Inflation, Housing, National Security Dominate 1st Day of Parliament

Inflation, the rising cost of living, national security, and the housing crisis were key issues that dominated the first day of Parliament on Aug. 12. As the session commenced, the opposition was quick to criticise the government’s handling of the above matters, particularly focusing on the prime minister’s perceived failure to control the escalating cost of living. Leader of the Opposition Peter Dutton accused Prime Minister Anthony Albanese of breaking his promises to cut electricity bills, and provide cheaper mortgages. “The price of electricity is now up by 22 percent. We have endured 12 mortgage rate hikes, and the prices for food and groceries are up more than 11 percent. It is clear to Australia that this government has lost its way due to this prime minister’s lack of economic management, experience, and general incompetence,” he said in Parliament....