Budget

Comer emphasised the government's focus on cost-of-living relief and support for small businesses through tax cuts and skills training. Comer highlighted the permanent instant asset write-off and investments in healthcare and infrastructure. Comer argued that the budget provided practical support for businesses facing rising costs and workforce shortages.

Willcox criticised the budget as high-taxing and harmful to farmers, citing personal family experience in agriculture. Willcox argued that capital gains tax changes would penalise farmers who use their land as superannuation. Willcox claimed the government was addicted to spending and had introduced an inheritance tax, contrary to election promises.

Cook defended the government's record, stating it inherited significant debt and inflation from the previous administration. Cook highlighted tax cuts for all taxpayers, including the working Australians tax offset and instant tax deduction. Cook argued that the government had delivered on wage increases, healthcare improvements, and housing supply, contrasting this with opposition inaction.

Penfold argued that the government's tax changes undermined aspiration and investment, particularly for family farms and small businesses using trusts. Penfold claimed the government could not clearly explain the policy details, creating uncertainty for business succession. Penfold asserted that the taxes were driven by spending addiction rather than economic necessity.

Fernando described the budget as responsible, focusing on cost-of-living relief, small business support, and housing supply. Fernando highlighted investments in public hospitals and Medicare urgent care clinics. Fernando criticised the opposition for proposing cuts to support services for permanent residents, arguing this was divisive and harmful to communities.

Conaghan argued that the government was taxing aspiration and breaking election promises, harming small businesses and farmers. Conaghan claimed the budget lacked tangible evidence of protections for these groups and cited high business insolvency rates. Conaghan pledged to repeal the new taxes and provide incentives for production if elected.

Teesdale highlighted the budget's support for regional communities, including permanent instant asset write-offs for small businesses. Teesdale emphasised investments in agriculture, biosecurity, and fuel security, noting that most agricultural businesses would not be affected by capital gains tax changes. Teesdale criticised the opposition for running scare campaigns instead of supporting practical measures.