Answers to Questions

Stewart defended the government's tax cuts for all Australians, contrasting them with the opposition's previous criticism of such measures. Stewart highlighted that more than three million workers received a pay rise above inflation from 1 July, equating to approximately $1,670 annually for full-time minimum wage earners. Stewart also noted the reduction of $150 in energy bills as part of the government's cost-of-living assistance.

Chandler criticised the government's economic management and housing policies, citing Treasury advice that the target of 1.2 million new homes by 2030 would not be met. Chandler argued that current construction rates of 170,000 homes per year were significantly lower than the 190,000 average achieved under the previous coalition government. Chandler claimed that the economy was stalling, with growth at 0.2 per cent in the March quarter and annual growth stuck at 1.3 per cent.

Ananda-Rajah defended the Housing Australia Future Fund, noting that the opposition had delayed its passage for at least 12 months. Ananda-Rajah stated that 28,000 homes were in planning or construction stages and that the government had invested $43 billion in housing. Ananda-Rajah also highlighted the expansion of the Home Guarantee Scheme, which had helped over 100,000 Australians enter the housing market, and mentioned upcoming build-to-rent reforms.

Colbeck argued that the government was failing to acknowledge Treasury's assessment that the 1.2 million homes target would not be achieved. Colbeck claimed that new builds were at their lowest levels in many years and that the government would construct fewer houses in the next five years than the coalition did in its last five years. Colbeck cited the failure to deliver on previous promises, such as the $275 energy bill reduction, as evidence of the government's lack of credibility.