Budget

McCormack criticised the government for negotiating with the Greens and increasing taxes by $77 billion. McCormack argued that the budget failed to support farmers, citing the purchase of water for environmental purposes instead of food production. McCormack also raised concerns about cuts to veteran allied health benefits and National Disability Insurance Scheme services, describing these measures as harmful to vulnerable Australians.

France argued that the government was delivering on promises to make the tax system fairer, citing past statements by the shadow treasurer acknowledging unfairness. France highlighted the $250 tax rebate for working Australians and the $1,000 immediate deduction, which would return approximately $2,800 to the average worker by 2028. France contrasted this with the opposition's record of increasing debt and allowing manufacturing to collapse during their tenure.

Laxale defended the budget's tax reforms, noting that the government had extended capital gains tax exemptions for small businesses by raising the active asset reduction threshold from $2 million to $10 million. Laxale argued that these measures supported innovation and investment while providing tax relief for workers. Laxale accused the opposition of consistently voting against tax cuts and supporting policies that locked young people out of the housing market.

Price argued that the government's tax policies punished young investors and small businesses, claiming nine out of ten small businesses would benefit from the proposed carve-outs. Price criticised the Prime Minister for failing to rule out taxes on the family home and for breaking election promises regarding capital gains tax and negative gearing. Price also highlighted concerns about cuts to private health insurance rebates for those over 65.

Garland outlined the government's focus on tax relief, including the $250 tax offset and $1,000 instant deduction, which she said would provide nearly $3,000 to the average worker by 2028. Garland emphasised that the reforms aimed to level the playing field between income from work and investment income. Garland also noted additional measures such as funding for public hospitals, cheaper medicines, and enhanced powers for the ACCC to combat price gouging.

Venning argued that the government's tax changes would chill investment in startups and suppress housing supply, leading to higher rents. Venning criticised the small business carve-out as vague and giving bureaucrats excessive power to determine which businesses were innovative. Venning promoted the Coalition's plan for automatic annual tax cuts and fixed migration levels aligned with housing construction as a better alternative.

Jordan-Baird highlighted the success of the five per cent deposit scheme, noting that over 3,000 people in her electorate had secured their first home. Jordan-Baird argued that the government's tax cuts and wage increases supported hardworking Australians, contrasting this with the opposition's record of inheriting $1 trillion in debt. Jordan-Baird accused the right-wing parties of voting against tax cuts and better pay for workers.