Cost of Living Discussions in the Senate (05/11/2025)

Senator Katy Gallagher, the Minister for Finance, outlined the government’s stance on document production concerning cost-of-living and housing affordability as pressures on Australian families continue to rise (page 1).

During discussions on economic policies, inflation, housing prices, and overall cost of living were prominently addressed. Senator Gallagher indicated that the government has made investments in healthcare and housing to alleviate these pressures, yet opposition members criticized the government’s effectiveness and fulfillment of promises regarding living costs (pages 55-59).

Concerns were raised across the Senate regarding the ongoing housing crisis. Various senators underscored the urgent need for action to tackle rising house prices and homelessness. Critics from both the Greens and the opposition framed the government’s policy as favoring wealthier investors instead of addressing the needs of everyday Australians. There was a strong call for reform in housing assistance programs, with motions introduced to provide substantive changes to benefit families grappling with increasing living costs (pages 66-81).

The discussions on housing highlighted a general consensus about the inadequacies of current government measures in managing the housing crisis and its impact on affordability. Senators expressed that government policies had unnecessarily burdened families and failed to prevent further increases in housing prices (pages 79-81).

Senator Hume also raised concerns regarding the influence of the Construction, Forestry, Maritime, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU) on construction costs, suggesting that ongoing corruption within the organization could be contributing to rising construction expenses, which ultimately affects housing affordability (pages 86-90).

Overall, the proceedings reflected a significant focus on the intersections of economic management, housing affordability, and the broader impacts of government policies on the cost of living for Australians, showcasing a division between governmental approaches and opposition criticisms (multiple pages).