Economic Reform Roundtable

Sterle defended the government's approach to the productivity roundtables, describing them as inclusive forums for gathering ideas from communities across the nation. Sterle contrasted this with the opposition's secretive decision-making processes and dismissed claims of impending tax increases as misinformation derived from biased media sources. Sterle emphasised that the government was committed to transparency and engaging with the public to improve workplace safety and profitability.

Antic argued that the housing crisis was driven by weak economic growth, high energy costs, and mass migration rather than just supply issues. Antic cited net overseas migration figures of 446,000 in 2023-24 and 536,000 in the previous year, claiming this influx was straining housing, transport, and health services. Antic stated that the current migration model was not serving Australian interests and was making it difficult for citizens to compete for rental properties and homes.

Smith defended the government's housing agenda, arguing that the opposition had voted against supply-side measures for three years. Smith rejected the opposition's proposal to allow young Australians to access superannuation for housing, stating that people should be able to have both a home and a secure retirement. Smith emphasised that the government was focused on increasing housing supply and maintaining intergenerational equity through evidence-based policy development.

Kovacic criticised the government for purchasing homes instead of building them, arguing that this put young Australians in competition with the federal government. Kovacic noted that Treasury had advised the government would not meet its housing targets and highlighted the impact of changes to the National Construction Code on building costs and timelines. Kovacic stated that the government's failure to address these supply constraints was leaving young Australians unable to achieve homeownership.