Senate

Answer from Penny Wong

The minister stated she did not have the specific information on the database to hand but would seek it. She emphasised the government's focus on combating the rise in antisemitism through legislative measures, including hate crime and antidoxxing laws, and financial support for the Jewish community. Regarding the supplementary questions, she reiterated that she would obtain the information and noted that the Dural incident was subject to an ongoing investigation. She criticised the opposition for focusing on political advantage rather than national security.

Answer from Katy Gallagher

The minister attributed the improvements to government policies that reduced inflation, increased wages, and created jobs, contrasting this with the previous government's record of rising inflation and stagnating wages. She listed measures including tax cuts, Medicare investments, early education and care support, and HECS debt relief. Regarding women, she cited extended paid parental leave, superannuation on parental leave, and investments in female-dominated sectors like aged care and early education, noting that 500,000 of the new jobs went to women. She contrasted the government's plan with the opposition's proposed cuts and nuclear energy policy.

Answer from Penny Wong

The minister rejected the premise, stating that inflation was high and living standards were declining when the government took office. She highlighted that inflation has since fallen, wages are growing, and unemployment is at a 50-year low. She criticised the opposition for opposing cost-of-living relief measures and for proposing $350 billion in cuts and a $600 billion nuclear program. She argued that the opposition's policies would lead to higher power prices and cuts to essential services.

Answer from Penny Wong

The minister stated that the Prime Minister had consistently backed a two-state outcome reached in line with international law. She explained that the government does not immediately react to every report, noting that regional countries are in dialogue with the United States. She reiterated the bipartisan commitment to a two-state outcome as the path to self-determination for Palestinians and security for Israel. She referred to her previous answers regarding the condemnation of Trump and the Opposition Leader.

Answer from Don Farrell

The minister stated that production tax credits would ensure critical minerals are processed locally, maximising value and creating jobs, particularly in Western Australia. He noted that industry groups, including the Association of Mining and Exploration Companies and the Minerals Council of Australia, supported the credits. He claimed that the Liberal and National parties were standing in the way of implementation, turning their backs on the resources sector and Western Australia.

Answer from Murray Watt

The minister stated that the government was not proceeding with the nature-positive laws this term because neither the Greens nor the Coalition agreed to a sensible conclusion. He affirmed strong government support for the salmon industry, citing funding for oxygenation trials and a captive breeding program for the maugean skate. He noted that the Prime Minister supported the workers and that Minister Plibersek was making a decision taking legal processes into account. He argued that the nature-positive laws were intended to provide certainty and speed up approvals, not harm the industry.

Answer from Penny Wong

The minister highlighted the government's work to secure export markets, including China, as vital for the agricultural sector. She addressed energy costs by noting the government's energy rebates for households and small businesses, which the opposition had voted against. She criticised the opposition's nuclear policy as guaranteeing higher prices. She stated that a strong agricultural sector requires access to global markets and that the government was working to ensure energy price stability.

Answer from Murray Watt

The minister stated that the transition cost was approximately $120 billion to $130 billion, citing the Australian Energy Market Operator's integrated system plan which estimated a net present value of $122 billion. He noted that he did not have a figure specifically for the forward estimates. He contrasted this with the opposition's nuclear plan, which he claimed would cost $600 billion and increase power prices by $1,200 per household per year. He dismissed the higher figures cited by the senator as lacking credible assumptions.

Answer from Penny Wong

The minister reiterated the government's support for a two-state solution achieved in accordance with international law. She outlined conditions for recognition, including that a future Palestinian state must not threaten Israel's security, Hamas must have no role in governance, hostages must be released, and issues like Jerusalem and territory must be defined through negotiations. She stated that the government had taken a principled and consistent position throughout the conflict.

Answer from Penny Wong

The minister stated that all Commonwealth funding agreements require funds to be spent for their allocated purpose and are subject to compliance. She noted that the matter was before the court and she could not comment further. Regarding the supplementary questions, she referred to her original answer and noted that a departmental review of allegations regarding the EDO's conduct was available on the department's website.

Answer from Murray Watt

The minister stated that the government was focused on cost-of-living relief, including direct energy bill relief and investments in renewables, gas, and batteries. He argued that renewables were the cheapest form of energy, citing the Energy Market Operator. He identified the opposition's nuclear policy as the biggest barrier to cheaper power, claiming it would cost $600 billion and increase bills by $1,200 per household per year. He criticised the opposition for not disclosing what cuts would fund the nuclear program.