With early voting set to open in days, both major parties are rolling out cost-of-living measures pitched as ‘game-changers’.
However, some critics say many of these election policies are old ideas, rebranded for election season.
On Tuesday morning’s episode of The Briefing, we sat down with money-saving expert Joel Gibson to discuss what’s really behind the latest cash splashes, plus his own cost-of-living relief tips.
Want to vote with your wallet? Click the link below to hear tips on how to save cash at the ballot box
Gibson said that while some voters may welcome the extra cash, much of what’s being offered is short-term relief with little structural impact.
“It’s really just bringing back an old policy,” Gibson said, referring to the Coalition’s new cost-of-living tax offset, worth up to $1,200.
“But it’s a one-off sugar hits. It’s an election bribe — absolutely it is,” he said.
The offset, which replaces the low and middle income tax offset, was scrapped last year.
On energy, both parties are offering continued rebates — $150 more through to the end of the year — but Gibson questioned their effectiveness.
The Coalition has also criticised the Albanese government’s energy rebate, calling it a “bandaid on a bullet wound”.
Shadow Treasurer Angus Taylor said: “The solution here is to get a structural outcome — a reduction in underlying electricity prices — which has not been achieved. In fact, it’s gone the other way.”
While both sides have made big plays for first home buyers, including super-for-deposit and shared equity schemes, Gibson warned voters to look past the headline figures.
“Some of these promises will be permanent… but a lot of this stuff is temporary, it’s one-off, and all of it is expensive.”
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