Anthony Albanese

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister reported that Australia had risen to eighth place in global gender equality rankings, up from 43rd. He highlighted the largest-ever women's health package, including a novel treatment for breast cancer added to the PBS at $25 per script instead of $1,370. He noted that one million women had accessed cheaper medicines for endometriosis and contraceptives, saving $150 million. He also cited paid parental leave extensions, wage protections in feminised industries, and free TAFE training for 14 professions.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister stated that the government would legislate Australian standards for artificial intelligence to ensure it serves national interests. He confirmed that data centres would need to use renewables or surplus energy without pressuring the grid or raising prices for consumers. He rejected a moratorium on new technology, arguing that Australia must actively shape AI development rather than sit on the sidelines. He noted that legislation would progress through the corporations power and engage with international partners.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister stated that he had visited Whyalla multiple times and was working constructively with the South Australian government and administrators. He attributed the crisis largely to the failure of previous owners, GFG, to invest in the facility. He declined to engage in a comparison of visit frequencies with opposition members.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister stated that Mr Muldoon's comments were unacceptable and that he was unaware of them until they appeared in the media. He noted that Senator Dowling had taken immediate action regarding Mr Muldoon's role as an Australia Day ambassador since 2014.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister confirmed that approval from King Charles III had been received and nominations could now be submitted via the Australian Honours and Awards portal. He also announced $15 million in funding for the Wingham pool, shared with the New South Wales government, following representations from the member for Lyne.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister answered no.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister stated that the AI Safety Institute had been established less than a year ago and that funding decisions were made through the ERC and budget processes. He emphasized the importance of Australian standards for AI and community engagement regarding data centres. He noted that the institute worked with international partners and the Australian Signals Directorate to manage emerging risks.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister outlined his upcoming trip to the United States for meetings with private sector leaders and the UN General Assembly. He highlighted efforts to build on the social media ban for under-16s and engage on AI governance with the US and China. He also mentioned launching Australia's bid for a UN Security Council seat and discussing climate change and clean energy transitions with Pacific partners.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister highlighted that legislation protecting childcare workers' wages had passed the Senate, delivering a 15 per cent pay increase tied to limited fee increases and better safety requirements. He listed other achievements including five minimum wage increases, better wages for aged-care workers, same job same pay laws, and illegalising wage theft. He noted that the opposition had voted against all these measures and argued that paying workers properly was a problem for the Coalition.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister stated that the government was focused on delivering cost-of-living relief through measures such as free TAFE, cheaper medicines, student debt support, and minimum wage increases. He argued that the fight against inflation was inherited and complicated by international events. He countered the criticism by citing the Leader of the Opposition's past comments expressing concern about the Reserve Bank cutting interest rates and advocating for higher rates, noting that the Leader had appointed the critic as shadow treasurer.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister stated that he had no involvement in the appointment as a Labor adviser. He clarified that the Australia Day role began under the former coalition government and had nothing to do with him.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister stated that action had been taken regarding Muldoon's role as a relief staff casual employee for Senator Dowling. He clarified that Muldoon had been an ambassador since 2014 but was not an ambassador in 2026. He noted that the assistant minister had taken action to state it was not appropriate for Muldoon to be an ambassador and condemned his comments as outrageous.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister defended AUKUS as an investment in Australia's safety, security, and jobs, noting it had bipartisan support until recently. He stated that the resources sector contributed significantly to taxation and wealth. He argued that the government had to make responsible fiscal decisions to fund aged care reforms, contrasting this with the opposition's lack of budget responsibility.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister declined to answer the specific question, characterizing it as a smear campaign by the opposition. He criticized the opposition for focusing on this issue rather than the job losses at Whyalla Steelworks.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister stated that the government was working with national security agencies and frontier AI companies to identify risks before release. He announced plans to legislate Australian standards for AI and highlighted the establishment of a parliamentary AI committee. He emphasized that AI is not neutral and must be shaped to enhance democracy, protect creative industries, and support economic resilience.

Answer from Anthony Albanese; Madeleine King

The Prime Minister affirmed that gas reservation is an important part of the policy solution and noted ongoing consultations with industry. The Minister for Resources confirmed that the government is developing a national gas reservation scheme to mandate that exporters supply Australian households and businesses first. She cited the success of the Western Australian model and noted that the scheme had provided commercial confidence for projects like the Phosphate Hill fertiliser plant.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister praised Dusty Langby for walking 540 kilometres to raise funds for Little Wings, which helps sick children in remote areas access specialist care. He announced that the government would match the nearly $500,000 raised by Dusty and extend funding for Little Wings for two additional years, providing an extra $1 million.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister stated that his diary was regularly published through Freedom of Information proposals. He highlighted other transparency measures, including the establishment of the National Anti-Corruption Commission, strengthened whistleblower protections, and the Independent Parliamentary Standards Commission. He defended the current level of transparency in Australian democracy compared to other countries.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister stated that he was not aware of the comments until they became public debate that day. He described the comments as completely unacceptable and noted that Senator Dowling had taken immediate action.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister stated that negative equity affected less than one per cent of mortgage holders, a significant decrease from levels recorded under the previous government. He highlighted that 8,468 investors signed up to build new homes in the June quarter, representing a record high, with $6 billion in loan value borrowed for these builds. He noted that over 660,000 new homes had been constructed since the government took office, with 244,000 more under construction, the highest number since records began in 1984. Construction cost inflation had fallen from 17 per cent to 3.8 per cent. He cited specific examples of first-home buyers successfully purchasing properties in Victoria, Canberra, and his own electorate, often assisted by the government's five per cent deposit scheme.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister acknowledged that Australians faced cost-of-living pressures due to global events including the pandemic, conflicts in Europe and the Middle East, and oil shocks. He stated the government was taking action to provide relief and strengthen the economy against future shocks. He highlighted that all workers received tax cuts, one of five forms of tax relief implemented during the government's term, contrasting this with the opposition's previous stance on reversing such measures.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister emphasised the need for governments and companies to take responsibility for AI development to ensure technology serves people rather than treating them as data points. He referenced the Joint Committee on Artificial Intelligence and noted concerns raised by AI companies and religious leaders. He listed government actions including the news bargaining incentive, social media ban for under-16s, digital duty of care, national AI standards, and the Office of AI. He stated these reforms aimed to put people in charge and reaffirm human values.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister dismissed the question as a smear with false imputations. He did not directly address the property value question but instead referenced the opposition's election commitments.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister stated he made no apologies for supporting organisations in his electorate. He clarified that the honorary membership was from 2012 and cost only $5 for two years. He said he was unaware of the issue until last week and had written to the club secretary to decline the honorary membership. He offered to pay the standard fee if he visited the club in the future.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister stated that the question related to cabinet processes and that the decision-maker was the Minister for Infrastructure, not himself.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister acknowledged the impact of the Middle East conflict on global fuel prices. He did not address the fuel excise directly but listed government support measures in Fowler, including tax cuts, bulk-billing practices, urgent care clinic visits, first-home buyer assistance, rent assistance, cheaper home batteries, child care subsidies, and student debt cuts.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister affirmed Australia's commitment to a two-state solution and stated that Israeli settlements in the West Bank were illegal under international law. He explained that Australia had restricted travel and applied specific financial penalties against high-ranking Israeli ministers and extremist settlers involved in violence. The Prime Minister clarified that Australia was not pursuing a blanket import ban due to concerns about unintended consequences for Palestinians. He stated the government would continue to work with partners on targeted measures to deter illegal settlements.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister stated he was aware of the Royal Sydney membership and had declared it upon receiving a card, but he was unaware of the Marrickville membership. He explained that he received honorary memberships from various clubs over the years and declared those he knew about. He shifted focus to the opposition's election commitments, noting that none of their 1,000 projects were located in his electorate of Grayndler.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister denied misleading the House, stating that the funding was part of pre-announced election commitments. He listed three commitments for his electorate, including the golf club upgrade, which included sewerage repairs to prevent river pollution during floods. He contrasted the number of his election commitments with the opposition's larger list.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister explained that in 2019, he supported a campaign to save the golf course from being converted into passive space by the Greens. He noted that the golf course was not in his electorate of Grayndler at the time, but rather in Barton during the period from 2016 to 2025. He emphasized his role in defending green space in the Inner West.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister stated that he had supported a campaign to save the golf course in 2019, led by local member Linda Burney, to preserve green space in the Inner West. He contrasted his government's project commitments with the opposition's larger list, noting that none of the opposition's projects were in the Inner West.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister stated he had not seen the bill but acknowledged the importance of debating AI's impact, citing concerns raised by Pope Leo. He emphasized the need to shape the rollout of AI to balance economic opportunities with risks to humanity. He noted the establishment of a parliamentary Joint Select Committee on Artificial Intelligence to discuss these issues seriously. He encouraged the member to engage with the committee process.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister defended the three grants in his electorate as worthwhile community projects. He described funding for the Leichhardt Women's Community Health Centre, a St Vincent de Paul refuge for women escaping domestic violence, and repairs to the Marrickville Golf Club's septic tank to prevent raw sewage from entering the Cooks River during floods. He clarified that his honorary membership at the golf club was granted in 2012, that he did not hold a card or use the facilities, and that membership fees were low. He expressed pride in supporting these local community organisations.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister stated that members across parliament regularly advocate for projects in their electorates and that political parties make election commitments. He reiterated that the three projects in his electorate—a women's health centre, a domestic violence refuge, and environmental repairs to prevent sewage pollution—were all worthwhile and provided community benefit. He affirmed that these projects supported people in need and defended the system as legitimate.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister highlighted the opening of the M1 project extending to Raymond Terrace, which addressed a bottleneck between Newcastle and Raymond Terrace. He noted that this completed a missing link in the Sydney to Brisbane corridor, opening more than a year ahead of schedule and under budget. He stated that the project created 1,700 jobs, with over 70 per cent from the Hunter region, and would benefit freight, local commuters, and holidaymakers. He described it as a win for productivity and jobs.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister reiterated that he received honorary social membership in 2012 but did not hold a card, use the facilities, or know the club's executives. He stated that he did not play golf and that the membership was a nominal gesture from a local community club. He contrasted this with formal memberships like Royal Sydney, which he declared, and emphasised that the honorary title carried no cost or benefit. He defended the club as a vital community asset.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister noted that Australia had banned children under 16 from having social media accounts, resulting in the removal or deactivation of more than five million accounts. He stated that this action had sparked a global movement, with over 20 countries adopting similar measures. He announced the release of draft digital duty of care legislation for consultation, aiming for introduction in October. The legislation included a 'My Feed, My Way' initiative to give users control over algorithms, aiming to empower consumers rather than let technology shape them.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister presented data showing the total value of housing in Australia had increased from $10.1 trillion to $12.7 trillion, a 26 per cent rise. He noted that median house prices had risen in Perth, Brisbane, and Adelaide, and that less than one per cent of mortgage holders were in negative equity. He stated that 8,468 investors had signed up to build new homes in the June quarter, a record high, and that more than 660,000 new homes had been built under the government. He added that construction cost inflation had fallen from 17 per cent to 3.8 per cent.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister stated that the government had increased expenditure on Veterans' Affairs and raised fees for allied health professionals to improve access, as recommended by the royal commission. He explained that the new $5,000 review threshold replaced the previous limit of 12 visits, allowing for more care before a review was required. He clarified that the changes would not affect veterans on special rate disability pensions or those with catastrophic injuries. He noted that the changes took effect on 27 July and that consultation was ongoing.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister stated that the relevant figures were already published in the federal budget. He clarified that existing negative gearing arrangements for properties acquired before the budget were grandfathered, while new investment properties could still utilise negative gearing and the capital gains tax discount. He highlighted that investor borrowing for new dwellings had reached record levels, with 8,468 investors signing up in the June quarter, representing a loan value of $5.99 billion. He noted that developers acknowledged increased demand for new builds due to the tax settings favouring this sector.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister stated he supported his ministers and real action on climate change, emphasising the need for firming capacity to expand renewables. He highlighted Australia's leadership in renewable projects, such as the solar project in Palau. He argued for energy resilience and reduced reliance on international events, noting investments in renewables, firming capacity, and potential domestic fuel production. He stressed that a strategic plan balancing energy security and emission reductions was necessary to maintain public support.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister outlined three points regarding the proposed changes effective July 2027. First, fees for allied health professionals would increase to improve access, as recommended by the royal commission. Second, the requirement for veterans to return to a GP for a new referral every 12 visits would be replaced by a $5,000 threshold before care review, allowing for more visits. Third, further care would remain available if clinical need exceeded the threshold. He noted the changes would not affect veterans on special rate disability pensions or those with catastrophic injuries.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister stated that the previous government had more than doubled the debt before the pandemic and left a $78 billion deficit with no surplus projected until 2060-61. He noted that the current government had delivered back-to-back surpluses and reduced debt by $173 billion compared to 2022 election forecasts, saving approximately $70 billion in interest costs. He cited positive assessments from S&P Global and Moody's regarding Australia's fiscal performance and low debt ratios. The Prime Minister also claimed the opposition had pledged over $500 billion without funding.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister stated that AI is changing how society functions and that Australia must shape its rollout in the national interest. He referenced Pope Leo's encyclical on AI, emphasizing that technology is not neutral and that human dignity must be preserved. He noted that social cohesion could be undermined if AI makes it difficult to distinguish reality from fabrication. The Prime Minister announced the establishment of a parliamentary joint select committee on AI, chaired by the member for Maribyrnong, to further discuss these issues.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister stated that every woman and girl has the right to feel safe and that there must be zero tolerance for sexual violence. He noted that rates of reported sexual violence had risen significantly between 2010 and 2024. He announced that he would convene National Cabinet to discuss progress on the second National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children. The Prime Minister highlighted the funding of 500 additional workers for community services and pledged to hold state governments accountable for funding withdrawals.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister stated that he was honoured to meet with veterans and that the government was committed to stepping up for them. He highlighted an additional $16 billion allocated to address the delay in veterans' compensation and rehabilitation claims. He noted that the government had responded constructively to the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide recommendations. The Prime Minister affirmed his support for the minister and the government's approach to veterans' services.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister stated that Israel's decision to close its investigation without criminal proceedings was an outrage and fell short of expected accountability. He noted that the government had made numerous representations to the Israeli government, including direct conversations with Prime Minister Netanyahu and President Herzog. The Minister for Foreign Affairs had called in the Israeli ambassador to register strong views. The Prime Minister affirmed that the government would consult with Ms Frankcom's family before announcing further steps and would continue to press for justice.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister highlighted recent legislative successes, including NDIS reforms passed by the Senate, gambling harm legislation passed by the House, and journalism protection reforms. He described these as difficult but necessary actions to safeguard institutions and protect democracy. He emphasized that the government was taking action in areas where progress had previously been slow, aiming to deliver real change for Australians.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister stated he had every confidence in the Minister for Veterans' Affairs. He emphasized the importance of respecting those who serve in the Defence Force and noted that the minister had inherited a system with issues from previous administrations. He did not address the specific allegations of incompetence directly.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister stated that draft legislation had been out for consultation for weeks, with the process concluding on Friday. He noted that the government had always intended to introduce legislation to address the issue and that the opposition had previously complained about a lack of consultation. He explained that the decision to pass the legislation quickly was made in response to a request, facilitated by the opposition's support for NDIS sustainability reforms. He argued that the previous government had delayed necessary reforms, costing taxpayers money.