Senate

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.

Answer from Murray Watt

The minister reported that widespread rainfall had caused flooding over an area spanning more than 400 kilometres, cutting off many communities. He noted that five national helicopters, including assets from the Australian Defence Force, were supporting state emergency services, marking the first deployment of national aerial assets outside of bushfires. He expressed condolences for the death in Ingham and thanked first responders. In response to supplementary questions, he confirmed that personal hardship payments of $180 for individuals and up to $900 for families of five or more had been activated for specific regions. He also announced a period of emergency for childcare services in North Queensland, providing gap-fee waivers. Regarding long-term preparation, he highlighted a disaster preparedness program involving over 2,500 people, an additional $35 million commitment for aerial capability, and nearly $750 million invested in the Disaster Ready Fund for projects such as cyclone shelters and drainage improvements.

Answer from Penny Wong

The minister declined to provide a specific date, stating that the government does not comment on operational matters regarding national security to avoid undermining police investigations. She emphasized that the priority was ensuring those responsible faced the full force of the law and that the community should show solidarity with the Jewish community. In response to supplementary questions, she reiterated that the government takes advice from national security agencies rather than political commentators and dismissed the opposition's focus on the timing of briefings as playing politics with a serious investigation.

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 Penny Wong

The minister listed government measures including tax cuts for all taxpayers, cheaper childcare and medicines, boosted bulk-billing, 75 free Medicare urgent care clinics, energy bill relief, fee-free TAFE, reduced HECS debts, and expanded paid parental leave. She noted that inflation had fallen from the six per cent range to the two per cent range. In response to supplementary questions, she emphasized ongoing efforts to crack down on unfair pricing and deliver better bargaining rights for workers, promising a further 20 per cent slash in student debts if re-elected. She contrasted this with the opposition's plan for $350 billion in secret cuts and $10 billion in tax breaks for business lunches, arguing that the opposition's policies would worsen the cost of living.

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.

Answer from Katy Gallagher

The minister confirmed that the Assistant Treasurer had announced plans to introduce legislation to prevent discrimination based on predictive genetic test results in life insurance. She stated that Treasury would soon consult on how to shape the proposed draft legislation. In response to supplementary questions, she indicated that a consultation process on an exposure draft was underway, suggesting it would be difficult to pass the legislation before the federal election due in May, as proper consultation requires time.

Answer from Penny Wong

The minister stated that General Campbell was appointed due to his experience and skills, particularly relevant for engagement with NATO. She agreed to provide the specific terms, salary, and benefits details if possible before the end of question time, noting that the terms were standard for the post. In response to supplementary questions about resources and trade expertise, she indicated that no particular changes to the Brussels post were anticipated and that trade negotiations are led by DFAT trade negotiators rather than ambassadors. She also noted that appropriate processes had been undertaken regarding allegations related to the Brereton report.

Answer from Katy Gallagher

The minister stated that the government had reduced inflation to almost a third of its previous level, grown jobs by 1.1 million, and delivered budget surpluses. She noted that the government had lowered the inherited debt by $177 billion and reduced interest payments by $70 billion. In response to supplementary questions, she highlighted that wages were growing and unemployment remained low. She contrasted this with the opposition's plan for $350 billion in cuts to fund $600 billion in nuclear reactors and tax breaks for business lunches, arguing that the opposition's policies would worsen the economic situation.

Answer from Penny Wong

The minister argued that the opposition's alternative policy of investing $600 billion in nuclear power would result in more expensive energy and higher costs for consumers. She stated that renewable energy is the cheapest form of new energy and that the current high prices were a consequence of the previous government's failure to invest and provide certainty. In response to supplementary questions about specific companies' cost increases, she reiterated that the opposition had voted against $3 billion in energy bill relief for millions of Australians and that their policies would lead to higher household bills.

Answer from Murray Watt

The minister reported that the interim review found a significant rise in employees under collective agreements and that wages were starting to improve. He noted that full-time workers were earning an extra $213 a week in median terms compared with three years ago, real wages had risen for four consecutive quarters, and the gender pay gap was at a historic low. In response to supplementary questions, he emphasized that the opposition had voted against these workplace laws and promised to repeal protections such as the right to disconnect and same job, same pay laws, arguing that this would worsen the economic situation for workers.