Answers to Questions

Dolega defended the government's record on cost of living, citing the opening of 150 Medicare urgent care clinics and mental health clinics. Dolega noted that Tasmanians had reduced their PBS medicine expenses by more than $2.8 million because of lower script prices of $25 for standard users and $7.70 for concession holders. Dolega highlighted that penalty rates were protected in law and that tax cuts allowed average workers to keep up to $2,800 more. Dolega also pointed to $80 million in extra hospital funding for Tasmania and the creation of over 1.3 million jobs, with low unemployment rates.

Scarr raised concerns about the impact of the 30 per cent minimum tax on discretionary trusts on charitable donations. Scarr argued that 70 per cent of donations to charities and not-for-profits are not tax-deductible, and the new tax would create a disincentive for giving. Scarr cited an estimate by Dr Mark Fowler that the change could reduce donations to non-DGR entities by $2.9 billion over five years. Scarr urged the government to consider the impact on organisations focused on human rights, social welfare, and community services.

Dowling stated that the government was consulting on the treatment of distributions to tax-exempt entities to avoid unintended consequences. Dowling clarified that charitable trusts are exempt from the 30 per cent minimum tax and that the reform aims to address equity, as families using trusts currently pay an average of four percentage points less tax than similar families without trusts. Dowling noted that more than 90 per cent of small businesses would not be affected and that draft legislation released on 4 August addressed concerns about negative gearing for widows and those leaving violent relationships.

Blyth criticised the Prime Minister for failing to deliver on promises, including the $275 power bill saving, and for changing positions on capital gains tax. Blyth alleged that the Prime Minister had made derogatory comments about women during a podcast and had used offensive sign language. Blyth argued that the Prime Minister lacked accountability and that Labor ministers were failing to defend him adequately. Blyth claimed that the government prioritised spin over truth and that the Prime Minister's conduct undermined confidence in international relations.