$50,000 Per Minute: Ley Issues Warning on Debt, Culture of Dependency

In her first economic address, Ley said rising welfare reliance and unsustainable spending threaten jobs, growth and intergenerational fairness.

Leader of the Opposition Sussan Ley at a press conference at Parliament House in Canberra, Australia on Aug. 26, 2025. AAP Image/Mick Tsikas

Opposition Leader Sussan Ley has continued her warnings about Australians relying too heavily on taxpayer-funded jobs and welfare.

Ley said more than half of adults now rely on the government for most of their income, in reference to a Centre for Independent Studies report.