Economy

McCormack argued that government policies, including changes to distribution priority areas for doctors, had worsened rural health access. McCormack claimed that real wages were falling and that mortgage holders faced an additional $29,000 in annual costs due to interest rate rises. McCormack criticised the removal of $191.6 million from feral pest management and the purchase of $430 million in water rights, arguing these decisions harmed farmers and regional communities.

France criticised the opposition's record on wage growth, TAFE funding, and social housing construction. France highlighted government achievements, including tax cuts, cheaper childcare, and the five per cent deposit scheme, which had assisted approximately 280,000 first-home buyers. France stated that the working Australians tax offset would provide an additional $250 tax cut for over 13 million workers, alongside a $1,000 instant tax deduction.

Willcox argued that the government had lost control of the economy, citing 15 interest rate rises and an inflation rate of 3.8 per cent against a target of 2.3 per cent. Willcox claimed that the five per cent deposit scheme had trapped young buyers in negative equity following market fluctuations caused by tax changes. Willcox stated that the budget represented the highest tax take ever and would drive national debt over $1 trillion.

Urquhart emphasised that the minimum wage had increased by more than $9,000 annually since 2022, benefiting nearly 2.7 million workers. Urquhart highlighted the expansion of Medicare urgent care clinics and bulk-billing incentives in her electorate. Urquhart noted that parents would receive 26 weeks of paid parental leave with superannuation contributions, and that family tax benefit payments were increasing.

Price argued that homeownership was becoming unattainable due to government housing policies and high inflation. Price proposed a $5 billion housing infrastructure fund to build up to 400,000 new homes and capping migration at the level of new housing construction. Price advocated for a future generations fund to pay down national debt and repealing government housing taxes to restore market confidence.

Gregg stated that the government was addressing structural challenges by reforming tax settings that previously privileged investors over owner-occupiers. Gregg highlighted that cheaper medicines had saved residents in his electorate approximately $20 million and that the five per cent deposit scheme had helped 1,000 people in Deakin buy their first home. Gregg noted that small businesses would benefit from $3.8 billion in tax improvements and $540 million in reduced compliance costs.

Venning argued that the government had failed to control inflation, which remained at 3.8 per cent, and that interest rates were at a 15-year high. Venning claimed that tax changes would result in 35,000 fewer homes being built and that the country was constructing 30,000 fewer homes annually than under the previous government. Venning criticised the retention of the widow tax and proposed scrapping net zero targets to reduce energy costs.

Berry highlighted that the government delivered a $22.1 billion surplus in 2022-2023, the first in 15 years, and reduced national debt by almost $200 billion compared to inherited levels. Berry emphasised investments in future industries, including renewable energy and critical minerals, under the Future Made in Australia agenda. Berry stated that the government had backed higher wages for nearly three million low-paid workers and maintained the lowest average unemployment rate in half a century.