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Campbell challenged the opposition to specify which programs they would cut, arguing that their history involved reducing support for health, housing, and education. Campbell highlighted government investments including $25 billion for public hospitals, urgent care clinics, and women's health initiatives. Campbell also pointed to housing measures such as the five per cent deposit scheme and the Housing Australia Future Fund, alongside tax cuts and childcare guarantees, as evidence of responsible economic management.
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Wilson argued that $15 billion should be removed from the budget to stop funding what he described as a corruption cartel involving the CFMEU and the Labor Party. Wilson cited a report detailing systemic corruption, organised crime links, and kickbacks within the union, alleging these funds ultimately benefited the Labor Party. Wilson criticised the government for tolerating this corruption and failing to address the moral and financial costs to taxpayers.
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French defended the bills as essential constitutional instruments for democratic accountability and responsible fiscal management. French detailed funding allocations for climate change initiatives, including household batteries, and $1.5 billion for health and disability services, particularly the NDIS. French also highlighted support for defence capabilities, home affairs security, and social housing, arguing that the bills provided necessary transparency and responsiveness to emerging needs.
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Aldred stated that while the coalition would not delay the bills, she criticised the government's reckless spending and rising national debt approaching $1.2 trillion. Aldred argued that record revenue was being outstripped by spending growth, contributing to high inflation in essentials like energy, insurance, and food. Aldred highlighted the impact on regional businesses, particularly wineries, which faced rising costs and red tape, and called for better economic management to lower interest rates.
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Clutterham supported the bills, noting they funded critical initiatives such as 1800MEDICARE and mental health check-ins to improve healthcare access. Clutterham highlighted local projects in her electorate, including flood resilience upgrades and sports facility improvements, as examples of targeted spending that benefits communities. Clutterham argued that the government was finding savings through efficiencies rather than cutting essential services, ensuring sustainable funding for health, infrastructure, and community programs.
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Penfold argued that regional Australia, particularly her electorate, was neglected in funding allocations despite her pre-budget submission. Penfold highlighted disparities in urgent care clinic distribution, noting most were in Labor seats, and cited high emergency department demand in Manning Base Hospital due to insufficient GP access. Penfold also criticised the slow pace of flood recovery funding, noting Mid-Coast Council had received only $3 million against an estimated $226.5 million recovery cost.
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Hill presented data showing a rise in bulk-billing rates to 81.4 per cent and the success of free TAFE enrolments. Hill listed cost-of-living measures including tax cuts, energy bill relief, and expanded parental leave. Hill strongly criticised the Liberal Party's internal leadership challenges and policy record, arguing that their instability and past failures, such as energy price rises, demonstrated a lack of viable alternatives to the government.
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McCormack stated the opposition would not delay supply but expressed low confidence in the government's economic management, citing rising debt and concerns over wind farm impacts on grid stability in Upper Lachlan Shire. McCormack defended the previous government's pandemic response and border closures, and criticised recent protests as disruptive to business and social cohesion. McCormack also raised concerns about water buyback policies affecting farmers in the Murray-Darling Basin.
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Cook supported the bills, emphasising their role in funding health services and urgent care clinics. Cook shared anecdotes from constituents in Bonner who benefited from the Carina-Carindale Medicare Urgent Care Clinic, highlighting reduced wait times and costs. Cook noted that 122 clinics were now open, helping to relieve pressure on emergency departments and providing accessible care for families.
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Landry argued that the appropriation bills reflected reckless economic mismanagement and neglect of regional Australia. Landry claimed that record spending was outstripping revenue, leading to continual deficits. Landry specifically criticised the reduction in NDIS provider travel reimbursements, stating it severely impacted service delivery in remote areas like Capricornia.