Cost of Living Discussions in the House of Reps (25/11/2025)

The proceedings from Parliament House on November 25, 2025, included significant discussions about the cost of living and housing affordability, focusing on energy prices, support for education, and impacts on local businesses.

Cost of Living and Energy Prices

• Terry Young MP raised concerns regarding the escalating power bills affecting local businesses, noting a staggering 70% increase impacting family-run operations in his constituency (page 25).
• Chris Bowen MP, the Minister for Climate Change and Energy, addressed these concerns, underlining government initiatives striving to reduce energy costs through investments in renewable energy sources (page 28). Bowen highlighted achievements in renewable energy generation, emphasizing a shift away from coal to cleaner solutions.
• Sussan Ley MP, representing the opposition, criticized the government’s handling of the rising energy costs, asserting that their measures have been inadequate for effectively tackling the affordability crisis faced by households and small businesses (page 35).

Housing Affordability

• Although specific discussions on housing affordability were limited, the context of rising living costs was prevalent in various speeches, particularly regarding the broader economic environment affecting everyday Australians. The emphasis on energy costs indirectly ties into housing issues since energy expenses contribute significantly to overall living expenses.

Support for Vocational Education

• Andrew Giles MP, the Minister for Skills and Training, discussed government support for TAFE students amid rising costs of living. He referenced 725,000 free TAFE enrollments, emphasizing the program as a permanent initiative meant to alleviate financial burdens on students (pages 31-32). This move is seen as part of a broader strategy to enable affordable education, thus helping individuals secure stable employment and manage their living expenses better.

Economic Impact on Local Businesses

• Discussions surrounding the Excise Tariff Amendment (Draught Beer) Bill 2025 brought light to the struggles faced by local breweries and the hospitality sector. MPs like Sam Birrell MP acknowledged that while the bill helps by pausing increases in draught beer excise, it does not address systemic issues affecting these industries (pages 45-46). This sentiment echoes broader concerns over economic pressures impacting local businesses, which have been exacerbated by the pandemic and rising operational costs.
• The act of pausing excise increases was framed as a temporary measure, and members pointed out the need for comprehensive reforms that address the root causes of financial strain on the hospitality and brewing industries (pages 61-62).

Conclusion

Overall, the discussions reflected a complex interplay of energy costs, governmental support for vocational education as a response to rising living costs, and the ongoing concerns regarding the economic viability of local businesses. The pressing issues outlined indicate a need for continued legislative efforts to address the affordability challenges faced by Australians, particularly in areas of energy and education.