Cost of Living Discussions in the House of Reps (27/10/2025)

Cost of Living and Housing Affordability

• Concerns Over Financial Burden: Multiple members of Parliament highlighted the increasing cost of living, particularly its impact on housing and childcare. Cameron Caldwell, MP for Fadden, pointed out that under the Labor government, the rising costs have significantly affected families, implying that government policies have led to reduced financial security for many Australians (Page 99).
• Call for Accountability: Caldwell criticized the government’s handling of economic issues, asserting that the national debt is projected to reach $1.2 trillion, which he claims has resulted from poor financial management. He called for more fiscal discipline to alleviate the burden on households struggling with rising living costs (Page 99).
• Impact on Families: Mary Aldred echoed the sentiments expressed by Caldwell, stressing that families in her electorate of Monash are feeling the adverse effects of the deteriorating economic situation, alleging that government spending policies have led to these issues (Page 101).
• Government’s Response to Housing: Clare O’Neil discussed housing policies aimed at assisting first-time buyers, mentioning initiatives that include lower deposit requirements and a commitment to building more homes to improve accessibility in the housing market (Page 134). This response aims to address ongoing concerns regarding housing affordability as part of a broader effort to stabilize living costs.
• Social Security Reforms: In connection to financial hardships, Angie Bell discussed proposed amendments to the social security system designed to address the challenges faced by individuals in economic distress, reflecting a focus on providing more support for those struggling with the cost of living (Pages 141-145).
• Broader Economic Reforms: The report also indicates a desire for economic reforms that enhance transparency about public debt and government financial practices, with petitions pushing for a fairer taxation system and financial accountability (Pages 34-35).
• Previous Policies Critique: Zhi Soon, MP for Banks, defended the current government’s policies, contrasting them with the previous administration’s record on debt and economic management, arguing that past governments left a legacy of high taxes and debt affecting today’s economic landscape (Page 100).

Together, these discussions reflect a commitment from various members of Parliament to address the pressing issues associated with the rising cost of living and housing affordability, with specific proposals aimed at enhancing support for families and individuals facing financial difficulties.