delivering real relief through 120 urgent care clinics, $25 PBS medicines, and a 20 per cent reduction in student debt. Cook stated that these measures put money back into the pockets of families and small business owners. Cook claimed that the opposition offered no policies and only played politics while Australians struggled with the cost of living.

Rebello criticised the government for presiding over 13 interest rate rises and the highest government spending outside a recession in 40 years. Rebello argued that this spending was directly impacting inflation and hurting small businesses in his electorate. Rebello called for the government to acknowledge its fiscal irresponsibility and rein in expenditure to restore living standards.

Moncrieff accused the opposition of political amnesia regarding their own record of deficits and wage suppression. Moncrieff highlighted Labor's investments in childcare, PBS medicines, and tax cuts as prudent and responsible. Moncrieff argued that wage growth was finally recovering after a decade of suppression under the previous government and that free TAFE was providing essential skills training.

Venning stated that inflation had risen by 3.8 per cent and that government spending was at its highest level in 40 years outside of the pandemic. Venning cited specific cost increases in insurance, energy, rent, and food, arguing these were driven by Labor's spending. Venning claimed the Treasurer lacked a plan to fix the economy and that national debt was reaching unsustainable levels.

Doyle argued that the opposition had blocked cost-of-living measures that would have supported households and small businesses. Doyle highlighted tax cuts for sole traders, pay rises for minimum wage workers, and energy bill relief as responsible spending. Doyle stated that these measures strengthened local economies and helped small businesses retain staff and manage costs.

Bell focused on the impact of interest rate rises on young people, noting difficulties in accessing healthcare and employment. Bell argued that high costs were preventing young people from seeing doctors and affording housing. Bell claimed that government spending was driving up prices and that the resulting debt would punish future generations.

Smith detailed specific benefits for his electorate, including a new Medicare urgent care clinic and additional hospital funding. Smith highlighted the reduction in student debt and the permanence of free TAFE as key achievements. Smith argued that the opposition had consistently voted against practical measures to assist Australians with the cost of living.