Cost of Living Discussions in the Senate (28/07/2025)

• Cost of Living and Medicine Pricing: During discussions on cost-of-living issues, Senator Ananda-Rajah raised concerns about the government’s plans to ease financial burdens and reduce the cost of medicines. In response, Senator Wong confirmed that the government has enacted significant cuts to medication prices as an initial measure to provide relief to households struggling with rising expenses (Pages 35-36).
• Wage Growth Commitment: Ananda-Rajah further questioned Labor’s stance on wage increases, referring to the party’s advocacy for raising the minimum wage. Wong affirmed the Albanese government’s ongoing support for wage growth, stating that such initiatives have been a continuous focus since taking office (Page 36).
• Housing Affordability: Regarding housing issues, Senator Bragg expressed concerns about the expansion of the CFMEU (Construction, Forestry, Maritime, Mining and Energy Union) and its impact on housing costs amidst ongoing pressures on the housing market. Senator McCarthy responded by indicating the government’s commitment to regulating the CFMEU while promoting clean governance practices within unions, though the specifics of how this would alleviate housing costs were not detailed (Pages 44-45).
• Regulatory Changes in Child Care: Senator Colbeck discussed regulatory changes affecting family day care services and their potential effects on child care accessibility, particularly in Tasmania. Senator Walsh clarified that these changes were designed to enhance quality in early childhood education, yet acknowledged a lack of detailed knowledge regarding particular local examples (Pages 36-37).
• Energy and Housing Costs: Senator Babet inquired about the government’s energy policies as they relate to cost reductions for households. Senator Ayres defended the government’s strategies, asserting that efforts are directed toward infrastructure updates intended to lower energy rates for Australians, thus addressing one facet of living costs (Page 43).
• Youth Justice and Social Issues: In addressing systemic issues within youth justice policies, Senator Shoebridge indicated that factors such as housing instability and family violence contribute significantly to youth crime among First Nations populations. This remark was indicative of broader discussions linking housing affordability and social inequities (Pages 96-97).
• Fiscal Responsibility amidst Cost-of-Living Crisis: Senator Blyth critiqued the expenses associated with the First Nations ambassador role during a time of heightened cost-of-living pressures, arguing for fiscal responsibility. She claimed that the role fosters division and called for its reassessment (Page 97).

Throughout these discussions, members of the Senate highlighted various aspects of the cost of living and housing affordability while seeking resolutions to the financial pressures faced by Australians.