Jess Walsh

Answer from Katy Gallagher

The minister listed measures including tax cuts, energy bill relief, cheaper medicines, and investments in Medicare, housing, and education. She highlighted a 20 per cent cut to student debt and $3 billion for green metals. She stated that these actions helped households while reducing debt by $177 billion and avoiding $60 billion in interest costs.

Answer from Katy Gallagher

The minister stated that the government had reduced inflation to almost a third of its previous level, grown jobs by 1.1 million, and delivered budget surpluses. She noted that the government had lowered the inherited debt by $177 billion and reduced interest payments by $70 billion. In response to supplementary questions, she highlighted that wages were growing and unemployment remained low. She contrasted this with the opposition's plan for $350 billion in cuts to fund $600 billion in nuclear reactors and tax breaks for business lunches, arguing that the opposition's policies would worsen the economic situation.

Answer from Jess Walsh

The minister reported that the pay rise provides an extra $255 per week for full-time educators, helping them cover living costs. She noted that 20,000 new educators had joined the sector since the announcement, improving workforce stability. She confirmed that centers receiving payments must limit fee increases to protect families. Regarding safety, she stated that centers failing to meet national safety standards from July next year would lose funding. In response to supplementary questions, she shared anecdotes from educators about the positive impact on their careers and criticized the opposition and One Nation for not supporting workers.

Answer from Jess Walsh

The minister stated that the fund was investing $1 billion to build and expand early education centres in disadvantaged areas. The final agreement with the Northern Territory included $8.7 million for a new 60-place centre in Karama and another in Tennant Creek. Across Australia, 42 projects were delivering more than 2,500 additional places, with two-thirds in regional and rural communities. Many centres were co-located with schools to facilitate smooth transitions for children and convenience for parents. She criticized the Coalition for cutting disadvantaged children off from childcare and One Nation for opposing qualified educators and pay rises.

Answer from Jess Walsh

The minister stated that free TAFE has delivered over 68,000 early learning enrolments, with the Certificate III being the second-most-popular course. She highlighted a historic 15 per cent pay rise, adding $255 a week for typical educators, which has led to 20,000 additional educators joining the sector and a reduction in job vacancies. She noted that the Senate has the opportunity to lock in the pay rise next week. She criticized the coalition and One Nation for voting against free TAFE and describing the pay rise as a 'sugar hit'.

Answer from Jess Walsh

The minister stated that the reforms protected penalty rates for 2.6 million Australians and that the right to disconnect had improved employee engagement and productivity. She noted that 1.3 million extra jobs had been created and wages had grown above three per cent for 16 quarters. She argued that the government was protecting workers from opposition policies that sought to scrap penalty rates and reduce job security.

Answer from Jess Walsh

The minister stated that the government had taken stronger action on CFMEU corruption than the previous government, including passing legislation to place the union in administration. She did not provide a specific date of awareness for the cash withdrawals but emphasized that the administrator was investigating. She declined to directly answer whether Labor would support the coalition's legislation, instead reiterating that the current administration had achieved more progress in cleaning up the union.

Answer from Jess Walsh

The minister reported that over 95 per cent of First Nations children are now enrolled in preschool, meeting Closing the Gap target 3 for the first time. She highlighted the three-day childcare guarantee, which allows First Nations children access to five days of subsidised care. She cited an investment of $9 million from the Building Early Education Fund for a community-led service in Derby operated by the Nganga women. She contrasted this with the previous government's activity test, which restricted access based on parental employment, stating that the current policy ensures access is based on the child's needs.

Answer from Jess Walsh

The minister reported that wages had risen by 3.2 per cent during the year and that the minimum wage had increased by more than $12,000 annually, reaching $1,000 a week. She highlighted the abolition of junior rates for workers aged 18 to 20 in retail, fast food, and pharmacy sectors, and the legislative protection of penalty rates. She cited a campaign by young workers from the SDA as an example of successful advocacy for fair pay. She identified the opposition parties as the primary obstacle, accusing them of deliberately keeping wages low and opposing protections for casual and gig workers.

Answer from Jess Walsh

The minister highlighted government actions including five consecutive minimum wage rises, protections for gig economy workers, and the criminalization of wage theft. She noted tax cuts and housing reforms designed to help young people buy homes. The minister also mentioned a 20 per cent reduction in HECS debt and free TAFE access. She identified opposition parties and One Nation as the primary obstacles, citing their opposition to wage increases, free TAFE, and housing support.

Answer from Jess Walsh

The minister detailed a 15 per cent pay rise for educators, which adds $255 per week for a typical full-time worker, and noted that 20,000 more workers had joined the sector since the announcement. She stated that job vacancies had fallen by 31 per cent. Regarding training, she reported that over 65,000 Australians had enrolled in free TAFE early childhood courses since 2023. She criticised opposition parties for opposing pay rises and highlighted the government's commitment to fair pay and workforce stability.

Answer from Jess Walsh

The minister explained that the Commonwealth's role was to set national priorities, including sustainability, while states and territories managed curriculum delivery and resources. She stated that the government trusted teachers to use professional discretion. In response to funding concerns, the minister highlighted a $20 billion investment in public schools through the Better and Fairer Schools Agreement, ensuring every student was funded to the full Gonski standard for the first time. She declined to support an inquiry, focusing instead on the government's funding commitments.

Answer from Jess Walsh

The minister stated that the pay rise, combined with minimum wage increases, will make a typical full-time educator $255 a week better off. She noted that job vacancies in the sector have fallen by almost a third and staffing waivers by 40 per cent since the announcement. She explained that a stable workforce ensures children have consistent educators, which fosters safety and readiness to learn. She warned that without this support, quality would suffer, harming children and parents who rely on the system.

Answer from Jess Walsh

The minister stated that one million families relied on the early childhood sector weekly. She highlighted that funding for the 15 per cent pay rise for educators was tied to fee capping, putting downward pressure on costs. The minister noted that cheaper childcare reforms saved the average family $312 this year, and the three-day guarantee saved families up to $1,500 annually. She emphasized the importance of qualified educators in child development and the government's commitment to supporting the sector.

Answer from Jess Walsh

The minister stated that the budget took responsible action to help young Australians enter the housing market through increased supply and tax reforms that levelled the playing field for first home buyers. She noted that tax benefits for investing in new builds remained available. Regarding wages, she highlighted the rollout of legislated tax cuts, including a $1,000 instant tax deduction and the Working Australians Tax Offset. The minister pointed out that the national minimum wage had increased by more than $9,000 a year since Labor took office, allowing young workers to keep more of what they earned.

Answer from Jess Walsh

The minister reported that four agreements with states and territories would deliver almost 2,000 new early learning places, with 80 per cent co-located with schools. She highlighted the Building Early Education Fund and the three-day childcare guarantee that started on 5 January. She cited an example of a new centre in Derby, Western Australia, supported by the fund.

Answer from Jess Walsh

The minister announced a 15 per cent pay rise for educators, with the second instalment rolling out to provide an extra $160 per week. She stated this measure had reduced vacancy rates and burnout, stabilising the workforce. She contrasted this support with the previous government's neglect of the sector.

Answer from Jess Walsh

The minister confirmed that 3 million Australians would have their HECS debt reduced by an average of $5,500. She stated that notifications were being sent to students in waves. She also highlighted free TAFE and paid practical placements as part of the government's support for young people, contrasting this with the opposition's stance.

Answer from Jess Walsh

The minister stated that the government was implementing recommendations, citing a 15 per cent pay rise for early childhood educators. She attributed the issue regarding the specific centres to a decision by the Tasmanian regulator. In response to the claim that it was a federal regulation, she highlighted the government's investment of one billion dollars in the Building Early Education Fund to increase supply in underserved regions.

Answer from Jess Walsh

The minister stated she had appeared on the ABC five times to discuss the government's reform package, which includes a nationwide register of educators and mandatory training. She affirmed that providers putting profit ahead of safety must improve or leave the sector, noting legislation allows for the withdrawal of subsidies. Regarding the pay rise, she highlighted that the government had already given a historic 15 per cent pay rise to the workforce, arguing this was paying dividends in retention and quality of care, contrasting this with the previous decade of underpayment.

Answer from Jess Walsh

The minister reported a historic 15 per cent pay rise for early childhood educators, which had reduced vacancy rates and improved stability. She noted that over 50,000 free TAFE places had been delivered to train new educators. She cited examples of educators feeling valued and staying in the sector. She contrasted this with the previous government's inaction, which she claimed led to a workforce crisis.

Answer from Jess Walsh

The minister said she did not know the particular student's situation but confirmed paid placements were helping in her area. She pointed out that the Commonwealth placement payment began on 1 July 2025 and would assist approximately 68,000 qualifying students each year. She claimed the government was fulfilling its pledge for nursing, midwifery, social work, and education students, helping tens of thousands more than the opposition would have.

Answer from Jess Walsh

The minister stated that the government was investing $3.6 billion to provide a 15 per cent wage increase for early childhood staff, resulting in weekly pay rises of at least $103, rising to $155. She noted that vacancy rates had dropped by almost a quarter as educators stayed in their roles longer. She explained that a stable workforce allowed for lasting bonds with children, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, and that supporting educators helped women return to work, thereby boosting productivity and gender equality.

Answer from Jess Walsh

The minister stated that from 10 December 2025, social media platforms must act reasonably to stop Australians under 16 from holding accounts, with fines reaching $49.5 million for each breach of non-compliance. She explained that the law aims to give children three more years of development away from predatory algorithms. The minister noted that rules based on eSafety Commissioner advice exclude messaging apps and health or education services from the ban. She emphasised that there are no penalties for under-16s or parents who facilitate access, placing the onus strictly on platforms.

Answer from Jess Walsh

The minister confirmed that legislation had been introduced to deliver a 20 per cent cut to student debt, totaling $16 billion in relief for approximately three million Australians. She noted that the previous term's changes had already wiped $3 billion in debt and that the new measures would reduce an average debt of $27,000 by $5,120. The minister emphasized that the relief applied to HECS, HELP, TAFE, and VET loans, and criticized the opposition for internal disunity on the issue.

Answer from Jess Walsh

The minister stated she was not familiar with the specific cases mentioned but offered to seek further information. She emphasised the government's commitment to implementing the Productivity Commission review findings, including a $3.6 billion investment in early childhood educator wages to stabilise the workforce. She argued this approach improves access to quality care in underserved areas, contrasting it with previous government policies.

Answer from Jess Walsh

The minister explained that the legislation would wipe $16 billion from HECS debts, benefiting over three million Australians, including apprentices and VET students. She noted that for someone with an average debt of $27,000, this would remove approximately $5,400. She also highlighted that the legislation makes repayments fairer and contrasts the government's unity with opposition disarray regarding education policy.

Answer from Jess Walsh

The minister stated that the government had introduced legislation to cut funding from providers prioritising profit over safety. She noted that officials were tasked with developing an urgent reform plan following an education ministers meeting in late June. A standalone meeting was scheduled for late August to finalise a package including a nationwide register of educators. The minister affirmed that officials and jurisdictions recognised the urgency of these measures.

Answer from Jess Walsh

The minister noted that paid parental leave increased to 24 weeks in July and will rise to 26 weeks next year. She stated that legislation is before parliament to withdraw subsidies from providers prioritising profit over safety. A billion-dollar fund is being used to invest in not-for-profit early learning. The government is working with states on reforms including a nationwide educator register and mandatory child-safe training.

Answer from Jess Walsh

The minister confirmed the introduction of legislation to wipe 20 per cent off HECS debts, saving an average of $512 per person and totaling $16 billion in debt reduction. She highlighted the Better and Fairer Schools Agreement, which provides $16.5 billion in additional funding to public schools. She also noted that the HECS repayment threshold was being raised from $54,000 to $67,000, reducing repayments for low-income earners.