Senate

Answer from Penny Wong

The minister stated that inflation had fallen to a third of its election level and real wages were growing. She noted the government had achieved the lowest average unemployment rate in 50 years and created 1.1 million jobs. She acknowledged ongoing cost-of-living pressures but argued the situation was better than at the election. She accused the opposition of voting against cost-of-living relief measures.

Answer from Penny Wong

The minister described the agreement as transformative, providing $33.91 billion for 2025-26, including an additional $1.7 billion. She stated this funding would help cut waiting lists and reduce emergency room wait times. She contrasted this with previous government cuts and highlighted historic investments in Medicare rebates.

Answer from Penny Wong

The minister refused to comment on operational national security matters. She cited New South Wales police warnings that publishing information compromised the investigation. She accused the opposition of playing political games with an ongoing investigation and noted the Leader of the Opposition had not even requested a briefing.

Answer from Malarndirri McCarthy

The minister highlighted that the government had tripled the bulk-billing incentive from November 2021, leading to a national increase in bulk-billing rates from 75.6% to 77.5%. She attributed previous declines to a six-year freeze on Medicare rebates under the former government. She noted record numbers of junior doctors entering GP training, particularly in rural areas.

Answer from Katy Gallagher

The minister stated that the government prioritised cost-of-living support where responsible, noting inflation had come down and wages were rising. She listed measures including fairer tax cuts for 14 million taxpayers, energy bill relief, and cheaper medicines. She contrasted this with opposition policies, citing proposed nuclear energy costs and service cuts.

Answer from Murray Watt

The minister acknowledged the need for gas as a backup for renewables and for manufacturing. He stated the government had approved new gas developments and introduced a mandatory code of conduct. He cited ACCC forecasts of gas surpluses on the east coast in 2025 and 2026. He noted that Queensland and Western Australia already had state-based reservation schemes.

Answer from Penny Wong

The minister stated that the number of small businesses had increased to a record 2.6 million. She highlighted $640 million in targeted support, including energy bill relief which the opposition voted against. She noted updates to Commonwealth Procurement Rules to increase contract shares for small businesses and investments in cyber support.

Answer from Malarndirri McCarthy

The minister acknowledged justice is a state and territory issue but stated she had called on ministers to review remand practices. She noted a letter had been sent to follow up on progress. She highlighted the appointment of an interim First Nations children's commissioner to address these issues.

Answer from Murray Watt

The minister stated that free TAFE had been delivered to almost 600,000 Australians, with significant enrolments in construction, early education, digital technology, and aged care. He noted that over six in ten places were taken by women and one in three in regional areas. He contrasted this with opposition plans to cut the program.

Answer from Penny Wong

The minister rejected the assertion that foreign policy was controlled by intelligence agencies, stating Australia supports international law and human rights. She noted that Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) was listed as a terrorist organisation in 2022. She stated the government would monitor HTS's actions and urged all parties to protect civilians.