Tony Burke

Answer from Tony Burke

The minister stated that excessive cuts to immigration would damage the Australian economy by depriving industries of necessary skills. He noted that sectors such as agriculture, construction, and education rely on overseas workers and international students. While acknowledging the need to temper migration to allow housing supply to catch up, he argued that responsible management requires maintaining sufficient workforce levels for key industries.

Answer from Tony Burke

The minister stated that the government was proud of its generous humanitarian program, noting that the Howard government had also valued such programs. He explained that some budget items are listed as terminating programs but are automatically renewed after four years, arguing that the opposition's suggestion that all terminating programs are intended to be cut was incorrect. He dismissed the premise of the question as a misunderstanding of how budgeting works.

Answer from Tony Burke

The minister addressed the part of the question regarding ruling out cuts, stating that the decision to maintain the intake at 20,000 places was the specific decision being referred to. He confirmed that the government had boosted the humanitarian program to 20,000 places upon taking office and that it remained at that level.

Answer from Tony Burke

The minister acknowledged the issues raised by regional members and stated that net overseas migration needed to be reduced. He explained that the immigration system had been largely demand-driven and that the government was working on legislative options to target the system more effectively. He indicated that further announcements regarding these issues would be made the following day.

Answer from Tony Burke

The minister stated that security threats to MPs had almost doubled over five years, reaching over 1,000 in the last financial year. He highlighted allegations of individuals being paid to stalk, disrupt, and intimidate politicians, citing specific incidents involving the member for Blair, the member for Calare, and the member for Corangamite. He called on all parliamentarians to condemn such behaviour and ensure safe participation in democracy.

Answer from Tony Burke

The Minister argued that reducing excise would not solve the price differential between legal and illicit cigarettes, as the raw cost of illicit tobacco remains significantly lower. He emphasised that the solution lay in law enforcement through the National Disruption Group, involving the AFP, AUSTRAC, and the Criminal Intelligence Commission. He cited recent operations that seized over 107,000 cigarettes and closed 11 stores, as well as Border Force seizures of over 2 billion illegal cigarettes and 268 tonnes of loose-leaf tobacco. He criticised the opposition for not modelling the impact of their policies on nicotine use.

Answer from Tony Burke

The minister stated that he had not been briefed on the specific details regarding the individual workers mentioned. He indicated that he would seek further information on the matter and report back to the member directly.

Answer from Tony Burke

The minister stated that the government had provided a flexible system for states and territories to participate in the buyback, with costs shared fifty-fifty. He noted that phase 2 of the New South Wales buyback would start in early 2027, covering higher-value firearms above $3,000. He criticized a private member's bill in the Senate that sought to undo restrictions on 3D printed weapons, which he described as a threat to public safety.

Answer from Tony Burke

The minister reported that Operation BROADSTAFF in Weipa had successfully intercepted illegal fishing vessels, some of which were burnt. He stated that all individuals attempting to enter Australia without visas were removed by the following morning, and those assisting them were arrested. The minister criticized the opposition for voting with the Greens to release surveillance information, arguing this aids people smugglers by providing them with operational details.

Answer from Tony Burke

The minister expressed pride in Border Force for successfully intercepting drugs and handling aggressive situations, noting that no people smuggling operation has succeeded in over a decade. He refuted the claim of weakness by stating that all recent illegal arrivals were removed. He criticized the opposition leader for supporting the release of surveillance information, arguing this provides people smugglers with the intelligence they seek.

Answer from Tony Burke

The Minister stated that the National Environmental Protection Agency was established on 1 July. He highlighted stronger regulatory powers, an expanded auditing framework, and increased penalties for environmental harm. He noted that the opposition had voted against these protections and the establishment of the independent regulator.

Answer from Tony Burke

The minister stated that approval times under the new legislation had significantly improved. He clarified that heritage listings, including National and World Heritage listings, deal with both natural and cultural values. He noted that many listings specifically include cultural values, ensuring that the principles referred to by the member are incorporated into Australian law.

Answer from Tony Burke

The minister stated that the Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder provided annual reports on objectives and that a review of the Murray-Darling Basin Plan was underway. He explained that the government opposed withholding excess water to maintain basin health, as a living river system was essential for jobs and towns. He noted that water holdings for the Commonwealth were similar to those of irrigators, with allocations going down during droughts. He argued that returning to the pre-reform system would lead to blackwater events and unusable water, harming both the ecosystem and irrigators.

Answer from Tony Burke

The Minister stated that the threat alert level remained at 'probable' but that the threat dynamic was more diverse and degraded than when the level was first set. He highlighted the convergence of various bigoted groups on antisemitism and cited recent incidents including the Adass Israel synagogue attack and arrests in Perth and Western Australia. He instructed the public to contact the National Security Hotline for concerns and to help lower the temperature of public debate.

Answer from Kristy McBain; Tony Burke

The Minister for Emergency Management stated that drought events fall outside her portfolio and handed the question to the Minister for Water. The Minister for Home Affairs, answering on water matters, explained that water security varies by region, affecting crop choices. He noted that the Murray-Darling Basin Plan addresses water allocations during droughts, with high-security areas supporting permanent plantings and low-security areas suited for opportunity crops like rice.

Answer from Tony Burke

The Minister noted that the consultation period for the first standard on matters of national environmental significance had just closed. He stated that the second standard on offsets was still open for consultation. Regarding the community engagement standard, he advised that work was well progressed and the government anticipated releasing it for consultation in the coming weeks.

Answer from Tony Burke

The Minister clarified that the government does not settle returned citizens, noting that previous returns had been self-managed. He stated that consultations had taken place with various community groups, including the Assyrian National Council, the Chaldean Catholic Church, and the Yazidi community. The Minister highlighted the importance of these consultations in shaping the government's view on the individuals' past actions.

Answer from Tony Burke

The Minister stated that of the two cohorts that had arrived in recent weeks, three people were currently behind bars. One was charged with entering a declared area, and two were charged with crimes against humanity. He reminded the opposition that before the government came to office, 45 people who had gone to fight had self-managed their return.

Answer from Tony Burke

The Minister stated that the new laws allowed organisations that previously evaded terror listing to be listed as prohibited hate groups. He noted that Hizb ut-Tahrir was listed shortly after the laws passed, and on 15 May, the Neo-Nazis were listed as a prohibited hate group. He explained that the listing process required ASIO initiation and ministerial decision, and that supporting, funding, or joining these groups was now a criminal offence with penalties up to 15 years in prison. He emphasized that the laws sent a clear message that racial supremacy had no place in modern Australia.

Answer from Tony Burke

The Minister reported that the government exceeded its target of unlocking 26,000 homes by approving 35,120 new homes, with significant numbers in metropolitan and regional areas. He attributed this success to a housing strike team within the environment department, which improved on-time approval rates from six per cent under the previous government to 93 per cent. He linked these approvals to broader housing initiatives like the Housing Australia Future Fund and build-to-rent schemes.

Answer from Tony Burke

The Minister stated that net overseas migration had fallen to 45 per cent below its peak, largely due to caps on student visas linked to accommodation. He noted that the opposition had opposed this legislation. He mentioned upcoming changes to working holiday-maker visas. He criticized the Leader of the Opposition for suggesting that migrants from liberal democracies were more worthy, citing historical contributions from migrants from fascist Europe, the USSR, and Vietnam.

Answer from Anthony Albanese; Matt Keogh; Tony Burke

The Prime Minister stated that the government had cleared a backlog of 42,000 veteran compensation claims, with claims now processed within 14 days. The Minister for Veterans' Affairs added that the budget included $169.7 million to increase allied health provider fees, with physiotherapy rates rising from $75.10 to $110 in July 2027. He explained that the $5,000 limit replaced a treatment cycle constraint, and veterans with genuine clinical need could exceed it.

Answer from Tony Burke

The Minister stated that net overseas migration was 45 per cent lower than its peak, which was set by the former government. He outlined three budget changes: shifting 70 per cent of the permanent intake to onshore applicants; introducing a ballot system for working holiday-maker visas; and reducing international student numbers. He criticized the Opposition for opposing legislation to link student numbers to housing availability and for ruling out changes to backpacker visas before the election.

Answer from Tony Burke

The Minister acknowledged the long-standing challenge of fire ants in Queensland. He stated that containment funding had continued under various governments, including the Howard government and the current administration. While complete eradication had not been achieved, the Minister emphasized that containment efforts made a significant difference and prevented a worse situation. He affirmed the government's commitment to continuing these containment efforts.

Answer from Tony Burke

The Minister explained that the determination applied to over 7,000 temporary visitor visas issued before the conflict, as applicants would no longer be eligible under current circumstances. It did not apply to other temporary visas, permanent visa holders, spouses or dependent children of citizens, parents of minors in Australia, or those with permitted travel certificates. He directed the department to show sympathetic consideration for parents of Australian citizens regardless of age, and for other compelling circumstances on a case-by-case basis.

Answer from Tony Burke

The Minister reported travelling to Brisbane and Sydney to meet with team members individually to discuss their options. Two individuals initially accepted humanitarian visas to stay in Australia. However, one later changed her mind after contacting teammates and the Iranian embassy, leading to her departure. The Minister emphasized that all decisions were made voluntarily without pressure, and those who chose to stay were welcomed and issued visas. He praised the handling of the situation by officials and the respect shown to the athletes' autonomy.

Answer from Tony Burke

The minister confirmed that five members of the team had been granted humanitarian visas after being moved to a safe location by the Australian Federal Police. He stated that security checks were conducted by ASIO and the AFP before the visas were signed off. He welcomed the women to Australia and indicated that other team members could also seek support if they wished.

Answer from Tony Burke

The minister stated that the government had secured 99 per cent of the water required to meet the bridging-the-gap target. He noted that 225 gigalitres had been recovered for the additional 450-gigalitre environmental water target, with a plan to recover more than 400 gigalitres by the end of the year. He criticized the previous government for spending $80 million on water entitlements that had zero allocated water, resulting in a $52 million profit for the seller.

Answer from Tony Burke

The minister stated that the individuals concerned had requested repatriation, which the government refused. He noted that when the group took the government to court to force repatriation, the government won the case. He affirmed that public servants were acting within their legal obligations and that the government had not assisted the group.

Answer from Tony Burke

The minister stated that the government was not resettling anyone. He clarified that individuals were returning on Australian passports, a process that had occurred under previous governments. He emphasized that the government had refused repatriation requests and was not involved in settling these individuals.

Answer from Tony Burke

The Minister stated that no repatriation or assistance was provided to these individuals. He cited a subsequent letter from Save the Children expressing disappointment that the government refused to offer support, confirming that no commitments were fulfilled.

Answer from Tony Burke

The Minister stated that it had been many months since he last spoke with Dr Rifi on this matter. He referenced a letter from Save the Children following a previous meeting, which expressed disappointment at the government's refusal to provide assistance to Australians overseas.

Answer from Tony Burke

The Minister declined to discuss specific intelligence advice in the House. He confirmed that ASIO had advised that one member of the cohort met the threshold for a temporary exclusion order, which the government had implemented. He stated that the government would not take risks with national security and would act on agency advice to exclude individuals who met the legal threshold.

Answer from Tony Burke

The Minister stated that a 20-year-old man was charged with preparing for a terrorist act and firearms offences. He was arrested during an investigation into online hate speech, where a manifesto outlining plans to attack mosques, police headquarters, and parliament was found. He warned of a new security environment involving online extremism and urged Australians to report hateful behaviour to the National Security Hotline.

Answer from Tony Burke

The minister stated that developing new environmental standards was the top priority, with around 700 submissions being processed. He explained that delegation of assessments must be functioning before delegation of approvals would be considered. He noted that the new legislation would commence in stages throughout the coming year.

Answer from Tony Burke

The Minister announced Operation BROADSTAFF to combat illegal fishing in Queensland and the Torres Strait, led by the Australian Border Force. He cited previous successes in Operation LEEDSTRUM and Operation LUNAR, which resulted in hundreds of interceptions and boat destructions. He noted that border protection funding had increased by $600 million and surveillance flights were 26 per cent higher than in 2022-23. He warned illegal fishers that they risked losing their vessels and freedom.

Answer from Tony Burke

The minister characterised the event as a horrific terrorist attack in which a 31-year-old male was accused of hurling a home-made explosive at a group. He noted that the Joint Counter Terrorism Team responded within 40 minutes of the detention. The individual faced charges for participating in a terrorist act, marking the first instance of this offence in Western Australia, with a potential life sentence. The minister highlighted that white supremacist beliefs were cited as the alleged motive and encouraged citizens to share any concerning details with the National Security Hotline.

Answer from Tony Burke

The Minister stated that nothing degrades democracy more than a terrorist attack, justifying the rapid response. He explained that public servants worked daily to prepare legislation, which was released as an exposure draft to allow review. He argued that the speed was necessary, citing the disbandment of the National Socialist Network before the parliament returned as evidence that timely action deterred extremist activity. He emphasized that safety priorities require quick action when necessary.

Answer from Tony Burke

The Minister explained that the new sessional order was necessary because the crossbench had grown to match the size of the opposition. He noted that this allowed for more crossbench questions. He highlighted recent defections from the opposition, reducing their numbers to 23 members following the shadow cabinet, while 33 do not. He criticized the opposition's internal divisions and leadership challenges.

Answer from Anthony Albanese; Tony Burke

The Prime Minister acknowledged radical Islamic extremism as a major problem, noting that hate preachers and sole actors pose significant threats that are difficult to detect. He stated that the Richardson review would examine these issues. The Minister for Home Affairs added that the counterterrorism and violent extremism strategy was released the previous year and that programs were regularly measured. He noted that since 2014, 189 people had been charged in counterterrorism operations, with 35 currently before the courts, including 18 children. He highlighted that threats were becoming more complex, with mixed ideologies and younger individuals radicalising faster, predominantly online.

Answer from Tony Burke

The Minister stated that the reforms addressed both the motivation and method of the attack. He clarified that the laws were not a blanket ban and would not affect responsible licence holders, athletes, pest controllers, or farmers. He argued that under the proposed laws, the two attackers would have been able to access zero firearms because only citizens could get licences, and the firearms used would not have been available. He noted that background checks and intelligence sharing would have prevented the issuance of licences to the attackers, and that the opposition voted against these measures.

Answer from Tony Burke

The Minister referred to the arson attack on the Adass Israel Synagogue in the member's electorate. He stated that the AFP had identified an alleged offshore offender, referred to as Person No. 1, as a top priority. This individual, who had been deported, was linked to illicit tobacco trade and violent crimes, including suspected links to the synagogue firebombing. The AFP shared information with international law enforcement, leading to the individual's arrest in Iraq in January. The Minister stated that keeping the individual out of Australia and in custody was the best outcome.

Answer from Tony Burke

The minister answered no.

Answer from Tony Burke

The minister stated that the arrangements were important for stopping boat arrivals, citing a 90 per cent reduction in 2013. He emphasized that the current arrangements involved individuals who had committed serious crimes and had their visas cancelled. He argued that visa cancellation must be meaningful and that third-country resettlement was necessary when return to origin countries was not possible.

Answer from Tony Burke

The minister listed government achievements including student debt cuts, cheaper medicines, and environmental reforms. He criticized the opposition for internal division and lack of ideas, comparing their behavior to characters in A Christmas Carol.

Answer from Tony Burke

The minister highlighted the AFP commissioner's work at the Interpol conference to share information on hate groups. He described the cancellation of a visa for a non-citizen involved in a neo-Nazi demonstration in Sydney, noting the individual was in immigration detention awaiting removal. He emphasized that Australia would not tolerate the importation of overseas hatreds and that such individuals were not welcome.

Answer from Tony Burke

The Minister explained that the environment legislation was based on the Samuel report, which recommended establishing standards for community consultation. He stated that draft standards would be made available once the bill became law, as standards require legislative backing to have force. He emphasized the need to pass the legislation to implement these recommendations.

Answer from Tony Burke

The Minister explained that the new legislation shifted from a 'no net loss' to a 'net gain' principle. He described the establishment of an independent Restoration Contributions Holder to manage landscape-scale offsets. He stated that the government was open to discussions and amendments to ensure the legislation passed.

Answer from Anthony Albanese; Tony Burke

The Prime Minister briefly affirmed support for local content in the arts sector before handing the question to the Minister for the Arts. The Minister explained that while Australian content is guaranteed on ABC, SBS, commercial TV, and Foxtel, there is currently no guarantee for streaming services. He stated that the government's objective remains to ensure Australian content is available across all platforms, but noted that previous methods for free-to-air TV and public broadcasters do not apply to on-demand commercial streaming services. He indicated that the government is working through trade obligations to find suitable methods for regulating streaming services and hoped to report further progress to the House.

Answer from Tony Burke

The Minister stated that the actions described as assistance were legal obligations under the Citizenship Act and passport laws, not discretionary support. He clarified that the government followed the law by processing applications for citizenship and passports where eligible, providing no more or less than required. He contrasted this with the previous government's handling of returns, noting that no support was given to individuals who returned under their tenure, regardless of their involvement with extremist groups.