Cost of Living

Ghosh contended that the Coalition had abandoned fiscal discipline and consistently voted against government measures designed to relieve household pressure, including energy bill relief and housing supply initiatives. Ghosh highlighted that the government had recalibrated stage 3 tax cuts to benefit low- and middle-income earners, resulting in annual savings of approximately $3,000 for average wage earners by 2028. Ghosh also noted reductions in prescription costs to $25 and an increase in bulk-billing practices, arguing these measures directly assisted families.

McKim criticised both major parties for pursuing neoliberal policies that prioritised tax cuts for the wealthy and corporations over public service funding. McKim argued that decades of defunding public assets and outsourcing services had led to overcrowded hospitals, underfunded schools, and unaffordable housing. McKim asserted that government should pool resources to ensure no one is left behind, rather than fostering a competitive society where essential services are commodified.

Smith argued that living standards had collapsed over the previous four years, with real wages falling and productivity declining. Smith cited criticism from former ACTU leader Bill Kelty, who stated that real wages were not improving and that housing affordability was worsening due to rising interest rates. Smith warned that further interest rate rises were predicted, indicating poor economic management by the government, and asserted that voters would penalise Labor for failing to manage the economy.

Smith defended the government's focus on cost-of-living measures, including support for higher wages in feminised workforces, cheaper medicines, and permanent bulk-billed urgent care clinics. Smith highlighted tax reforms that reduced the tax burden for over 13 million workers, with average wage earners paying around $2,800 less tax. Smith also emphasised investments in early learning, paid parental leave, and measures to help first-home buyers enter the property market.

Bell argued that Australians were suffering from rising costs for mortgages, rent, groceries, and utilities under the current government. Bell proposed a super pay boost allowing Australians to receive 3 per cent of future compulsory super contributions as cash for up to three years. Bell also advocated for substantially reducing the temporary migrant population over three years to ease pressure on housing and essential services.

Bragg claimed that housing completions had fallen by 30,000 per year, citing government tax measures that reduced supply by 35,000 and restrictions on self-managed super funds that cut supply by a further 40,000. Bragg argued that the government's flagship housing fund had purchased more homes than it built, with only 1,400 of 40,000 target homes constructed. Bragg asserted that the government's policies had led to higher rents, fewer homes, and a decline in loans to owner-occupiers.