Cost of Living Discussions in the Senate (31/07/2025)

The parliamentary proceedings on 31 July 2025, led by The Hon. Sue Lines, highlighted ongoing concerns regarding the cost of living and housing affordability in Australia.

Housing Affordability

• Senator Whitten voiced significant concerns related to the housing crisis, particularly in Western Australia. He pressed for government action to address how high migration rates are exacerbating issues related to housing affordability (Page 64).
• The issue of housing was further emphasized during discussions where Senator McAllister detailed the government’s commitment to improving housing services and infrastructure. She highlighted ongoing legislative actions aimed at addressing pressing housing challenges (Pages 79-81).

Cost of Living and Healthcare

• A critical discussion was prompted by a Senator who accused Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and the Labor government of misleading the public regarding access to healthcare services. The speaker asserted that the Prime Minister’s repeated claims about free healthcare services with just a Medicare card created unrealistic expectations (Page 88).
• Key statistics presented indicated that, in May 2025, Australians faced a staggering $166 million in out-of-pocket costs for GP visits. This highlighted a perceived failure by the current government to adequately address affordability issues in healthcare (Page 88).
• The Minister for Health and Ageing, Mark Butler, was referenced in the debate, stating, “We never said there’d be a hundred percent bulk billing,” a counter to the Prime Minister’s promises that were seen as misleading. The bulk-billing rate dropped from over 88 percent to 77 percent during the government’s last three years, with a 45 percent increase in out-of-pocket expenses for GP services (Pages 88-89).
• Concerns were raised that rising healthcare costs were leading Australians to forgo necessary medical care, potentially worsening health conditions and increasing reliance on emergency services (Page 89).
• In the context of mental health, it was noted that the dismantling of the Mental Health Commission and insufficient funding for suicide prevention initiatives could contribute to a mental health crisis across the nation (Page 90).
• Senator Steele-John proposed making dental care accessible under Medicare as an important step towards improving overall health outcomes, especially for vulnerable populations (Page 90).

Conclusion

The discussions in the Senate reflected deep-seated concerns over the affordability of living, particularly with housing and healthcare services. Ongoing legislative proposals emphasize the need for accountability and a stronger governmental response to address these pressing social issues effectively.