Cost of Living

Cook emphasised that the government inherited an economy with high debt and inflation, and that their approach has restored growth and wage increases. Cook detailed specific supports delivered in her electorate, including the opening of urgent care clinics and the installation of home batteries. Cook argued that the opposition had campaigned to cut these supports and reduce frontline workers, contrasting their record with the government’s delivery of tax cuts and student debt relief.

Bell argued that the government had failed to address productivity and inflation, leading to a collapse in living standards. Bell cited OECD figures indicating a 10 per cent decline in living standards compared to the average and noted that real wages were more than two per cent lower than when the government took office. Bell claimed that public sector demand was growing twice as fast as private sector demand, contributing to higher inflation and interest rates. Bell also highlighted the increase in taxes and population growth without corresponding infrastructure.

Burnell outlined the practical cost-of-living relief delivered to families in his electorate, including tax cuts that returned an average of $1,217 to households. Burnell highlighted increases in rent assistance, expanded paid parental leave with superannuation contributions, and the three-day childcare guarantee. Burnell also noted the impact of the Cheaper Home Batteries Program, with over 2,300 installations in his electorate, and the reduction in student debt for thousands of residents.

Aldred argued that living standards had collapsed under the government, citing anecdotes from her electorate about families struggling with electricity bills and grocery costs. Aldred highlighted the increased demand on community food relief centres, with some tripling their meal output to meet needs. Aldred also criticised the Prime Minister’s association with Kyle Sandilands, arguing that it reflected a decline in standards and values within the government.

French argued that the government had managed global economic shocks with discipline, stabilising inflation while maintaining strong employment. French contrasted this with the previous government’s record of stagnant wages and deteriorating budget discipline. French emphasised that the government’s targeted relief measures, such as apprentice bonuses and cheaper medicines, aimed to relieve strain without harming the wider economy. French asserted that sustainable living standards depend on long-term economic stability and investment in skills and infrastructure.

McCormack argued that the government’s focus on increasing the number of parliamentarians was misplaced, as the public needed better policies to address falling living standards. McCormack cited a 4.7 per cent drop in productivity and the failure of over 40,000 small businesses. McCormack highlighted issues in the trucking and construction industries, calling for a bipartisan summit to address sham contracting and other sector-specific challenges. McCormack also raised concerns about population growth and the housing crisis.

Witty argued that the cost-of-living pressures were the result of a decade of poor economic management by the previous government, which had accumulated significant debt and allowed real wages to fall. Witty stated that the current government was taking a different approach by delivering cost-of-living relief while strengthening the economy. Witty emphasised the importance of affordable healthcare, noting that no Australian should struggle to afford necessary medicines.