Malarndirri McCarthy

Answer from Malarndirri McCarthy

The minister stated she had reached out to the Western Australian government and sought a direct briefing with the responsible minister, expecting to receive it that afternoon. She emphasized that child protection is a state responsibility and that every child deserves safety. In response to supplementary questions, she reiterated that she was seeking assurances and highlighted the importance of involving the Aboriginal community-controlled sector in responses. She did not confirm speaking with the grandmother or providing specific details on the investigation outcomes, deferring to the upcoming briefing.

Answer from Malarndirri McCarthy

The minister announced an $11.4 million investment in the Remote Community Laundries Project, supporting facilities in over a dozen communities across the Northern Territory, Queensland, and Western Australia. She explained that these laundries help reduce infections like trachoma and rheumatic heart disease. She cited research showing a 60 per cent drop in scabies rates in Barunga after a laundry was established. She emphasized that the projects are community-led and create local jobs.

Answer from Malarndirri McCarthy

The minister confirmed the delivery of 3,000 jobs and the commitment to create 6,000 by the end of the decade. She shared positive testimonials from workers in the Tiwi Islands and Wurrumiyanga regarding financial stability and job satisfaction. She identified the opposition's criticism of the program's ambition as an obstacle, contrasting the government's delivery with the previous coalition's failure to meet its own targets.

Answer from Malarndirri McCarthy

The minister stated that APVMA is an independent regulator that sets maximum residue levels far below health limits to ensure no risk to human health. She acknowledged that the government recognizes issues raised in reviews and is taking action to ensure APVMA remains a strong independent regulator. The minister indicated that the responsible minister was vigilant on the issue and that the senator would be meeting with her to discuss specific concerns. She affirmed that APVMA would continue to use its regulatory powers to finalize chemical reviews during the reform process.

Answer from Malarndirri McCarthy

The minister stated that the National Indigenous Australians Agency had provided 800 pages of information to the senator's office. She confirmed that the Office of Indigenous Corporations was investigating the matter and had placed fines on the corporation. She noted that she had met with the families and was working with the council, but the council refused to revisit the debt issue. She emphasised her efforts to assist families, including those with terminal illnesses or long-term residency, and stated she was doing her utmost to ensure they were okay.

Answer from Malarndirri McCarthy

The minister explained that funding release depends on the Northern Territory meeting certain criteria and receiving reports from Aboriginal peak organisations. She stated that the joint steering committee, which includes Aboriginal land councils and housing organisations, provides oversight. She noted that the Northern Territory government was seeking to renegotiate the agreement to reduce the target from 2,700 homes to fewer, and that the Commonwealth was withholding funding until the agreement was adhered to. She emphasised that First Nations organisations now have a strong voice at the table to ensure accountability.

Answer from Malarndirri McCarthy

The minister confirmed three detections in migratory seabirds, with no evidence of mass wildlife mortality or infection in poultry. She stated that national biosecurity response arrangements were activated, with states leading on-ground responses supported by the Commonwealth. She highlighted a $113 million investment for readiness within more than $2 billion of biosecurity funding. She noted that a whole-of-government taskforce had been established in 2024 and six national simulation exercises had been conducted.

Answer from Malarndirri McCarthy

The minister stated she had contacted the Queensland government and Mount Isa City Council. She noted that Indigenous Business Australia could assist some families, while discussions were ongoing regarding the debt. She confirmed she had known about the matter for a month or more and assured families that the government was working to prevent homelessness.

Answer from Malarndirri McCarthy

The minister highlighted the delivery of 6,000 jobs in remote communities, including in Wujal Wujal. She announced that 120 stores had signed up to the Low-cost Essentials Subsidy Scheme, reducing the cost of 30 essential items to city prices. She criticised the opposition for advocating cuts to Indigenous programs.

Answer from Malarndirri McCarthy

The minister stated that the Commonwealth's role was to promote justice reinvestment programs, of which over 30 were running across the country, including successful initiatives in the Northern Territory. She emphasised that states and territories were responsible for jailing citizens and called on them to work harder to reduce incarceration rates. In response to the suggestion to scrap Closing the Gap, she firmly rejected it, noting that over 800 members from 80 organisations were involved in the agreement. She argued that giving up was not an option and that the government must continue to work with all jurisdictions to improve lives. In response to further questions about tying funding to progress, she stated she had already advocated for accountability through federal funding agreements, citing the Northern Territory Remote Aboriginal Investment as an example.

Answer from Malarndirri McCarthy

The minister stated she had expressed concerns to the Northern Territory government and urged them to consult with Aboriginal organizations and commissioners. She noted that coronial and police investigations were underway and that comments should not jeopardize these legal processes. Regarding intervention, the minister acknowledged the Commonwealth's constitutional power but emphasized the need for responsible use of that power, citing past negative impacts of interventions on Northern Territory families.

Answer from Malarndirri McCarthy

The minister listed measures including halving the fuel excise, amending fuel standards, releasing 20 per cent of the strategic fuel stockpile, and deferring full cost recovery for export services until 1 July 2027. She noted that new legislation gave Export Finance Australia powers to underwrite fertiliser purchases and that a fertiliser working group had been established. The minister also highlighted that the heavy vehicle road user charge was set to zero for three months.

Answer from Malarndirri McCarthy

The minister defended the event as an opportunity to meet stakeholders in New South Wales, an area outside her usual northern focus. She stated that she worked within disclosure rules and that fundraising was necessary to support her work. She rejected the suggestion that she would replace the event with meetings for grassroots organisations, calling the implication 'grubby'. She affirmed that her office and staff were diligent in engaging with all stakeholders, including through online meetings and phone calls.

Answer from Malarndirri McCarthy

The minister reported that more than 1,000 people had been evacuated from remote communities in the Northern Territory. She highlighted the role of the Australian Defence Force and the establishment of a 24/7 field hospital in Katherine. She noted that resilience packages had funded upgrades to remote stores, including refrigeration and solar panels, allowing some communities to hold up to 10 weeks of stock. She stated that 75 additional remote stores could now apply for improvements. She also detailed how Remote Jobs and Economic Development (RJED) workers and rangers were assisting with clean-up, road clearing, and patrols at evacuation centres. She announced a commitment to double remote jobs to 6,000 by 2030, backed by $299 million.

Answer from Malarndirri McCarthy

The minister stated that development activity at Lee Point was paused pending the outcome of proceedings before the Northern Territory Civil and Administrative Tribunal. She confirmed that Defence Housing Australia had ceased construction, except for essential maintenance, and would not recommence works until legal, heritage, and environmental requirements were met.

Answer from Malarndirri McCarthy

The minister stated that the government supported a robust and sustainable agricultural industry. She highlighted investments of over $2 billion in agriculture, including $60.8 million for emissions reduction and $87 million for the Zero Net Emissions Agriculture Cooperative Research Centre. She argued that farmers were choosing to earn money through carbon credits and hosting renewables.

Answer from Malarndirri McCarthy

The minister announced the doubling of remote community jobs to 6,000 and the expansion of the Low-Cost Essentials Subsidy Scheme to all 225 remote stores. She highlighted a $450 million boost to health services and $218 million for violence prevention. Regarding mental health, she noted a $13.9 million investment to extend 13YARN operating hours. For food security, she explained that the food resilience package was being expanded to 75 additional stores to improve storage and refrigeration capabilities during supply disruptions.

Answer from Malarndirri McCarthy

The minister explained that RAES would offer customised assistance to approximately 40,000 individuals in 1,200 isolated areas, emphasising skills training and mentoring. She noted that at least 25 per cent of provider funding would be invested in local community projects. In response to supplementary questions, she stated that RAES would work alongside the Remote Jobs and Economic Development program, which is creating 3,000 jobs in sectors like health, education, and tourism. She also highlighted additional job creation through 900 new ranger positions and over 100 nutrition workforce roles in remote stores.

Answer from Malarndirri McCarthy

The minister highlighted government efforts to create 3,000 jobs in remote Australia, including ranger positions. She defended the government's migration stance and criticized the opposition for opposing infrastructure and housing development. Regarding net zero, she emphasized the need for climate action and responsible management of climate impacts, rejecting the suggestion to abandon net zero targets.

Answer from Malarndirri McCarthy

The minister stated that the consultation on speed limits was a continuation of a policy initiated by the Nationals in 2018. She emphasized that the government had doubled funding for the Roads to Recovery Program to $1 billion per year and reversed freezes on highway maintenance. The minister argued that the opposition was not genuinely interested in road safety and was using the issue for political gain.

Answer from Malarndirri McCarthy

The minister stated that the government was legislating a digital duty of care to place the onus on platforms to proactively keep Australians safe. She acknowledged the challenges in enforcement but emphasised that the minister was working diligently to ensure the legislation, including the ban for users under 16, was ready for implementation in December. She confirmed that all recommendations from the independent review were being carefully examined.

Answer from Malarndirri McCarthy

The minister stated that her role was to work with states and territories on incarceration and death in custody rates. She mentioned working through the Coalition of Peaks and with Pat Turner. She did not confirm the establishment of an independent Commonwealth investigative body, instead emphasizing collaboration with jurisdictions and considering federal funding levers to hold states accountable.

Answer from Malarndirri McCarthy

The minister stated that the government was not introducing mandates but was supporting the introduction of methane-reducing additives. She declined to answer specific questions about labeling rights and health risks, stating she had answered the questions and would take further examples on notice.

Answer from Malarndirri McCarthy

The minister noted that states and territories determine their own road laws and speed limits. She highlighted the government's investment in safer roads and fairer funding for regional communities. Regarding the specific comments by Minister McBain, she stated she would seek further advice from the minister. She reiterated the government's commitment to investing in regional roads and indicated she would get back to the senator with more information.

Answer from Malarndirri McCarthy

The minister reported over 550 enrolments and 152 completions since July 2023. She highlighted additional funding for Aboriginal community controlled health organizations and infrastructure upgrades. She noted benefits from expanded bulk-billing incentives for these organizations.

Answer from Malarndirri McCarthy

The minister denied the premise that roads were deteriorating, citing investments in the Northern Territory. She explained that speed limit reviews were part of a long-standing road safety agenda. She highlighted increased funding for the Roads to Recovery Program.

Answer from Malarndirri McCarthy

The minister acknowledged the power to intervene in the Northern Territory but stated that such powers must be used wisely. She confirmed she was considering all options and had expressed concerns directly to the Chief Minister about youth incarceration and the use of spit guards. She stated the Northern Territory government was on notice and promised to keep the Senate informed.

Answer from Malarndirri McCarthy

The minister commended the bravery of those who came forward. She stated that driving instructor accreditation and disciplinary processes are handled by state and territory regulators, who can suspend or cancel licenses. Criminal matters should be reported to police. In response to calls for national reform, she highlighted national actions to prevent sexual harassment in workplaces, including the Respect@Work recommendations and the Fair Work Act amendments. She did not commit to a national standards agency for driving instructors.

Answer from Malarndirri McCarthy

The minister rejected the claim that the Senate lacked opportunities to scrutinise Closing the Gap, stating that questions could be directed to relevant ministers for health, housing, and justice. She argued that the opposition was politicising the issue rather than attending estimates to ask questions. The minister confirmed she would be present at estimates to answer questions on Indigenous issues, as well as health, aged care, and local government matters.

Answer from Malarndirri McCarthy

The minister described hosting First Nations economic roundtables across multiple states, which fed into the Treasurer's productivity roundtable. She highlighted visits to Indigenous businesses such as IndigiGrow and Aunty Vicki's cafe. She announced $75 million in funding for prescribed bodies corporate and strengthened Indigenous Business Australia's ability to raise capital.

Answer from Malarndirri McCarthy

The minister confirmed the government's commitment to increasing TFES payments by 25 per cent for two years. She did not directly address the modernisation commitment or the specific findings of the independent review, stating that the minister would like to hear from stakeholders directly. The minister indicated she would take on board the points raised and get back to the senator.

Answer from Malarndirri McCarthy

The minister stated that there are no actual penalties in the Closing the Gap agreement for non-compliance, making it difficult to enforce adherence. She noted that nearly 80 per cent of the Northern Territory's budget comes from the Commonwealth, requiring a responsible response. The minister indicated she is working with the Attorney-General and will discuss oversight issues with state attorneys-general at the next SCAG meeting, but did not commit to withholding funding or specify a red line.

Answer from Malarndirri McCarthy

The minister stated the process had been ongoing for 10 years under the previous government and was based on science. She rejected claims of biosecurity risks, asserting the government does not compromise on biosecurity. She highlighted that Australian beef exports had increased by 55 per cent since the government took office, reaching $14 billion in value.

Answer from Malarndirri McCarthy

The minister rejected the premise that the government was harming agriculture, stating it supports farmers. She reiterated that biosecurity is not compromised and that Australian beef exports have grown significantly, with record-breaking values. She dismissed the question's assertions as incorrect.

Answer from Malarndirri McCarthy

The minister detailed the $707 million Remote Jobs and Economic Development program, which aims to create 3,000 jobs. Round 1 funded 650 jobs with 100 employers, building on 280 jobs from a previous trial. Round 2 received over 400 applications. The program focuses on dignity of work with proper pay and conditions, covering sectors like tourism, agriculture, and community services. The minister contrasted this with previous coalition policies.

Answer from Malarndirri McCarthy

The minister stated that the government was working to reduce incarceration rates through justice reinvestment packages. She emphasized the goal of reducing remand numbers across the country. She mentioned ongoing engagement with Indigenous affairs ministers and the Coalition of Peaks.

Answer from Malarndirri McCarthy

The minister highlighted $7.9 billion in investment to enable free GP visits for all Australians. She noted the opening of 87 urgent care clinics and a commitment to open 50 more. She mentioned a workforce package to fund 2,000 new GP trainees annually by 2028.

Answer from Malarndirri McCarthy

The minister stated that after nine years of neglect by the former government, the current administration has tripled investment in general practice. She reported that bulk-billing rose nationally by 1.9 percentage points over 14 months, reaching 77.5 per cent. She did not directly confirm or deny the 77.7 per cent figure for March, instead focusing on the financial viability of general practice prior to the election and the government's efforts to improve Medicare.

Answer from Malarndirri McCarthy

The minister noted that the National Health and Medical Research Council is conducting an expedited review of Australian Drinking Water Guidelines. She stated that Australian drinking water is regularly monitored for PFAS. Regarding health checks, she highlighted existing strong cancer care programs for First Nations Australians and offered to provide information to the senator's office. She declined to commit to specific blood testing for Wreck Bay, advising that the Department of Health and Aged Care does not recommend blood testing because results cannot determine if medical conditions are attributable to PFAS exposure.

Answer from Malarndirri McCarthy

The minister stated the government aims to make cleaner, cheaper-to-run cars accessible, noting that the standard saves Australians an average of $1,000 annually on fuel. She highlighted that over 160 new models are now available, including electric vehicles under $30,000, and dismissed opposition claims of $38 billion in fines as exaggerated. In response to supplementary questions, she cited expert opinion that outer-suburban and regional residents benefit most from fuel tax exemptions for hybrids and electric vehicles. She also noted that the opposition had voted against previous cost-of-living measures and quoted analysis suggesting fuel efficiency standards could save nearly $28 billion by 2040.

Answer from Malarndirri McCarthy

The minister stated the government is proud to invest in Tasmania's infrastructure and housing. She clarified that once funding arrangements are made with state governments, it is their responsibility to manage the projects. She rejected assertions of reckless decisions by the federal government and advised the senator to direct further questions to the Minister for Infrastructure. She maintained that the federal government supports state jurisdictions but does not intervene in their specific project management.

Answer from Malarndirri McCarthy

The minister stated that the government had replaced the Community Development Program with the Remote Jobs and Economic Development program, which was creating meaningful jobs in remote communities. She cited examples from Western Australia and the Northern Territory where participants were already benefiting. Regarding water security, she noted that Minister Plibersek had identified specific communities needing support and that proper water infrastructure was essential for deploying dialysis units. She confirmed that applications for the second round of the remote jobs program were open.

Answer from Malarndirri McCarthy

The minister outlined the Remote Jobs and Economic Development program, which would create up to 3,000 jobs over three years, and the expansion of the Indigenous Rangers Program by 1,000 positions. She noted that over 200 new homes had been built in remote Northern Territory communities and that the Connected Beginnings program was expanding to 50 communities. She also highlighted increased funding for legal services and family violence prevention, and justice reinvestment initiatives in 27 sites. For 2025, she announced $842 million for essential services in the NT, ending freight costs on 30 household items in 76 remote stores, and upskilling 120 local staff.

Answer from Malarndirri McCarthy

The minister stated that the government had not moved away from the principles of the Uluru Statement from the Heart. She explained that the government was waiting for the outcomes of the Senate inquiry into truth-telling, which included submissions from hundreds of people. She noted that the government had campaigned on various issues in 2022, including the referendum, but had prioritized cost-of-living measures upon taking office. She confirmed that the government would wait for the inquiry's recommendations before deciding on next steps.

Answer from Malarndirri McCarthy

The minister highlighted that the government had tripled the bulk-billing incentive from November 2021, leading to a national increase in bulk-billing rates from 75.6% to 77.5%. She attributed previous declines to a six-year freeze on Medicare rebates under the former government. She noted record numbers of junior doctors entering GP training, particularly in rural areas.

Answer from Malarndirri McCarthy

The minister acknowledged justice is a state and territory issue but stated she had called on ministers to review remand practices. She noted a letter had been sent to follow up on progress. She highlighted the appointment of an interim First Nations children's commissioner to address these issues.

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.

Answer from Malarndirri McCarthy

The minister confirmed the government's commitment to keeping Australians safe online, noting that penalties for breaches had been increased from less than $1 million to $50 million. She stated that a digital duty of care would be legislated to place the onus on platforms, alongside other measures such as a minimum age for social media and laws against deepfakes. In response to supplementary questions about the lack of a timeline, she asserted that the government was not sitting idle and was working through recommendations to balance safety with free speech. She clarified that the government was not contemplating changes to allow the eSafety Commissioner to remove content overseas.