Peter Dutton

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister noted that the opposition had reintroduced petrol indexation in 2014 and had previously proposed temporary fuel relief in 2022 that subsequently disappeared. He stated that current fuel prices are a result of legislation passed by the previous government. He argued that the opposition, having voted against tax cuts, had declared they would increase taxes for every taxpayer if elected. He listed opposition policies including a $600 billion nuclear power plant, a lunch policy, and tax increases, asserting they had no lasting cost-of-living plan.

Answer from Anthony Albanese (Prime Minister)

The Prime Minister did not provide a substantive answer, as the question was a statement of support. The exchange concluded with the Leader of the Opposition reiterating the importance of the submarine program for national security.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister stated that the opposition had voted against tax cuts that would provide $212,000 in relief to individuals, arguing they preferred to fund nuclear reactors by cutting health and education. He highlighted that real wages had increased for five consecutive quarters, contrasting this with the previous government's record. He noted the introduction of three tranches of energy bill relief and the largest investment in Medicare since its inception, including tripling the bulk-billing incentive for 25 million Australians with an $812 billion injection. He also mentioned funding for 50 urgent care clinics, reducing medicine costs to $25, and making TAFE free, asserting that the opposition opposed every measure.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister stated that inflation had fallen from a high rate to 2.4 per cent and wages had risen for five consecutive quarters. He highlighted that the government had delivered tax payouts and cost-of-living measures, including three rounds of energy bill relief, which the opposition had opposed. He noted that the upcoming budget would provide further relief and contrasted this with the opposition's lack of policy detail and history of cutting health and education funding.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister stated that the government's housing policy is the $32 billion Homes for Australia Plan, rather than changes to negative gearing. He highlighted the build-to-rent scheme, the Housing Australia Future Fund, and the Help to Buy scheme as key initiatives. He criticized the opposition for lacking positive policy ideas, citing their proposals for nuclear energy and business tax cuts as insufficient.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister stated that the government's priorities were keeping Australians safe and allowing the ongoing investigation to proceed without interference. He noted that at least two people were in custody and emphasized the need for the Australian Federal Police, state police, ASIO, and intelligence agencies to conduct their work. He affirmed that the federal government would provide full support to these agencies.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister criticized the Leader of the Opposition for referencing classified information and playing politics. He highlighted the work of the AFP and other agencies, noting arrests in New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, and Western Australia. He stated that his priority was supporting the police and intelligence services to hold perpetrators accountable, rather than engaging in political games.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister criticized the Leader of the Opposition for playing politics instead of focusing on hunting down perpetrators. He stated that his priority was supporting the AFP, ASIO, and ASD to hold those behind antisemitic attacks accountable. He argued that the opposition's focus on political games undermined the work of security agencies.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister stated that upon taking office, real incomes were falling, inflation was high, and a $78 billion deficit existed. He noted that inflation had dropped to 2.4 per cent annually, within the Reserve Bank's target range, while unemployment remained low at four per cent. He highlighted that wages had risen for four consecutive quarters and that the government had delivered two budget surpluses. He contrasted this with the opposition's record of rising inflation and deficits, asserting that their policies would remove cost-of-living relief measures such as cheaper medicines, childcare, and energy rebates.