Cost of Living

Clutterham argued that cost-of-living relief was the government's primary focus, listing initiatives such as tax cuts, the Working Australian Tax Offset, and cheaper medicines. Clutterham highlighted that PBS prescription costs were capped at $25 or $7.70 for concession cardholders and that bulk-billing clinics had doubled in the electorate. Clutterham also cited student debt relief of 20 per cent, free TAFE, and paid placements for students as key cost-of-living measures.

Small argued that real wages had fallen by three per cent and that living standards were lower than when the government took office. Small criticised the government's changes to capital gains tax, arguing they discouraged investment in the mining sector, which Small claimed contributed significantly to the national economy. Small stated that Western Australia's net contribution to the Commonwealth was $13,000 per person, far exceeding other states, and warned that taxing risk-takers would harm prosperity.

Byrnes listed numerous government achievements, including five income tax cuts, a 50 per cent fuel excise reduction, and $8.5 billion invested in Medicare. Byrnes noted that wholesale electricity prices had fallen by 14 per cent and that over 2,500 homes in the electorate had solar batteries. Byrnes contrasted this with the previous government, which Byrnes claimed built only 373 homes in ten years, and emphasised wage increases for low-paid workers.

Rebello argued that a trust deficit existed due to broken promises, particularly regarding the $275 power bill reduction and tax changes. Rebello stated that electricity prices had risen by around 40 per cent and that 15 interest rate rises had occurred. Rebello outlined opposition alternatives, including indexing income thresholds to inflation, linking migration to housing supply, and creating a future-generations fund to manage resource windfalls.

Holzberger attributed current economic challenges to decades of economic rationalism and underinvestment by previous governments. Holzberger highlighted the government's interventionist approach, including public housing construction, renewable energy investment, and support for critical industries like steel and smelting. Holzberger argued that the government was addressing market failures in housing, energy, and healthcare that had been neglected for years.

Violi criticised the removal of the private health insurance rebate for those over 65, estimating it would cost singles $800 and couples $1,600 annually. Violi argued that the budget offered little immediate help, citing a $250 payment in two years as insufficient. Violi highlighted rising food bank usage in Victoria, which had increased from 69,000 to 76,000 meals per day, and accused the government of allowing bracket creep to tax wage increases.

Jarrett defended the budget's focus on tax cuts for 13 million workers, averaging $2,800 annually, and the introduction of a $250 working Australians tax offset. Jarrett highlighted the five per cent deposit scheme for first-home buyers and the commitment to build 100,000 homes for them. Jarrett also noted investments in fuel security, including increasing national reserves to 50 days, and listed various healthcare and education reforms.

Tehan argued that living standards had collapsed to the greatest extent in the world and that the government lacked credibility due to broken promises. Tehan claimed that uncontrolled government spending was driving up interest rates and that the government was addicted to taxing, citing concerns about potential death duties. Tehan stated that constituents reported no relief from the budget for their cost-of-living concerns.

Coffey detailed healthcare investments, including $1.8 billion for urgent care clinics and $25 billion for public hospitals. Coffey explained the reform of negative gearing to apply only to new builds from July 2027 to increase housing supply. Coffey highlighted the $250 working Australians tax offset and the $1,000 instant tax deduction, stating these measures would help workers keep more of their earnings.

Conaghan argued that the government had broken promises on power bills, which had risen by 35 per cent, and housing, with a projected shortfall of 350,000 homes. Conaghan criticised the government's net-zero policies and high immigration levels, claiming they pressured infrastructure and reduced living standards. Conaghan asserted that the Prime Minister lacked credibility after changing positions on capital gains tax and negative gearing.

Burns argued that the opposition was failing to address the root causes of cost-of-living pressures and was instead focusing on political attacks. Burns highlighted the Help to Buy scheme and the five per cent deposit scheme, noting that over 200,000 people had used the latter. Burns stated that changes to negative gearing and capital gains tax were necessary to support first-home buyers against investor incentives.

Landry described the impact of rising costs on families and small businesses in regional Queensland, including grocery bills, fuel, and electricity. Landry noted that rents had risen sharply and vacancy rates were tight, making it difficult for essential workers to find accommodation. Landry argued that the government had failed to deliver promised relief and that regional communities needed practical, targeted support.

Ng argued that opposition claims of living standard declines were based on cherry-picked figures comparing post-pandemic peaks to current levels. Ng cited OECD reports showing real wage recovery and record employment. Ng highlighted government achievements, including five income tax cuts, halving the fuel tax, and expanding the Cheaper Home Batteries Program to $7.2 billion.

Willcox argued that the government had broken promises on taxes, housing, and energy prices, leading to a cost-of-living crisis. Willcox criticised the cap on allied health services for veterans at $5,000 and the changes to private health insurance for those over 65. Willcox stated that the government's budget punished effort and that the Prime Minister should apologise for the broken promises.