Liberal frontbencher Melissa McIntosh has launched a critical attack on the Albanese government over the rising cost of living in Australia, citing her purchase of two litres of milk and a loaf of bread for $12.40 as evidence of the squeeze facing ordinary families. She accused the government's spending policies of driving inflation and blamed Treasurer Jim Chalmers for deflecting responsibility by pointing to international events rather than addressing domestic economic mismanagement.

McIntosh highlighted that government expenditure accounts for nearly 28 per cent of GDP and Australia carries $1 trillion in debt, with $33 billion annually spent on debt servicing alone. She called for more efficient use of taxpayer money rather than increased spending, citing growing reliance on food banks and social welfare among working Australians in her Penrith electorate. The government has disputed these claims, with Chalmers arguing that global factors, including Middle East conflict and higher oil costs, remain the primary sources of inflation, and noting that public demand growth has slowed considerably.