Larissa Waters

Answer from Murray Watt

The minister dismissed the comparison to ICE as predictable political maneuvering. He stated that the government's policy ensures those without valid visas do not remain in Australia, noting that previous changes diverted resources to criminal deportations rather than visa overstayers. In response to supplementary questions about bridging visas, he argued that some visa holders abuse the system by hopping between visas, undermining public confidence. He rejected the suggestion that the government's policy was influenced by One Nation, citing significant differences in migration numbers, and emphasized maintaining social harmony and a sustainable migration system.

Answer from Tim Ayres

The minister described the gas reservation plan as the most significant reform in Australian gas history, designed to ensure sovereign resilience, industrial competitiveness, and lower prices for households and industry. He argued that the reservation would secure sufficient gas for Australian manufacturing and heavy industry, supporting blue-collar jobs. He characterized the gas tax as merely a revenue measure, whereas the reservation was a structural reform to ensure future competitiveness. He stated that the reform placed a heavy obligation on gas producers in the national interest and would be brought to parliament.

Answer from Katy Gallagher

The minister stated that the government is undertaking a whole-of-government effort, including consulting on the second action plan for the National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children. She noted that Minister Rowland has been implementing recommendations through the Standing Council of Attorneys-General. Regarding the consent education review, she said the government is keen to see outcomes that ensure support is relevant and useful for young people, which will feed into the second action plan. She highlighted that over $4 billion has been invested in women's safety and the national legal access partnership.

Answer from Penny Wong

The minister acknowledged the seriousness of climate change and the El Nino event. She criticized the Greens for voting with Tony Abbott and others against climate action in the past. The minister stated that 146 renewable energy projects had been approved as of 7 September 2026. Regarding the Saraji mine, she clarified it was not a new mine and was covered by the safeguard mechanism with a baseline declining to zero by 2050. She emphasized the government's commitment to transitioning the economy to lower emissions through thoughtful policy.

Answer from Penny Wong

The minister stated that the government's focus is on protecting Australians and that negotiation with the opposition is necessary to pass legislation in the Senate. She listed specific measures in the reforms, including bans on gambling advertising during live sports, radio ads during school hours, and stadium and jersey advertising. Regarding the NDIS, she argued that the government's changes are necessary to ensure the scheme's long-term sustainability. She rejected the characterisation of the government's actions as favouring corporations, stating that the government is motivated by delivering real change for Australians facing cost-of-living pressures.

Answer from Katy Gallagher

The minister stated that the government had not changed its view on the diesel fuel tax credit scheme, which had operated for a long time. She argued that the government was focused on delivering a transformation to a renewable energy future, reducing reliance on fossil fuels, and investing in storage and batteries. Regarding the NDIS, she stated that changes were necessary to slow the growth of the scheme, which had risen from $13 billion to over $50 billion annually and was projected to exceed $70 billion, making it unsustainable without intervention.

Answer from Murray Watt

The minister stated that the project was currently under assessment under the EPBC Act and Western Australian law, with a final decision pending regulatory advice. He noted that it would be inappropriate to comment further before a decision was made. He emphasised that the government assesses projects on their merits and has approved over 140 renewable energy projects. He also mentioned that the government was presenting evidence to the World Heritage Committee to demonstrate the reef is well-managed.

Answer from Penny Wong

The minister rejected the premise, stating that the government had delivered measures including urgent care clinics, energy price relief, and wage increases for various sectors. She invited the Greens to support the proposed tax changes and criticized their approach as divisive. The minister emphasized that the government was committed to addressing cost-of-living challenges and urged the Greens to focus on opposing conservative policies rather than attacking the government.

Answer from Penny Wong

The minister stated that the government did not need a lecture on the trade union movement and defended the gas reservation policy as superior to a tax. She argued that the reservation ensured producers supplied Australia first, delivering lower and more stable prices and protecting manufacturing jobs. The minister described the current situation as the worst global energy crisis in history, justifying decisions to ensure access to diesel, jet fuel, petrol, and fertiliser. She declined to engage with the premise that the government was keeping the gas industry happy, instead focusing on the necessity of managing the energy shock.

Answer from Katy Gallagher

The minister explained that the excise cut would flow through to prices as contracted supplies were purchased, which might take some time. She stated that the ACCC was monitoring prices to ensure reductions were realized at the pump. In response to supplementary questions about direct cost-of-living relief and AUKUS, she emphasized targeted assistance for businesses and households, noting that the budget would reflect current economic circumstances. She firmly rejected the suggestion that the government would withdraw from AUKUS.

Answer from Penny Wong

The minister welcomed state initiatives for lower-cost public transport, noting that reduced urban fuel usage helps address regional distribution challenges. She outlined the government's substantial package, including fuel excise reductions and heavy vehicle charge changes, as the primary response to high prices. The minister also criticised the Greens for not condemning Iran's actions in the conflict.

Answer from Penny Wong

The minister stated the government's immediate priority was fuel security rather than tax changes. She noted previous reforms to the petroleum resources rent tax and emphasised the need to secure supply amidst global instability.

Answer from Penny Wong

The minister clarified that Australia was engaged in collective self-defence to protect civilians and Australians in Gulf nations under attack by Iran, not taking offensive action against Iran. She stated the deployment was in response to a written request from the United Arab Emirates to help defend against missile and drone attacks. She rejected the accusation of bowing to US demands, asserting that actions were taken in Australia's national interest to protect civilians in locations where Australians were present.

Answer from Penny Wong

The minister asserted that the deployment was defensive, responding to requests from Gulf countries to protect civilians and infrastructure, including Australians. She emphasized that Australia was not taking offensive action against Iran. Regarding the visa restrictions, she deferred to the Minister for Immigration, stating that the government's view on the Iranian regime was clear. She criticized the Greens' narrative as inconsistent with the facts.

Answer from Penny Wong

The minister stated that her primary focus was on the safety of Australians in the Middle East. She characterized Iran as a state sponsor of terrorism and emphasized the importance of international humanitarian law. Regarding the supplementary question on taxation, the minister raised a point of order, arguing it was outside her portfolio, but noted that the oil and gas sector paid nearly $12 billion in levies during 2023-24. She referred questions on price gouging to the Minister representing the Treasurer, noting the Treasurer had worked with the ACCC on this issue.

Answer from Penny Wong

The minister stated that the government mourns the loss of civilian life and continues to call for the observance of international humanitarian law. She declined to issue a specific condemnation of the strike, maintaining that the government's position is principled and consistent. In response to supplementary questions regarding the legality of the strikes and the use of Australian bases, she affirmed that Australia did not participate in the strikes and that the issue of compliance with international law is for the US and Israel to outline. She also noted that other countries in the region were being attacked by Iran.

Answer from Katy Gallagher

The minister stated that the government's tax policies on housing had not changed and that the focus remained on increasing supply through initiatives like the Housing Australia Future Fund. She noted that tax reform work was underway, including instant deductions, superannuation changes, and tax cuts, but confirmed that positions on housing tax and fuel tax credits remained unchanged. She emphasized that the government was delivering on election commitments rather than introducing new tax cuts for investors.

Answer from Penny Wong

The minister referred the question to the Minister for the Environment and Water for detailed EPBC approval information. She stated that the government was committed to a responsible economic transition, acknowledging the historical reliance on fossil fuels. The minister argued that building export industries and skills for lower carbon goods was necessary for a responsible transition. She noted that the government had approved 130 new renewable energy projects since 2022, including solar farms, wind farms, and batteries, and emphasised that the energy transition would take many years.

Answer from Katy Gallagher

The minister stated the government had invested over $4 billion in programs to end gender-based violence and $3.9 billion in legal services. She outlined a multi-faceted approach including housing policy, economic equality measures, and women's health packages. Regarding the funding mapping framework, she indicated that strategic coordination of investments was ongoing and would be discussed at an upcoming women's ministerial meeting.

Answer from Penny Wong

The minister denied that fossil fuel addiction was the reason for withdrawing the bid, stating that the decision was made in close consultation with Pacific leaders to ensure their voices were amplified. She explained that the withdrawal was necessary to break an impasse under UNFCCC rules that would have delayed the election of the COP president. She highlighted achievements such as securing a pre-COP in the Pacific and pledges for the Pacific Resilience Facility. Regarding the fossil fuel roadmap, she stated that the Australian position had not changed and that the transition required policy delivery rather than symbolic gestures, while dismissing accusations as inconsistent.

Answer from Penny Wong

The minister denied that mining companies had influenced the bid, stating she had never discussed the conference with resource companies. She emphasized the government's engagement with Pacific leaders to elevate their voices and noted support from international partners. The minister asserted that the EPBC Act reforms had not been raised in international forums and argued that the government sought both stronger environmental protections and faster business decisions.

Answer from Murray Watt

The minister defended the reforms as delivering real environmental gains, including national environmental standards and requirements to mitigate harm. He stated that the laws provided ways to fast-track projects, particularly housing and renewables, while maintaining strong environmental protections. He refused to rule out fast-tracking fossil fuels, arguing that both the Greens and Coalition should support the reforms.

Answer from Tim Ayres

The minister stated that the matter is primarily for the Northern Territory EPA, though the Resources Minister had asked his department to review the reports. He noted the tank is not currently in operation and has an approved safety case. He clarified that NOPSEMA has no jurisdiction over the Darwin LNG facility and that the tank's licence was due for renewal on 18 September.

Answer from Penny Wong

The minister stated that the government was committed to ambitious climate action and transitioning to a net zero economy to ensure economic prosperity. She noted that more ambitious targets for 2035 were necessary to reach 2050 goals and that the government would set a responsible target based on advice from the climate authority. Regarding fossil fuels, the minister highlighted the government's engagement with Pacific leaders, citing the Tuvalu mobility pathway as an example of addressing climate impacts, but did not explicitly commit to banning new coal or gas mines.

Answer from Murray Watt

The minister explained that the approval was subject to strict conditions focused on protecting 50,000-year-old Indigenous rock art from air emissions, rather than being a decision on climate change. He noted that the project must reduce emissions by five per cent annually and reach net zero by 2050 under the safeguard mechanism. Regarding the algal bloom, he confirmed $14 million in federal support for South Australia's response. He emphasized the government's record on renewable energy investment and its commitment to net zero by 2050.

Answer from Malarndirri McCarthy

The minister referred tax policy questions to the Minister for Health and Aged Care but highlighted the government's investment of $6.1 billion to strengthen Medicare, including two large rebate increases and the opening of 87 urgent care clinics. She noted that the government was developing a new national oral health plan with states and territories. In response to supplementary questions, she stated that the government was providing $215.6 million over two years to state and territory governments for public dental services for adults, as these services are a state responsibility. She also highlighted the Child Dental Benefits Schedule, which had delivered $3.1 billion in benefits to 3.5 million children, and support for private dental services through health insurance rebates.