Economy

Senator Shoebridge criticised the government for prioritising AUKUS submarine spending over climate resilience and housing. Shoebridge argued that the government had suppressed a report on the national security impacts of climate change and failed to address the urgent need for climate action to protect young people from future disasters.

Senator Stewart defended the government's record, highlighting the Home Guarantee Scheme and Help to Buy initiatives aimed at increasing housing supply. Stewart noted that the Coalition had consistently voted against measures to fund public schools, early years education, and housing affordability. Stewart emphasised the government's target of building 1.2 million new homes and its efforts to control inflation and reduce immigration to sustainable levels.

Senator Roberts argued that high immigration rates had diluted GDP per capita, leading to an eight per cent fall in living standards. Roberts proposed reducing immigration and investing in major infrastructure projects, such as a national rail loop and northern rail crossing, to boost productive capacity. Roberts stated that One Nation's platform included cutting waste to fund tax cuts and debt reduction.

Senator Hodgins-May criticised both major parties for intergenerational inequity, noting that student debt repayments exceeded revenue from the petroleum resource rent tax. Hodgins-May argued that the budget failed to address the needs of nurses, teachers, and first-home buyers, while favouring property investors. Hodgins-May highlighted young people running for office to demand a fairer and more just future.

Senator Thorpe argued that government policies systematically underfunded essential services, creating an economic apartheid that disadvantaged children from migrant and Indigenous backgrounds. Thorpe described a transition from a welfare to a carceral state, particularly affecting Black children who face high rates of incarceration. Thorpe emphasised the need to uphold fundamental rights to safety, education, and housing for all children.

Senator Lambie highlighted that cost of living was the top concern for young Australians, causing significant mental health strain. Lambie criticised the government for failing to raise Newstart or youth allowance and for neglecting mental health services in regional areas. Lambie also raised concerns about youth detention facilities in Tasmania and suggested reducing HECS fees in exchange for community service.