Opened the debate
Chalmers argued that the budget was a responsible and reforming response to severe global economic challenges, including an oil shock and inflation. The Treasurer highlighted a $14.8 billion plan to secure fuel supplies and reduce prices, alongside ongoing tax cuts for workers, including a new $250 Working Australians Tax Offset. Chalmers emphasised investments in healthcare, housing supply, and productivity reforms to boost the economy. The position included significant tax reforms, such as limiting negative gearing to new builds and replacing the capital gains tax discount with indexation, to create a fairer system. Savings of $63.8 billion, primarily from NDIS reforms, were presented as necessary for budget repair without raising taxes.