Michaelia Cash

Answer from Penny Wong

The minister emphasised respect and dignity for all people, citing former Senator Marise Payne's call for sensitivity. She highlighted the government's focus on women's equality, including the National Plan to End Violence against Women and Girls and efforts to address the gender pay gap. She challenged the opposition to condemn comments regarding consent in marriage and to support development assistance for girls' education and rights in developing countries.

Answer from Penny Wong

The minister acknowledged the pressure on households from global shocks, including the pandemic, conflicts in Europe and the Middle East, and energy market disruptions. She highlighted government actions such as free doctor visits, cheaper medicines, support for first-home buyers, and free TAFE. Regarding wages, she noted that annual wage growth had exceeded three per cent for 16 consecutive quarters, unemployment was at a half-century low, and 1.3 million jobs had been created. She emphasized that the national minimum wage had increased by more than $12,000 annually, a rise of over 30 per cent, and that pay rises were delivered for early educators and aged care workers. On housing, she stated the government was implementing tax cuts and ensuring fair conditions for investors and first-home buyers to ensure equity.

Answer from Penny Wong

The minister expressed respect for veterans and noted that Minister Keogh had started talks after publishing a consultation paper. She stated that the $5,000 threshold for health services would not apply to those on special rate disability pension, totally and permanently incapacitated pension, or those determined to be catastrophically injured. The minister highlighted a $169.7 million investment in allied health provider fees, the largest in over a decade, responding to Royal Commission recommendation 71. She also criticized the opposition for not addressing a backlog of 42,000 veteran compensation claims during their time in government.

Answer from Penny Wong

The minister confirmed the Prime Minister had confidence in Minister Keogh. She noted that the minister had acknowledged his error in not meeting the veterans initially. She reiterated that veterans with clinical needs would retain access to allied health services above the $5,000 threshold. She highlighted government investments in the Department of Veterans' Affairs to address a backlog of approximately 42,000 compensation claims.

Answer from Penny Wong

The minister reiterated that the government had lifted the turnover threshold to $10 million for small business capital gains tax concessions, covering 98 per cent of active businesses. She stated that the Treasurer was engaging in consultation regarding innovative startup arrangements, with a consultation paper released on 18 June. The minister advised that the government would proceed with consultations in good faith and introduce amendments as necessary, but did not specify the exact timing of eligibility assessment for innovative startups.

Answer from Penny Wong

The minister acknowledged the policy change, stating it was necessary to address intergenerational inequity and help young Australians enter the housing market. She argued that the status quo was failing young people and that the budget papers demonstrated worsening inequity. Regarding trusts, she noted that 82 per cent had no underlying business operations, justifying the need for equitable tax arrangements while excluding farming and testamentary trusts.

Answer from Penny Wong

The minister stated that the budget would reflect Australian values of fairness and opportunity, particularly for young people seeking housing and jobs. She argued that the opposition had consistently opposed government efforts to increase housing supply and ensure fuel security. In response to the supplementary questions, she reiterated that the government prioritizes giving young people a fair go and criticized the opposition for lacking vision and aligning with One Nation.

Answer from Penny Wong

The minister stated that the government was responding to an unprecedented shock to global energy markets caused by conflict in the Middle East. She outlined that the Prime Minister would address the nation to explain measures taken to shore up supply, including releasing 20 per cent of fuel reserves and changing fuel standards. The minister criticized the opposition for attempting to create doubt about the government's fuel plan, referencing leaked talking points that allegedly instructed opposition members to sow fear.

Answer from Penny Wong

The minister reported that National Cabinet had convened to address fuel supply and chain issues stemming from the Middle East conflict. A National Fuel Security Plan was adopted to coordinate responses across governments, currently operating at level 2 to keep Australia moving, with capacity to escalate to levels 3 and 4 if necessary. The minister emphasised that responsibilities span Commonwealth, state, and territory governments, as well as industry partners, with a commitment to working together to maintain economic activity.

Answer from Tim Ayres

The minister rejected the premise, accusing the opposition of hyperpartisan behaviour. He highlighted government actions including implementing minimum stockholding obligations, empowering the ACCC against price gouging, and appointing a coordinator-general to manage supply.

Answer from Penny Wong

The minister stated that the government does not mourn the passing of Ayatollah Khamenei, citing his regime's responsibility for sponsoring terrorism and attacks on Australian soil. In response to supplementary questions asking if the government would condemn the services or raise concerns with religious groups, she reiterated that the government does not mourn the ayatollah and stated that the government seeks to strengthen social cohesion.

Answer from Penny Wong

The minister stated that while inflation was higher than desired, it remained significantly lower than the 6.1 per cent rate inherited from the previous government. She highlighted that the government's priority was easing cost-of-living pressures through measures such as cheaper medicines, bulk-billing incentives, student debt relief, and tax cuts. The minister noted that the opposition had voted against these cost-of-living measures. In response to supplementary questions, she affirmed agreement with the Prime Minister's assessment, citing a growing economy, record low unemployment, and wage growth. She listed specific supports including energy bill relief, childcare subsidies, and rent assistance increases.

Answer from Penny Wong

The minister expressed condolences to victims and described the attack as an evil, ISIS-inspired act of antisemitic violence. She stated that the Prime Minister had publicly expressed sorrow for the grief experienced by the Jewish community and the nation. The minister emphasised that the government's responsibility was to act to prevent future attacks, noting that the government was prioritising the drafting of legislation to address the issue. She argued that national unity and action were more important than further words.

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 Penny Wong

The minister stated the government was aware of media reporting but confirmed it was not providing assistance or repatriating this cohort. In response to supplementary questions about guarantees regarding terrorist acts and monitoring, she reiterated that the government was not repatriating the group and that security agencies' advice was always taken to keep Australians safe.

Answer from Penny Wong

The minister reiterated the government's condemnation of Hamas as a terrorist organisation dedicated to Israel's destruction. She stated that international consensus, including from Arab nations, requires a reformed Palestinian Authority and the demilitarisation of Hamas before recognition can occur. She argued that addressing the issue of a Palestinian state is essential for long-term peace and security, aligning with positions taken by the United Kingdom and France. The minister criticised the opposition for not supporting a ceasefire, which she claimed is supported by the international community and President Trump.

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 Penny Wong

The minister stated that the government's economic plan focuses on Australians earning and keeping more of their income. She noted that while the government has not changed its tax policy, some members are open to discussing capital gains tax reforms. Regarding negative gearing, she confirmed no changes to tax policy but highlighted the government's detailed housing supply and demand measures. On GST, she referred to the Prime Minister's previous statements confirming the funding arrangement for Western Australia.

Answer from Penny Wong

The minister criticized the opposition for consistently voting against cost-of-living relief, including energy bill rebates and previous tax cuts. She stated that inflation was decreasing and real wages were growing. She argued that the opposition's nuclear proposal would require cuts to essential services.

Answer from Penny Wong

The minister stated that the allegations were sickening and affirmed the government's commitment to safe workplaces. She noted that Minister Watt had referred matters to the Victorian Deputy Premier for WorkSafe action and that allegations of violence were referred to the Australian Federal Police. The minister argued that the opposition's proposal to deregister the CFMEU would return control to John Setka, whom she described as a criminal element. She asserted that the government stands against violence against women and that deregistration would allow criminal elements to regain control without regulation.

Answer from Penny Wong

The minister condemned the footage as vile and stated that antisemitism has no place in Australia or its health system. She confirmed that New South Wales authorities had stood down the individuals and referred them to police for criminal investigation. Regarding the supplementary question, she noted that the Prime Minister regularly engages with states and territories on antisemitism but did not confirm a specific National Cabinet call. She added that the matter was being handled through appropriate procedures, including referral to the Health Care Complaints Commission, which feeds into the National Registration and Accreditation Scheme.

Answer from Penny Wong

The minister stated that Australia's position in the United Nations reflected international concern and aligned with countries such as Canada, the United Kingdom, New Zealand, Japan, and Korea. She argued that conflating government concerns about the humanitarian situation in Gaza with antisemitism was unhelpful, noting that the government advocated for a ceasefire and peace for both Israelis and Palestinians. She condemned the rise in antisemitism as unacceptable and rejected hate acts, including slogans outside the Sydney Opera House. In response to supplementary questions regarding specific attacks and UN motions, she reiterated that the government consistently condemned Hamas and called for hostage releases, dismissing the suggestion that it supported one-sided motions as misinformation. She noted that the opposition leader had opposed a ceasefire supported by US presidents.