- Cost of Living and Housing Affordability:
- Elizabeth Watson-Brown, MP (AG, Ryan) raised concerns regarding the Labor government’s housing policies, claiming they disproportionately benefit property developers. She pointed out the ties between the government and developers, notably criticizing the involvement of Susan Lloyd-Hurwitz, the former chair of the Housing Supply and Affordability Council. Watson-Brown questioned the government’s lack of investment in public housing. (Page 44)
- Luke Gosling, MP (ALP, Solomon) emphasized the Albanese Labor government’s commitment to improving access to healthcare, which indirectly touches on cost of living issues by emphasizing their role in reducing financial burdens on families. He spoke about initiatives such as the establishment of an urgent care clinic in Darwin and funding for new aged-care beds, highlighting a $560 million increase in hospital funding for the Northern Territory. These health investments are seen as a means to alleviate some pressures associated with living costs. (Page 44)
- Tony Pasin, MP (LP, Barker) criticized the operational failures of promised urgent care clinics, insisting on the community’s dire need for accessible healthcare services, which relates to quality of life and associated living expenses. (Page 47)
- Kara Cook, MP (ALP, Bonner) highlighted the government’s initiative to reduce the cost of medicines under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), proposing a new price cap of $25 per medication. This action is aimed at easing the financial burden on families concerning healthcare costs. (Page 45)
- Jodie Belyea, MP (ALP, Dunkley) praised the government’s efforts to lower prescription costs and expand healthcare services. Her remarks underscored the importance of these initiatives in reducing overall healthcare expenses for families, thus contributing to a lower cost of living. (Page 46)
- The discussions reflect a clear acknowledgment of the ongoing issues surrounding the cost of living and housing affordability in Australia. Members presented a range of views on how government policies are either benefiting communities or exacerbating existing problems, with a need for better investment in public housing and systemic reforms to address these critical issues.
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