Cost of Living

Canavan argued that the Greens' proposal demonstrated a lack of understanding of basic economics and the difference between wealth and income. Canavan claimed that taxing wealth would deplete the billionaire class, leaving no sustainable revenue stream for future public services. Canavan warned that such policies could lead to financial instability if the Greens influenced a minority Labor government, citing the rising costs of the National Disability Insurance Scheme as an example of poor planning.

O'Neill defended the Labor government's record on cost of living relief, highlighting the tripling of bulk-billing incentives and the introduction of urgent care centres. O'Neill noted that over six million Australians had benefited from additional bulk-billed GP visits since Labor returned to government. O'Neill argued that the government was already ensuring multinationals paid their fair share through new legislation, contrasting this with the Greens' lack of a detailed plan.

Rennick agreed that tax reform was necessary but argued that targeting billionaires was overly simplistic. Rennick proposed increasing withholding taxes on profits sent offshore, particularly to Ireland, and raising the tax-free threshold to $40,000. Rennick also advocated for monetary policy reform, suggesting the government issue equity shares to fund infrastructure and services rather than relying solely on taxation.

Smith detailed the government's investments in health, including $2.8 billion for Medicare, urgent care clinics, and women's health initiatives such as PBS listings for contraceptives and menopausal therapies. Smith highlighted the reversal of bulk-billing declines and the delivery of stage 3 tax cuts to all taxpayers. Smith argued that these measures provided tangible relief compared to the Greens' proposals.

Steele-John highlighted the disparity between billionaire wealth growth and the struggles of everyday families with living costs. Steele-John pointed to 'GP deserts' in Western Australia, where residents received fewer services and faced higher mortality rates from preventable causes. Steele-John argued that the Greens' plan was the only viable solution to tackle inequality and properly fund healthcare systems.

Hodgins-May criticised the major parties for upholding an economic system that allowed billionaire wealth to double while ordinary people faced poverty. Hodgins-May reiterated the Greens' proposal for a 10 per cent annual tax on billionaire net wealth, with limits on capital flight. Hodgins-May argued this revenue should fund affordable housing, healthcare, and early childhood education.

Shoebridge described how high costs were forcing people to skip medical appointments and struggle with rent and food. Shoebridge noted that Australian billionaires had pocketed an extra $28 billion in the previous year. Shoebridge argued that the system was rigged in favour of the wealthy and called for taxing billionaires to fund mental health and dental care in Medicare.

Pocock stated that billionaire wealth had doubled under both major parties while retirees and low-income earners faced poverty. Pocock cited Parliamentary Budget Office costings showing the tax would raise $50 billion over a decade. Pocock argued this could fund dental and mental health services in Medicare and free education, targeting corporations that pay zero tax and billionaires who accumulated wealth during the pandemic.