Matter of Public Importance

Cost of Living

Senate · Monday 25 August 2025

Official Hansard for this day (APH) · Read this debate on OpenAustralia

At a glance

Senator Jacqui Lambie moved a matter of public importance arguing that the cost of living crisis is driven by corporate profiteering and past privatisation decisions by major parties. Government senators defended their record, citing falling inflation, wage growth, and specific relief measures for energy, healthcare, and childcare. Opposition and crossbench members criticised the government's economic management, with the Liberals highlighting rising costs for essentials, the Greens calling for tax reform on wealth, and One Nation proposing significant spending cuts and policy reversals on energy and immigration.

Outcome

The matter of public importance was debated without a vote being taken.

Summary in reported speech - not a transcript. AI-generated, so check the official record before quoting.

How the debate unfolded

Opened the debate

Jacqui Lambie (TAS) (Jacqui Lambie Network) JLN

Lambie argued that millions of Australians remain in food insecurity despite minor interest rate cuts, citing reports from Foodbank and the Salvation Army. The senator attributed high energy and banking costs to the privatisation of assets by previous governments, claiming customers subsidise record profits for companies like AGL and Origin. Lambie also highlighted substantial profits made by major technology firms in Australia, asserting that both major parties had failed to protect public interests through these sales.

Government response

Helen Polley (TAS) (Australian Labor Party) ALP

Polley stated that the government is focused on relieving cost-of-living pressures through wage growth, including increases for minimum wage earners and care sector workers. The senator highlighted economic improvements, noting that inflation has fallen to a four-year low and interest rates have been cut three times, saving mortgage holders significant amounts. Polley also pointed to budget surpluses, job creation records, and upcoming tax cuts as evidence of strong economic management.

Opposition response

Matt O'Sullivan (WA) (Liberal Party) Liberal

O'Sullivan argued that the cost of living crisis is synonymous with the current government, noting that prices for essentials like food and energy continue to rise. The senator claimed that temporary energy bill relief has failed to address underlying costs, which have increased significantly in Western Australia. O'Sullivan also linked economic pressures to declining fertility rates and called for tangible relief measures such as income splitting for families.

Nick McKim (TAS) (Australian Greens) Greens support

McKim argued that the cost of living crisis is fuelled by a tax system that rewards the wealthy, specifically citing the capital gains tax discount. The senator claimed this discount is more regressive than the original stage 3 tax cuts, with the majority of benefits flowing to the top income earners. McKim called for the abolition of the discount to address inequality.
Tyron Whitten (WA) (Pauline Hanson's One Nation Party) One Nation oppose

Whitten attributed rising living costs to record immigration levels and government policies on renewable energy subsidies. The senator proposed eliminating various federal taxes and agencies to save billions, including reducing fuel excise and abolishing climate change departments. Whitten also called for withdrawing from international organisations and reducing foreign aid to redirect funds to domestic needs.
Ellie Whiteaker (WA) (Australian Labor Party) ALP oppose

Whiteaker defended the government's record, highlighting progress on inflation, wage growth, and job creation. The senator detailed specific measures including energy bill relief, cheaper childcare, and healthcare improvements such as capping medicine costs and expanding bulk-billing. Whiteaker also noted tax cuts for millions of Australians and reductions in student debt as part of the government's strategy.
David Shoebridge (NSW) (Australian Greens) Greens support

Shoebridge argued for a shift from taxing work to taxing wealth to address growing inequality. The senator cited data showing the wealthiest households hold a significant portion of national assets and proposed a wealth tax on the richest families. Shoebridge also criticised the capital gains tax discount as a structural inequity that benefits those with assets over those who work.

Opened by

Jacqui Lambie (TAS) (Jacqui Lambie Network)

JLN

Speeches

8 speeches, 4 other contributors

Topics

Budget & Economy Childcare & Early Education Cost of Living Health & Medicare Immigration Tax Wages & Workplace Relations

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About Senate debates

The Senate debates bills, motions, matters of public importance and the answers given in Question Time. Senators from all parties and the crossbench take part, and a minister or the minister representing them usually replies for the government. Summaries are in reported speech, not transcripts; always check the official record before quoting.