Cost of Living

Sheldon argued that the government had inherited significant economic problems and had implemented policies to support communities, including job creation and wage growth. Sheldon criticised the opposition for voting against relief measures and for proposing cuts to services worth $350 billion. Sheldon also opposed the opposition's nuclear energy proposal, describing it as a costly fantasy that would burden taxpayers without delivering significant energy benefits.

Shoebridge characterised the cost of living crisis as an inequality issue, noting that billionaire wealth had surged while low-income households struggled. Shoebridge argued that housing costs were driven by tax policies favouring investors, such as negative gearing and capital gains tax discounts. Shoebridge proposed legalising cannabis as a cost-of-living measure that would generate public revenue and reduce enforcement costs, while also calling for stronger action against price gouging.

Bragg claimed the government had prioritised vested interests, including unions and super funds, over small businesses and ordinary Australians. Bragg criticised industrial relations changes such as pattern bargaining and the abolition of casual work, arguing these harmed small enterprises. Bragg also raised concerns about the government's handling of the Cbus super fund scandal, suggesting a lack of accountability for entities connected to Labor figures.

Roberts supported the motion, arguing that electricity subsidies had temporarily masked underlying inflation driven by net zero policies. Roberts proposed ending net zero measures to reduce power bills and freezing excise increases on alcohol and tobacco. Roberts also called for funding the ACCC to investigate insurance companies and removing GST on insurance premiums to lower costs for consumers.

Ghosh disputed the premise that the current government was responsible for high inflation, citing data that showed inflation peaking under the previous administration before declining to within the Reserve Bank's target band. Ghosh highlighted that real wages had begun to grow again after falling during the previous term. Ghosh pointed to tax cuts and energy bill relief as measures supporting Australians through the transition.

Colbeck argued that the government had failed to deliver on specific election promises, including reducing power prices and lowering the overall cost of living. Colbeck cited statistics showing increases in mortgage costs, rents, food prices, and education expenses since the election. Colbeck claimed the government was using subsidies to create a false impression of economic improvement while failing to manage the economy effectively.