Budget

Sitou dismissed opposition claims as a scare campaign, stating that 90 per cent of small businesses would remain unaffected by the capital gains tax changes. Sitou highlighted that existing exemptions for retirement, active assets, and reinvestment would remain in place. Sitou contrasted the government's practical support for small businesses, including permanent asset write-offs and loss carry-back provisions, with the opposition's record of deregulation.

Birrell argued that the reforms were rushed and lacked the democratic mandate that previous major tax changes had sought. Birrell highlighted specific vulnerabilities for farming businesses, noting that rent payments between trusts within farm structures would be subject to a 30 per cent minimum tax. Birrell emphasised the significant risks and labour involved in agricultural production, arguing that the government failed to understand the realities of regional business operations.

Phillips focused on the impact of the reforms on housing affordability for young people in regional areas. Phillips argued that investors currently held an unfair tax advantage over first-home buyers, preventing local community stability. Phillips cited positive feedback from constituents, including first-home buyers and retirees, who supported the changes to tip the scales towards homeownership. Phillips highlighted the expansion of the five per cent deposit scheme as a direct benefit for regional residents.

Kennedy characterised the budget as the highest taxing in Australian history, driven by excessive government spending and debt. Kennedy argued that young people would face higher income taxes, doubled capital gains taxes, and an inability to negatively gear properties compared to previous generations. Kennedy compared Australia's proposed capital gains tax rate unfavourably with those in New Zealand, Singapore, and China. Kennedy claimed the government was crushing aspiration and failing to address issues such as NDIS fraud.

Lawrence emphasised that the budget provided practical support for small businesses through the permanent $20,000 instant asset write-off and loss carry-back provisions. Lawrence reiterated that 90 per cent of small businesses would remain unaffected by the capital gains tax changes due to existing concessions. Lawrence argued that the reforms delivered cost-of-living relief and tax cuts for workers, supporting economic growth and business investment. Lawrence criticised the opposition for relying on misinformation rather than offering policy solutions.

Small argued that the budget imposed damaging taxes on savers, investors, and young Australians, creating debt for future generations. Small highlighted concerns from constituents regarding the fairness of taxing small businesses at higher rates than multinationals. Small emphasised the importance of mining investment in Western Australia, arguing that the reforms would deter the risk-taking necessary for resource exploration. Small claimed the government was unfairly targeting individual investors while protecting specific sectors.

Coffey described the budget as delivering responsible reform to address a broken housing system that disadvantaged young Australians. Coffey noted that homeownership rates for young households had declined significantly since 1999 and that housing prices had outpaced earnings. Coffey explained that negative gearing would be limited to new builds from 2027, with existing investments grandfathered, to encourage housing supply. Coffey stated that capital gains tax reforms would return to cost base indexation, taxing only real gains rather than inflationary increases.