Answers to Questions

Stewart stated that inflation had decreased from 6.1 per cent to below 5 per cent, allowing the Reserve Bank of Australia to cut interest rates three times. Stewart defended government spending on tax cuts, energy bill relief, Medicare, and pension indexing as necessary measures to support households. Stewart challenged the Opposition to identify which of these supported programs they would cut if they were in power.

McLachlan supported the government's bid to host COP in Adelaide and the importance of including Pacific nations in climate negotiations. McLachlan agreed with the minister that successful climate outcomes were in Australia's national interest. However, he argued that long-term net zero targets were necessary to secure capital investment in energy infrastructure, citing analysis that renewable energy deployment kept wholesale electricity prices low.

Walker argued that the government had repaired the budget and reduced inflation from its previous high levels. Walker highlighted that real annual wages had grown for eight consecutive quarters and that the government had implemented energy price relief plans. Walker criticised the Coalition for opposing these measures and for lacking a coherent climate policy, asserting that Labor was better positioned to manage the economy and address climate change.

Henderon reported that electricity prices had risen by 37.1 per cent in the previous 12 months, causing significant hardship for households. Henderson argued that the government's renewable energy policies were causing energy insecurity and risking major export industries. Henderson claimed that inflation remained high at 3.8 per cent with no downward trajectory expected until 2027, and she criticised the government's commitment to phasing out coal and gas.