Economy

Whiteaker argued that the wage share of national income had risen to 54.3 per cent, the highest in a decade, due to government job creation. Whiteaker stated that real wages had grown in eight of the last 11 quarters and that the opposition had previously suppressed wage growth. Whiteaker highlighted that the government had cut income taxes five times and provided $3,000 in tax relief to average workers by 2028. Whiteaker criticised the opposition for voting against measures to help with the cost of living, including tax cuts and housing initiatives.

McKim argued that the neoliberal economic model had broken the social contract, leaving young people unable to afford basics despite hard work. McKim stated that youth allowance was below the poverty line and that students faced high tuition fees while artificial intelligence threatened future careers. McKim called for free tertiary education, rent freezes, and the inclusion of dental and mental health in Medicare. McKim argued that these measures could be funded by taxing large corporations and the wealthiest individuals.

Darmanin argued that the opposition was ignoring its own record of wage stagnation and voting against workplace reforms such as same job, same pay. Darmanin stated that nominal wages had risen by more than three per cent for 16 straight quarters, a first in 17 years. Darmanin highlighted government actions including minimum wage increases, tax cuts, and cheaper childcare and medicines. Darmanin argued that the opposition focused on short-term housing statistics rather than addressing structural supply issues.

Roberts argued that the Treasurer's claim that most new jobs were in the private sector was false, as 70 per cent were in the government-funded care economy. Roberts cited job losses at Mosaic Brands, Fortescue, Telstra, and the Whyalla steelworks, attributing them to net zero policies and regulations. Roberts stated that real wages had fallen by five per cent and that inflation was outpacing wage rises. Roberts criticised the government for reversing fuel excise cuts and bailing out industries with taxpayer money.

O'Sullivan argued that the government was failing to alleviate cost-of-living pressures, citing a Perth couple facing rising mortgage costs. O'Sullivan stated that financial markets predicted an interest rate rise and that business confidence had fallen into negative territory. O'Sullivan claimed that real wages were falling and that the government's focus on wage share ignored the decline in living standards. O'Sullivan argued that the government needed to focus on productivity and long-term economic reform rather than temporary rebates.