Cost of Living Discussions in the Senate (22/06/2026)

Senator Katy Gallagher addressed the challenges posed by rising costs of living and housing affordability during the session on June 22, 2026. She outlined several government initiatives aimed at providing financial relief to households facing cost-of-living pressures. These included energy bill relief, Medicare urgent care clinics, accessible medicines, and planned tax cuts effective July 1 that are intended to assist working Australians (Page 40).

Senator Michaelia Cash raised concerns regarding the government’s capital gains tax reforms, arguing that changes could deter investment in the mining sector and compromise growth in the housing market (Pages 40-41). Cash highlighted the potential negative impact on housing supply resulting from these tax policies. In response, Senator Gallagher defended the government’s approach by indicating measures already in place to enhance housing supply and pointed out that many new builds are in progress under current policies (Pages 48-49).

Senator Waters from the Australian Greens criticized the government’s failure to address rising inequality and the lack of support for low-income households. She suggested that better taxation of corporations is necessary to fund essential services (Page 41).

Further discussions during the session also included a motion concerning budget and taxation policies proposed by the Albanese Labor Government, which resulted in a significant division, indicating a strong opposition to the government’s strategies (Page 64). Senators debated the implications of proposed tax reforms, particularly in relation to housing affordability and economic management, with notable opposition from various parties including One Nation and the Liberal Party.

Senator Susan McDonald of the Liberal National Party stated that the government’s tax reforms, particularly changes to capital gains tax and negative gearing, would negatively affect small businesses and aspiring homeowners (Page 104). Conversely, Senator Carol Brown from the ALP supported the reforms, arguing they would create fairer conditions for young Australians and improve housing affordability (Pages 104-105).

There was a notable divide in the tone and content of discussions, with multiple senators articulating their concerns over the government’s economic policies and their effects on everyday Australians, particularly regarding housing accessibility and the broader economic environment. The atmosphere reflected ongoing tensions between different parties about the best pathways forward for addressing these critical issues.