Don Farrell

Answer from Matthew Canavan

The minister stated that the investment was made through Export Finance Australia's commercial account, meaning there was no cost or exposure to Australian taxpayers. He argued that EFA supports infrastructure development in the region that benefits Australia by strengthening partnerships and granting access to new markets. He rejected the characterization of the question as xenophobic and emphasized that EFA helps Australian businesses trade and invest overseas.

Answer from Don Farrell

The minister explained that the high migration figures resulted from processing a backlog of one million visa applications accumulated during the pandemic. He stated that migration numbers have since decreased by 47 per cent. In response to supplementary questions, he acknowledged the issue of permanent temporariness but did not provide specific figures on visa hopping, stating it was not his portfolio and he would seek an accurate answer from the relevant minister.

Answer from Don Farrell

The minister described the agreement as a once-in-a-generation deal with a $30 trillion market. He stated it would remove tariffs on agricultural products and create new access for beef and sheep meat through tariff-rate quotas, benefiting regional jobs and supply chains. In response to supplementary questions, he warned that blocking the agreement would deny producers access to the EU market and put jobs at risk, criticizing those who oppose it as prioritizing populism over policy.

Answer from Don Farrell

The minister initially stated the question did not deserve an answer. In response to supplementary questions, he said he did not know if the Prime Minister had disclosed his ownership but would ask him. He defended the funding as an election promise honored by the government and deflected by criticizing the opposition for not answering questions about sports rorts during their time in office.

Answer from Don Farrell

The minister stated the government doubled fines for breaches to $109.2 million and strengthened the eSafety Commissioner's investigative powers, including the ability to summon executives. He confirmed the government is legislating a digital duty of care to prevent harms before they occur. He noted that this obligation would compel technology firms to assess how algorithms boost extremist content and would enable the eSafety Commissioner to serve removal orders on applications producing fake nude material.

Answer from Don Farrell

The minister stated that the government was interested in maximizing AI benefits while protecting Australian creatives and media. He confirmed that the government sought to attract frontier AI investment while setting terms that included control and payment for copyright owners regarding the use of their material. The minister affirmed that strong protections for Australian artists and media would remain a core part of the government's approach to artificial intelligence.

Answer from Don Farrell

The minister confirmed the arrangement existed from the previous coalition government's enterprise bargaining agreements in 2017. He stated that the current government had increased the super guarantee to 12 per cent. He criticized One Nation for opposing wage rises and superannuation increases while suddenly championing workers' rights. He defended the compulsory superannuation system as a world-leading achievement.

Answer from Don Farrell

The minister stated that over five million accounts of people under 16 had been removed or deactivated under existing laws. He explained that the draft digital duty of care legislation, released for consultation, would require platforms to protect under-18s from harmful content and design features with negative behavioral impacts. The legislation would also introduce an Australian-first 'my feed, my way' initiative, requiring platforms to notify users and offer choices over their default feeds and algorithms.

Answer from Don Farrell

The minister stated that over 20 countries were looking to Australia's lead on social media minimum-age laws. He noted that laws introduced in June strengthened the eSafety Commissioner's investigative powers and doubled fines for noncompliance to over $109 million. The Commissioner could request more information from social media and age-verification companies. The minister argued that delaying social media access for under-16s allowed them to build resilience and digital literacy, and called on other parties to pass the strengthening legislation.

Answer from Don Farrell

The minister explained that large-scale proposals require rigorous due diligence and cannot be processed quickly, citing historical examples of infrastructure delays. He confirmed the NAIF operates independently to assess projects against its mandate. He committed to making personal inquiries into the status of the proposal and reporting back to the senator.

Answer from Don Farrell

The minister rejected the premise that the government lacks transparency, citing upcoming electoral law reforms requiring donor disclosure within seven days. He stated he was not aware of specific training requirements for FOI officials but offered to investigate and provide a formal response. He emphasized the need to modernize the FOI system to prevent abuse by vexatious requesters and protect public servants, rather than providing the specific financial figures requested.

Answer from Don Farrell

The minister highlighted the US investment of over half a billion dollars in the Sunrise Energy Metals scandium project near Dubbo, which will create about 100 construction and 60 ongoing jobs. He mentioned the production tax credit starting July 2027 and the Critical Minerals Strategic Reserve, which enabled a final investment decision for the Arafura Rare Earths project. He emphasized collaboration with trusted partners to diversify global supply.

Answer from Don Farrell

The minister estimated the agreement would be worth $10 billion in its first year, effectively doubling the number of Australian free trade agreements. He stated that tariffs on seafood, dairy, rice, nuts, honey, olive oil, fruit, and vegetables would be eliminated or reduced. Critical mineral tariffs would be cut to zero. For Western Australia, he highlighted benefits for minerals, wheat, barley, beef, and sheepmeat. For Queensland, he noted tariff eliminations on wheat, copper, seafood, and vegetables. He warned that protectionist arguments posed a risk to these benefits.

Answer from Don Farrell

The minister stated that the government supported 'same job, same pay' and that the Maritime Labour Convention 2006 provided standards for seafarer welfare. He noted that the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) enforced these standards with a zero-tolerance approach to breaches, including wage issues. However, he clarified that he was not the minister in charge of these specific issues and would convey the question to Minister King for a prompt response. He repeated this position for the supplementary questions, stating he was not familiar with the specific exemption details but would seek a response from Minister King.

Answer from Don Farrell

The minister rejected the claim that the government was not doing enough, pointing to more than $110 million allocated for gambling harm reduction in the budget. He outlined $112 million over five years for consumer protections, including $39 million for financial counselling and $28.7 million to enhance BetStop. He asserted that the government had delivered the most significant gambling advertising reform in Australian history. He did not pledge to ban ads on public broadcasters, restating the scope of the current reforms.

Answer from Don Farrell

The minister confirmed that upholding international agreements was a federal responsibility. He stated that the government was committed to reducing First Nations incarceration rates through community-led solutions. He highlighted record funding for justice reinvestment, including $69 million for national initiatives and $3.9 billion through the National Access to Justice Partnership, with $800 million specifically for frontline legal assistance for First Nations people.

Answer from Don Farrell

The minister explained that Export Finance Australia would be given financial tools, including insurance and loans, to support companies in securing additional fuel shipments. He stated that this support would target additional supplies beyond commercial contracts to ensure wider availability. He also mentioned that strategic reserves would secure supplies of critical minerals and other goods impacted by the conflict.

Answer from Don Farrell

The minister stated that halving the fuel excise and reducing road user charges would lower costs for families and tourism operators. He highlighted the Trade Diversification Network, established under the $50 million Accessing New Markets Initiative, which included 40 peak bodies. He noted that Austrade was providing market support and connecting exporters with alternative markets and logistics providers to mitigate reliance on the Gulf region.

Answer from Don Farrell

The minister claimed the government had taken world-leading action in this space, citing early leadership from the South Australian Premier. He stated that the government was not afraid of US political pressure. He dismissed the suggestion that the government was delaying action to avoid upsetting Donald Trump, answering 'no' to that specific implication. He emphasised that the government was protecting ordinary Australians, particularly young people.

Answer from Don Farrell

The minister described the agreement as a historic achievement that opened access to 27 countries and 450 million consumers. He stated that lower tariffs on EU imports would provide relief to consumers, while the deal supported farmers, miners, manufacturers, and winemakers. In response to supplements, he detailed specific benefits including tariff removals on dairy and rice, 700 per cent more beef access, and savings of nearly $37 million for wine producers. He also noted benefits for critical minerals, cheaper auto parts and machinery for consumers, and commitments to climate change obligations and labour rights.

Answer from Don Farrell

The minister listed several measures to build trust, including establishing the National Anti-Corruption Commission, strengthening the ministerial code of conduct, and protecting whistleblowers. He argued that the FOI system was being reformed to prevent abuse, citing a former senator who had commercialized FOI requests. He stated that the government was focused on cost-of-living issues and pointed to the release of the Liberals' report as an example of transparency.

Answer from Don Farrell

The minister initially stated he could not answer directly as he was not the responsible minister and would consult with the Attorney-General. In response to the supplementary question regarding confidence, the minister answered affirmatively. He rejected the proposition that Brereton should be removed, stating that the government had appointed him and he continued to do his work, having clarified he was not involved in other activities.

Answer from Don Farrell

The minister highlighted existing harm reduction measures, including the BetStop self-exclusion registry and the ban on credit card use for online wagering. He stated that the government was engaging with stakeholders, including broadcasters and sporting codes, to develop further solutions. He did not provide a specific date for introducing advertising ban legislation, emphasising ongoing consultation.

Answer from Don Farrell

The minister explained that delaying social media access until age 16 would allow children three more years to develop real-world connections. He noted that resources were available on the eSafety website, which had seen a 1,000 per cent increase in visitors. In response to supplementary questions, he highlighted that the reforms were welcomed at the UN General Assembly and that other countries like Malaysia and Denmark were implementing similar bans for under-16s or under-15s.

Answer from Don Farrell

The minister stated that climate issues fell under the purview of the Minister for Climate Change and Energy. He rejected the premise that the declaration ended fossil fuel exports, emphasizing the continued role of gas as a transition fuel. He noted that Australia would continue to honor contractual obligations for gas exports, particularly to Japan.

Answer from Don Farrell

The minister stated he was unaware of the reports and denied being vindictive. He urged the coalition to demonstrate maturity and common sense in governing the chamber. He emphasized that the government answers questions honestly and directly, suggesting the opposition should act responsibly to regain public trust.

Answer from Don Farrell

The minister described the act as a historic step that made racial discrimination unlawful for the first time. He noted it created rights not previously existing in common law and provided a template for state and territory laws. He highlighted the act's role in promoting respect and cooperation across society.

Answer from Don Farrell

The minister confirmed that Senator Gallagher would release the report at the appropriate time. He argued that the government takes time to ensure policy correctness and transparency. He rejected suggestions of heavy-handed tactics, claiming the government is cooperative with parliament.

Answer from Don Farrell

The minister stated he was not the Attorney-General but would consult with her and seek a response. He rejected the suggestion that the government was ignoring the report, emphasizing its commitment to tackling racial discrimination. He promised to forward the question for a formal response.

Answer from Don Farrell

The minister affirmed the Prime Minister's confidence in Minister Rishworth. He stated the government was taking action against the CFMEU and that Minister Rishworth was capable of dealing with corruption. He did not directly address the administrator's knowledge of the transfer.

Answer from Don Farrell

The minister stated that the government prioritized the protection of military personnel. He confirmed that the Prime Minister had raised the issue with Chinese officials. He highlighted investment in submarine construction in South Australia.

Answer from Don Farrell

The minister stated that security agencies were monitoring the unstable situation in Syria to prepare for any potential returns. He confirmed that the government was not providing assistance or repatriating individuals from Syrian IDP camps. In response to supplementary questions, he reiterated that no taxpayer funds were being spent on the return of these individuals and that the government was not facilitating their repatriation.

Answer from Don Farrell

The minister stated the government was taking a proactive approach to protect vulnerable Australians from deepfake and stalking apps, which had doubled in use over 18 months. He noted that one in every classroom had a victim of deepfake abuse. The government would work with industry to develop reforms alongside the digital duty of care, complementing existing laws prohibiting stalking and non-consensual explicit material distribution. He emphasized the commitment to restricting access to these apps to give parents peace of mind.

Answer from Don Farrell

The minister stated that Comcare had provided its findings to the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions. He noted that independent investigations by the Inspector-General of the Australian Defence Force and the Queensland coroner were ongoing. He deemed it inappropriate to comment further while these investigations were proceeding.

Answer from Don Farrell

The minister highlighted that one in four Australian jobs relates to trade and that export jobs pay nine per cent more on average. He stated that the UAE agreement, passed into law on 31 July, would allow over 99 per cent of Australian products to enter tariff-free, saving households and businesses about $40 million annually. Regarding US tariffs, he noted that two-way investment reached $2.9 trillion in 2024 and that the government had introduced a $50 million program to assist impacted industries and completed five new business missions to secure markets.

Answer from Don Farrell

The minister stated that he was not the responsible minister but would take the issue up with the Minister for Social Services to provide a proper response. Regarding the previous statement, he defended his use of the word 'multiple' by stating that two is more than one and therefore constitutes a multiple, asserting that his previous answer was correct.

Answer from Don Farrell

The minister stated he had made a mistake, clarifying that President Trump mentioned US beef exports in a speech rather than in discussions with the Prime Minister. He confirmed he had apologised to the Prime Minister and corrected the record with journalists. In response to supplementary questions, he reiterated that he owned up to the error immediately and affirmed that the Prime Minister always tells the truth, dismissing further inquiries as unnecessary.

Answer from Don Farrell

The minister expressed support for the industry, citing the government's intervention in the Whyalla Steelworks as an example of protecting jobs. He stated that funding provided so far was for Whyalla but would consult with Minister Husic regarding any requests from Tasmania. He expressed confidence that the Whyalla Steelworks would remain a going concern and that maintenance issues under GFG would be addressed.

Answer from Don Farrell

The minister stated the National Reconstruction Fund has invested $400 million in businesses, while the Industry Growth Program supports companies in robotics and battery manufacturing. He highlighted the passage of production tax credits to ensure resources are processed locally, creating jobs in Western Australia. He also noted investments in the domestic steel industry, particularly in Whyalla, and mentioned that the government has delivered energy bill relief and tax cuts. He contrasted these actions with the opposition's record, claiming they opposed such relief measures.

Answer from Don Farrell

The minister stated the government is consulting stakeholders to ensure the plan is correct and has not been inactive. He highlighted the largest Commonwealth investment in social and affordable housing in over a decade, with 40,000 new homes to be delivered under the Housing Australia Future Fund and National Housing Accord. He noted that homelessness funding has doubled to $400 million annually under the national agreement. He dismissed the link between housing delays and political motivations, stating the minister is working with states and territories to achieve the best results.

Answer from Don Farrell

The minister stated that production tax credits would ensure critical minerals are processed locally, maximising value and creating jobs, particularly in Western Australia. He noted that industry groups, including the Association of Mining and Exploration Companies and the Minerals Council of Australia, supported the credits. He claimed that the Liberal and National parties were standing in the way of implementation, turning their backs on the resources sector and Western Australia.