Answers to Questions

Walsh stated that inflation was declining and that over 1.1 million jobs had been created under the government. Walsh argued that real wages were growing and unemployment was at a 50-year low. Walsh warned that a Liberal government would implement $350 billion in budget cuts, potentially affecting Medicare, TAFE, and childcare. Walsh noted that the opposition had previously opposed tax cuts, energy bill relief, and minimum wage increases.

Kovacic argued that no one was better off than they were three years ago, citing a cost-of-living and housing crisis. Kovacic stated that 27,036 businesses had gone under since the government took office, including 7,183 in construction and 4,191 in hospitality. Kovacic criticised the government for focusing on political attacks rather than addressing economic issues. Kovacic highlighted the struggles of small businesses with rising rents, insurance premiums, and supply chain problems.

Ghosh attributed the inflationary problem to the spending policies of the previous Morrison government, which delivered deficits of $161 billion. Ghosh noted that inflation had trended down and was projected to return to the target band in 2025. Ghosh argued that the opposition had voted against wage increases and relief measures that benefited 2.6 million Australians. Ghosh stated that without these government policies, working Australians would face an annual shortfall of $7,200.

Brockman reiterated the opposition's concerns about the cost-of-living crisis and the lack of transparency regarding the terror plot briefing. Brockman highlighted 27,000 business insolvencies since May 2022 and cited examples of small businesses facing doubled electricity bills. Brockman criticised the government for attacking the Leader of the Opposition instead of defending their record. Brockman referenced comments from the Western Australian Premier regarding blackouts as part of the energy plan.