We are now entering the final stretch of the 2025 Federal Election campaign with only a few days left before polling day. And while it’s been refreshing to see commentary focussed on key cost of living concerns for Tasmanians, we are disappointed by the lack of bold, forward-thinking policy commitments, especially from the two major parties.
Raising the rate of income support
Raising the rate of JobSeeker and related payments is the single most important action the next federal government can take to ease the cost of living crisis for people on the lowest incomes. ACOSS and the broader COSS Network’s push for action has been backed by 74 independent and minor party candidates, notably sitting Independent Member for Clark, Andrew Wilkie MP, along with prominent social advocates, community organisations and economic thought-leaders. Read the joint statement of support for raising the rate of JobSeeker and related payments.
More affordable housing and addressing homelessness
On the housing front, both major parties have put forward new policies and funding, but none of these measures are likely to improve housing affordability, especially for low income earners — and experts think they may even drive up house prices. Labor’s commitment to invest $10 billion to increase housing supply is a step forward and has been welcomed by ACOSS. However, very few other policies announced during the election by the two major parties have been met with enthusiasm by housing experts and advocates.
Economist Chris Richardson recently labelled the housing campaigns of both major parties “a dumpster fire of dumb stuff.” And analysis by The Guardian concluded that Australians could be waiting more than 70 years for affordable housing if prices follow the path pushed by major parties.
The Greens and and key independents are strong supporters of housing and homelessness initiatives put forward by TasCOSS, including the recommendation to substantially invest in social housing to meet need with a clear pathway towards social housing comprising 10% of all housing stock.
Quality community services to help Tasmanians in need
We recently learned that a re-elected Albanese Government will support the SCHCADS Award classification review in the Fair Work Commission, and the outcomes of that review. This includes adopting a ‘positive stance’ in respect of a Commission decision to improve pay and conditions of sector workers, as well as funding a community and disability sector workforce project, led by key stakeholders, to support the development of a new fit-for-purpose classification structure. A new Ministerial Working Group to improve the sustainability of the community services industry has also been proposed.
This is encouraging, but as expressed by ACOSS, there is still much work to do to ensure that our industry and workforce are much better resourced to deliver essential services to people in need, and that the next federal government funds our industry more equitably for the longer-term.
Other priority areas
There has been little to no attempt to close the digital divide from the two major parties, while taxation initiatives remain primarily geared towards the middle class and will do little to address wealth inequality.
Pleasingly, the Greens and key independents backed our calls for reforms to ensure a fairer taxation system better targeted to support cohorts in need.
TasCOSS approached all parties/candidates to provide a written response around our 2025 Federal Election: TasCOSS Priorities (PDF, 5.87MB). You can read the full, collated party/candidate responses of those who responded by the deadline here.
NB: A reminder that pre-polling and early voting has begun around the country. If you need to vote in-person before Saturday 3 May 2025, you can find a nearby polling booth on the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) website. Please note, the political advertising blackout for all licensed media starts from 12am, Thursday 1 May 2025.