The Australian government is under siege on two fronts: a cost-of-living crisis and a shock resignation that has rocked the opposition.

Political turbulence has gripped Canberra as the Labor government faces a ferocious interrogation over rising interest rates, while the Liberal opposition deals with the sudden implosion of its Victorian leadership team. In a raucous Question Time, the government was hammered over the Reserve Bank’s latest signals, even as the Liberals scrambled to contain the fallout from Sam Groth’s bombshell resignation.

The Rate Hikes Bite

Treasurer Jim Chalmers found himself in the crosshairs as the opposition seized on comments from Reserve Bank Governor Michele Bullock regarding "aggregate demand" pushing the limits of growth. Liberal MPs shared harrowing stories from constituents claiming the latest rate rise "will kill them." Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s defense—that things would be worse under the Liberals—did little to quell the anger in the chamber.

The government is struggling to sell its economic narrative as mortgage holders face unprecedented pain. The opposition’s attack is simple but effective: Labor promised relief, but delivered record-high repayments.

• The Resignation: Amidst the federal brawl, the Victorian Liberals suffered a heavy blow. Sam Groth, the former tennis star and deputy leader, quit politics, citing "unbearable pressure" on his family and malicious leaks from his own party colleagues.
• The Infighting: Groth’s exit exposes deep toxicity within the Liberal ranks. His parting shot—accusing his own team of undermining him—has shattered the façade of unity ahead of the state election.
• The Energy War: The Nationals also opened a front on energy bills, mocking the government’s broken promise of a $275 reduction. Energy Minister Chris Bowen countered with data on falling wholesale prices, but the retail reality for voters remains grim.

A Summer of Discontent

The convergence of economic distress and political instability paints a bleak picture for Australian voters. On one side, a government seemingly unable to tame inflation without crushing households. On the other, an opposition more interested in internal bloodletting than policy formulation.

As the parliamentary sitting week continues, the mood is venomous. The "cost of living" election is no longer a future concept; it is being fought right now, day by day, on the floor of the House. For the average Aussie battling to pay the bills, the political theater offers zero relief.