Matter of Public Importance

Cost of Living

Senate · Wednesday 1 April 2026

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

At a glance

The debate centred on a motion by Senator Sharma claiming that living standards had collapsed under the Labor government, citing a seven per cent drop in real household disposable income and rising costs. Labor senators countered that living standards were growing faster than in other advanced economies and highlighted government measures such as tax cuts, wage increases, and healthcare reforms. Coalition members argued that high inflation, interest rates, and government spending were driving the crisis, while Labor members attributed economic pressures to global conflicts and previous government policies. The motion was debated without a vote being taken.

Outcome

The motion was debated as a Matter of Public Importance; no vote was taken.

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

How the debate unfolded

Opened the debate

Dave Sharma (NSW) (Liberal Party) Liberal

Senator Sharma argued that Australians had experienced the largest decline in living standards among developed nations over the past four years. Senator Sharma cited a seven per cent drop in real household disposable income per capita between mid-2022 and mid-2025, contrasting this with a six per cent rise in other advanced economies. Senator Sharma attributed this decline to stagnant real wages, a 34 per cent increase in personal income tax receipts, and 14 interest rate rises that added approximately $27,000 annually to average mortgage repayments. Senator Sharma also highlighted significant price increases in electricity, gas, food, childcare, insurance, and rents.

Ellie Whiteaker (WA) (Australian Labor Party) ALP oppose

Senator Whiteaker opposed the motion, stating that living standards had grown by two per cent through the December quarter of the previous year and were rising at twice the average of major advanced economies. Senator Whiteaker argued that the Coalition had previously kept wages low and allowed inflation to rise, whereas the current government had delivered eight consecutive quarters of annual wage growth. Senator Whiteaker highlighted upcoming tax cuts, cheaper medicines, free GP visits, and student debt reductions as evidence of effective economic management.
Paul Scarr (QLD) (Liberal Party) Liberal support

Senator Scarr supported the motion, noting that consumer confidence had reached its lowest level in 50 years. Senator Scarr criticised the government for mixed messages regarding fuel supply shortages, citing reports of farmers protecting diesel supplies due to desperation. Senator Scarr reiterated the seven per cent decline in real household disposable income and the $83 billion increase in income tax revenue, arguing that excessive government spending and interest rate hikes were exacerbating the cost-of-living crisis.
Carol Brown (TAS) (Australian Labor Party) ALP oppose

Senator Brown opposed the motion, arguing that the Coalition ignored the global conflict in the Middle East and the economic challenges inherited in 2022. Senator Brown highlighted government actions including tax cuts, pay rises for minimum-wage workers worth over $9,000, expanded paid parental leave, and a 20 per cent reduction in student debt. Senator Brown also pointed to strengthened Medicare, expanded bulk-billing, and new urgent care clinics in Tasmania as measures assisting households with essential costs.
Leah Blyth (SA) (Liberal Party) Liberal support

Senator Blyth supported the motion, asserting that material income had fallen by seven per cent and that wage growth was not keeping pace with inflation. Senator Blyth argued that families were struggling with electricity bills, insurance premiums, and fuel costs, leading to reduced spending on essentials. Senator Blyth attributed the economic strain to government spending, rising national debt, and migration policies, claiming these factors were driving up housing and healthcare costs.

Opened by

Dave Sharma (NSW) (Liberal Party)

Liberal

Speeches

6 speeches, 4 other contributors

Topics

Budget & Economy Cost of Living Health & Medicare Tax Wages & Workplace Relations

Debate Answers to Questions Take Note Debate, 16 Sep 2026 · Shared topics: Budget & Economy, Tax
Debate Albanese Government Matter of Public Importance, 16 Sep 2026 · Shared topics: Budget & Economy, Cost of Living
Question Time House Question Time 13 Aug 2026 · Shared topics: Budget & Economy, Cost of Living
Question Time House Question Time 18 Aug 2026 · Shared topics: Budget & Economy, Cost of Living

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.