Zali Steggall

Answer from Chris Bowen

The minister affirmed close cooperation with Pacific nations, citing the Palau declaration which identified climate change as the biggest threat to livelihoods. He highlighted domestic progress, noting that renewable energy had exceeded 50 per cent of the mix in the last quarter of the previous year. He argued that building new renewable energy is the pathway for transition, replacing old energy sources gradually. He committed to continuing international work with Pacific leaders to elevate climate issues on the global stage.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister stated that every woman and girl has the right to feel safe and that there must be zero tolerance for sexual violence. He noted that rates of reported sexual violence had risen significantly between 2010 and 2024. He announced that he would convene National Cabinet to discuss progress on the second National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children. The Prime Minister highlighted the funding of 500 additional workers for community services and pledged to hold state governments accountable for funding withdrawals.

Answer from Jim Chalmers

The Treasurer stated that analysis from the Treasury, Productivity Commission, OECD, and Reserve Bank consistently showed that migrants contributed significantly to the economy and innovation. He noted that the government was reducing net overseas migration by 45 per cent below its peak while recognizing the important role of migrants. He rejected the approach of those seeking to divide the community over migration issues.

Answer from Daniel Mulino

The Minister stated that the government is committed to making insurance more affordable through multiple approaches. He highlighted the $200 million Disaster Ready Fund for mitigation works and the strengthening of the General Insurance Code of Practice, which will become contractually enforceable. He also mentioned a new project to improve price transparency in insurance premiums and risk reductions. The Minister emphasized a strategic, long-term approach to regulation involving consumer groups and industry experts.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister stated he had not yet considered the specific details of the member's bill but was willing to review it. He acknowledged the seriousness of AI in political advertising, noting recent deepfake videos of politicians, and confirmed that the government had convened ministers to examine the issue. He emphasized the need to shape emerging technologies rather than be shaped by them and committed to working constructively across the parliament.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister referred to previous announcements at the National Press Club regarding problem gambling reforms. He stated that the government was taking more action on problem gambling than any previous administration. He indicated that further engagement with crossbenchers and parliamentarians would continue as part of the comprehensive reform process.

Answer from Richard Marles

The Minister explained that Defence properties were being audited to determine their role in national capability, with non-essential assets to be transferred to the Department of Finance. He stated that the disposal process would take time, allowing for community engagement on future use. He committed to working with the member and the Assistant Minister for Defence to ensure the best outcome for the community.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister stated he would meet with Zomi Frankcom's brother, Mal, that afternoon to express condolences. He noted that Australia had publicly condemned the killing of Zomi and her colleagues. The Prime Minister mentioned raising the issue with Israeli President Isaac Hertzog during his visit. He highlighted Australia's leadership in launching the Declaration for the Protection of Humanitarian Personnel at the UN. The Prime Minister committed to continuing work to ensure transparency and appropriate action.

Answer from Jim Chalmers

The Treasurer acknowledged that commodity volatility leads to forecast variations but emphasized that PRRT reforms ensured more tax was paid sooner. He reiterated that the government believed Australians deserved a fair return on resources, which motivated the PRRT changes. He did not admit to getting the forecasts wrong but confirmed the policy intent to increase tax contributions from the sector.

Answer from Anthony Albanese; Anika Wells

The Prime Minister acknowledged the divisive nature of some political advocacy and suggested the Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters consider the issues, while emphasizing freedom of expression. The Minister for Communications stated that the government was implementing a digital duty of care to address online harms, including deepfakes and hate speech. She noted that consultation had closed and legislation was intended to pass by year-end, placing responsibility on big tech to prevent harm proactively.

Answer from Jim Chalmers

The Treasurer stated he would consult with colleagues regarding that specific parcel of land. He noted that the government had already built approximately 5,000 social and affordable homes, with another 25,000 in planning or construction, and emphasized a consultative approach to future developments.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister stated he had raised the issue of Zomi Frankcom and her colleagues with the Israeli President during a recent meeting. He emphasized the government's expectation of transparency regarding Israel's ongoing investigation and continued pressure for full accountability, including appropriate criminal charges. He referenced the Declaration for the Protection of Humanitarian Personnel launched at the United Nations, which was signed by over 100 nations. The Prime Minister confirmed that the Israeli President agreed to engage further on the issues raised and expressed condolences to the family.

Answer from Tanya Plibersek

The Minister stated that the government did not believe another royal commission was necessary, as frontline workers preferred implementation over further reports. She noted that there were already 1,000 recommendations from eight major inquiries, including the recent rapid review commissioned by National Cabinet. The government was currently implementing 583 initiatives, 122 of which were Commonwealth-led, supported by a $4 billion investment. She announced that consultation would begin on the second action plan of the National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister responded with a single word, stating that the government did not consider such advertising acceptable.

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 Anika Wells

The Minister stated that she and the Minister for the Arts are working on local content quotas, acknowledging their importance to the Australian industry. She promised to provide an update as soon as possible.

Answer from Jim Chalmers

The Treasurer stated that the exposure is substantial and was part of the discussions at the Economic Reform Roundtable. He confirmed that the Minister for Climate Change and Energy would release the risk and adaptation work in September 2025. He emphasized that these issues have significant economic consequences and are front of mind for the government.

Answer from Tony Burke

The Minister stated that plastic pollution was a global problem requiring global solutions. He highlighted Australia's role in the High Ambition Coalition to End Plastic Pollution and the goal of a binding treaty by 2040. He noted the government had delivered over $1 billion for recycling, including $60 million for soft plastics, creating 3,000 jobs. He affirmed the government's commitment to international action and domestic measures to boost recycling.

Answer from Anthony Albanese; Kristy McBain

The Prime Minister acknowledged the impact of climate change on weather events and mentioned recent changes to the RIC program to support resilience. The Minister for Emergency Management highlighted the $1 billion Disaster Ready Fund, with projects including levees and culvert upgrades. She emphasized the importance of both hard infrastructure and soft infrastructure, such as preparedness programs in local communities.

Answer from Chris Bowen

The minister explained that the government sets targets following a rigorous process outlined in the Climate Change Act, including advice from the Climate Change Authority. He emphasized that targets must be both ambitious and achievable, and that the government had not yet received the Authority's advice. He stated that the government would follow the established process to announce the target.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister stated that the National Environmental Protection Authority legislation had been blocked in the Senate by crossbenchers, including the Greens, for months. He argued that the government had acted on its promises but was hindered by opposition in the Senate. He urged voters to support Labor to ensure legislation passed, criticizing the crossbenchers for delaying bills on environment and housing.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister stated that the government was already developing a national adaptation plan and risk assessment. He highlighted the Disaster Ready Fund, which provided $200 million annually for resilient projects such as raising levees and building better bridges. He also mentioned the Hazards Insurance Partnership, which worked with insurance companies to reduce premiums and improve resilience.