Answers to Questions

Mulholland defended the government's record on real wage growth, noting increases for aged-care, childcare, and award workers. Mulholland highlighted the delivery of tax cuts for millions of Australians and contrasted this with the previous government's opposition to pay rises. Mulholland also addressed questions about rural speed limits, stating that the current consultation process was a continuation of work initiated under the previous coalition government.

Canavan cited a government regulatory impact assessment to argue that proposed reductions in rural speed limits were motivated by carbon emission reduction goals rather than safety. Canavan criticised the use of social cost of carbon estimates to justify policy changes in regional areas. Canavan argued that such measures represented excessive government control over individual choices and negatively impacted productivity and living standards.

Cox emphasised the government's success in reducing national debt and achieving budget surpluses. Cox reiterated the commitment to real wage growth and mentioned the $256 million investment in tackling illegal tobacco. Cox also highlighted the importance of environmental reforms and praised the leadership on EPBC reform, while noting the collaborative work with state and territory partners on law enforcement.

Kovacic criticised the government's spending, linking it to persistent inflation and high cost-of-living pressures. Kovacic pointed out that rate increases under the government had significantly raised mortgage repayments for Australians. Kovacic argued that these economic conditions were hindering young Australians' ability to save for and purchase homes, attributing the issues to reckless government expenditure.