Cost of Living

Repacholi defended the government's action on supermarket pricing, noting that excessive pricing by very large supermarkets became illegal from 1 July 2026. Repacholi highlighted penalties of up to $10 million or 10 per cent of annual turnover for breaches of competition law. Repacholi contrasted this with the previous government's voluntary code, which he described as ineffective. Repacholi argued that the opposition voted against cost-of-living relief measures while criticising the government's approach.

Aldred argued that Australians were working harder for less, citing delays in superannuation death benefit payouts and cuts to private health rebates. Aldred referenced economic data showing consumer prices up 25 per cent since 2021 while wages rose only 19 per cent. Aldred claimed that government spending had hit an unprecedented 28 per cent of GDP, contributing to inflation. Aldred highlighted the impact on farmers facing high costs for fuel and freight, and poor road conditions affecting transport.

Smith emphasised the government's holistic approach to cost of living, including investments in regional infrastructure like the Bruce Highway to improve freight efficiency. Smith noted that remote Aboriginal communities now pay the same prices for food as city dwellers due to government intervention. Smith defended the government's foreign policy efforts to secure fuel supplies, countering claims of potential rationing. Smith argued that these actions helped maintain economic stability and supported farmers and small businesses.

Rebello argued that the government had lost control of the economy, leading to 15 interest rate rises and significant price increases in essentials. Rebello stated that households were feeling the pressure through higher rents, mortgages, and grocery bills. Rebello claimed that government spending was accumulating debt for future generations without generating wealth. Rebello asserted that Australians were not being rewarded for their efforts and that the government lacked a long-term economic strategy.

Coffey detailed the government's measures to combat excessive supermarket pricing and shrinkflation, including mandatory record-keeping and significant penalties. Coffey highlighted the funding of a $2 million education program for fresh food suppliers and nearly $100 million for ACCC enforcement. Coffey also addressed food waste, noting it costs the economy $36.6 billion annually, and mentioned the upcoming national food security strategy. Coffey praised the work of food rescue charities and argued that the government was delivering a fairer deal for families.

Venning cited specific price increases, including electricity up 40 per cent and gas up more than 40 per cent, arguing that inflation was homegrown. Venning claimed that real wages had fallen by two per cent and that GDP per capita had declined in 10 of the last 15 quarters. Venning stated that a family on an average new mortgage was paying $26,000 a year more after tax. Venning promoted the coalition's plan to lower taxes and reduce migration to restore living standards.

Moncrieff highlighted wage increases, noting the national minimum wage rose to $26.44 an hour in July 2026. Moncrieff argued that the government had deliberately cut income taxes and reduced PBS medicine costs to $25, saving millions for families. Moncrieff pointed to increased bulk-billing clinics in his electorate as evidence of improved healthcare access. Moncrieff contrasted this with the previous government's policies, which he claimed deliberately kept wages low and introduced price signals in healthcare.