Bob Katter

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 Jim Chalmers

The Treasurer stated that income splitting would cost the budget substantially, citing a Parliamentary Budget Office estimate of over $12 billion over forward estimates and nearly $70 billion over the medium term. He noted that such policies primarily benefit higher-income couples and could reduce incentives for women's workforce participation. He outlined alternative government measures to assist families, including tax cuts, cheaper medicines, minimum wage increases, and boosted paid parental leave. He concluded that the government had chosen a different path for cost-of-living relief.

Answer from Tony Burke

The minister stated that approval times under the new legislation had significantly improved. He clarified that heritage listings, including National and World Heritage listings, deal with both natural and cultural values. He noted that many listings specifically include cultural values, ensuring that the principles referred to by the member are incorporated into Australian law.

Answer from Jim Chalmers

The Treasurer stated that net overseas migration has decreased by 45 per cent from its peak and is at its lowest level in years. He highlighted that the government has achieved the lowest average unemployment in 50 years. He criticized the opposition for aligning with One Nation's rhetoric on monoculturalism and argued that the government's policies support workers, young people, and first home buyers, reflecting core Australian values.

Answer from Mark Butler

The Minister acknowledged the member's personal loss and the campaigners' efforts. He stated that additional funds had been released, resulting in double-digit growth in donor recruitment in 2024 and a 30 per cent expansion in the current financial year. He addressed the question of raising the age limit for registrants from 35 to 40, noting that clinical advice favored younger donors but that the need for a wider donor base was also important. He committed to reviewing progress and directing the new provider to seek clinical advice on raising the age limit and other ideas from the Life-saving List campaign.

Answer from Anthony Albanese; Madeleine King

The Prime Minister stated that the government had intervened in a bipartisan way with the Queensland government to defend the phosphate industry in Mount Isa, noting that without intervention, the situation would have been dire. The Minister for Resources added that the budget included a $7.5 billion package for fuel and fertiliser security. She noted that 90,000 tonnes of urea had been secured for Australia through Export Finance Australia, along with 250,000 tonnes from Indonesia. The Minister highlighted a $475 million federal commitment to the Perdaman urea facility in Karratha, including loans to Perdaman, the Pilbara Ports Authority, and the Water Corporation, aiming for urea independence by the middle of next year.

Answer from Jim Chalmers

The Treasurer stated that the government was working to ensure fuel reached regional communities and supporting the two remaining refineries. He noted that $1.1 billion was invested in the Cleaner Fuels Program for low-carbon liquid fuel production, including ethanol, on top of $250 million in innovation funding. He mentioned that departments were examining the possibility of implementing a mandate for domestic fuel use in the future, considering safety and quality. He emphasized the government's efforts to address global economic uncertainty caused by the Middle East conflict.

Answer from Mark Butler

The minister rejected the characterization of genocide but acknowledged the member's interest in the area. He stated that the government was working to improve food security through the Low-Cost Essentials Subsidy Scheme, which subsidized essential items in remote communities, saving up to 50 per cent in about 113 stores. He noted that the government was seeking to build renal services in remote communities to allow dialysis on country. He emphasized the commitment to addressing the public health challenge of diabetes and improving access to affordable food.

Answer from Jim Chalmers

The Treasurer acknowledged the member's long-standing interest in biofuels and fuel security. He highlighted the $1.1 billion Cleaner Fuels Program announced in September 2025 to kickstart low-carbon liquid fuel production. He noted that the government was already taking action on fuel security, including the minimum stockholding obligation and supporting domestic refining. He stated that if further steps were required, they would be considered in a responsible manner.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister expressed condolences for the member's horse and acknowledged the importance of fuel security. He stated that the government was pursuing resilience through a strategic shipping fleet, a domestic fuel reserve, gas reservation schemes, and investment in low-carbon liquid fuels. He criticized the opposition's previous plan to locate fuel reserves in Texas and emphasized the need for domestic manufacturing and energy independence.

Answer from Jim Chalmers

The Treasurer confirmed a $170 million commitment to the Hughenden irrigation scheme, noting it is waiting for the Queensland government's Gulf water plan to conclude. He highlighted $1.2 billion invested in water projects through the National Water Grid Fund. He stated the government is reviewing the Water Act and National Water Initiative to ensure they meet needs, acknowledging the member's passion for north-west Queensland development.

Answer from Amanda Rishworth

The minister noted that political advertising regulation was primarily a state jurisdiction issue. She mentioned that the Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters had considered the issue, leading to proposed legislation for truth in political ads. She stated that the Special Minister of State was open to discussing reforms. She highlighted that the Australian Electoral Commission advised against rushing legislation due to constitutional implications regarding political communication. She expressed trust in the public's ability to see through smear campaigns.

Answer from Julie Collins

The Minister stated that buffel grass is recognized as valuable pasture in agricultural areas and that management actions would not affect deliberately planted grass. She explained that national weed priorities are being assessed collaboratively with state and territory governments. She highlighted government support for the beef industry, including $12 million for Beef2027 and noting a 62 per cent increase in beef exports.

Answer from Anthony Albanese; Julie Collins

The Prime Minister acknowledged the seriousness of feral pests and referred the question to the Minister for Agriculture. The minister stated that the government had invested around $2 billion in biosecurity and $3.87 million in the National Feral Pig Action Plan running to 2031. She emphasized that invasive species management is primarily the responsibility of state and territory governments, with the federal government focusing on biosecurity and coordination.

Answer from Jim Chalmers

The Treasurer assured the member that the government would not compromise on biosecurity regarding banana imports, noting that an assessment was underway with no predetermined outcome. Regarding the smelters, he acknowledged the concern for jobs and regional capability, stating that the Resources Minister was working with the Queensland government and Glencore to find a solution. He emphasised the government's commitment to supporting workers and maintaining Australia's industrial capability through the Future Made in Australia agenda.

Answer from Anthony Albanese; Madeleine King

The Prime Minister rejected the figures cited, noting that net overseas migration had fallen 37 per cent annually in 2024. He emphasized that diversity was a strength and that elections determined the will of the people. The Minister for Resources discussed the government's review of gas market regulations and the Critical Minerals Strategic Reserve. She noted that the opposition had previously opposed the Western Australian gas reservation policy but now supported a similar concept.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister acknowledged the impact of Glencore's decision on the Mount Isa community and workers. He stated that the Minister for Industry and Innovation was engaging daily with stakeholders to protect the national interest. He highlighted government support for industry through the National Reconstruction Fund, production tax credits, and the Green Iron Investment Fund. He noted that the Critical Minerals Facility within Export Finance Australia would be expanded to $5 billion to finance critical minerals projects.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister stated that the government was contributing over $11 billion to disaster recovery and had invested $17 billion in the Bruce Highway. He announced additional funding for the Barron River bridge and listed investments in the Inland Freight Route, Kuranda Range Road, Peninsula Developmental Road, and Kennedy Developmental Road. He emphasized a focus on building back better to improve flood resilience.