Senate

Answer from Malarndirri McCarthy

The minister stated that the government had replaced the Community Development Program with the Remote Jobs and Economic Development program, which was creating meaningful jobs in remote communities. She cited examples from Western Australia and the Northern Territory where participants were already benefiting. Regarding water security, she noted that Minister Plibersek had identified specific communities needing support and that proper water infrastructure was essential for deploying dialysis units. She confirmed that applications for the second round of the remote jobs program were open.

Answer from Katy Gallagher

The minister explained that the funding, sourced from budget repairs, would list common contraceptive pills and menopause hormone therapies on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme from 1 March. She stated these listings would save women up to $577 annually if they held a concession card. The investment also included expanding endometriosis and pelvic pain clinics, raising their count from 22 to 33, with existing clinics receiving increased funding for perimenopause and menopause care. Additionally, centres of excellence would be established to train general practitioners.

Answer from Penny Wong

The minister stated that the government was implementing a long-term strategy to overhaul income management in partnership with First Nations people and other stakeholders. She noted that consultations with approximately 412,000 community members indicated a preference for a longer transition period to voluntary income management. She clarified that income management rules in the Northern Territory had not changed since 2007 and that the NT government could refer adults to income management for child protection concerns, quarantining 70 per cent of payments. She emphasized that decisions would be based on genuine consultation with communities.

Answer from Malarndirri McCarthy

The minister outlined the Remote Jobs and Economic Development program, which would create up to 3,000 jobs over three years, and the expansion of the Indigenous Rangers Program by 1,000 positions. She noted that over 200 new homes had been built in remote Northern Territory communities and that the Connected Beginnings program was expanding to 50 communities. She also highlighted increased funding for legal services and family violence prevention, and justice reinvestment initiatives in 27 sites. For 2025, she announced $842 million for essential services in the NT, ending freight costs on 30 household items in 76 remote stores, and upskilling 120 local staff.

Answer from Penny Wong

The minister stated she would seek further advice on mutual recognition schemes and noted that consumer safety remained paramount. She clarified that while mutual recognition agreements exist, specific professions often have separate registration requirements to ensure practitioners have the necessary qualifications. Regarding the balance of domestic and international students, she noted that the government had announced caps on international student numbers to maintain education quality. She emphasized that international education was an important export industry that contributed to the economy, but the government aimed to gradually lower international student enrolments.

Answer from Penny Wong

The minister confirmed that the nature positive legislation would not be reintroduced, stating that the government was committed to law reform to deliver faster project approvals and better environmental protection. Regarding the McPhillamys gold mine, she noted that the decision was made by the responsible minister under statutory powers and that the company had commenced legal proceedings in the Federal Court. She highlighted that the government had approved 40 mining projects and doubled the rate of on-time approvals. She challenged the member to support production tax credits for the mining sector if they were genuinely pro-mining.

Answer from Malarndirri McCarthy

The minister stated that the government had not moved away from the principles of the Uluru Statement from the Heart. She explained that the government was waiting for the outcomes of the Senate inquiry into truth-telling, which included submissions from hundreds of people. She noted that the government had campaigned on various issues in 2022, including the referendum, but had prioritized cost-of-living measures upon taking office. She confirmed that the government would wait for the inquiry's recommendations before deciding on next steps.

Answer from Jenny McAllister

The minister reported that the situation remained dynamic, with flood warnings in place across the region. She noted that the Australian Defence Force had assisted with recovery efforts, including constructing a temporary bridge on the Bruce Highway. The government had activated disaster recovery payments and personal hardship assistance for worst-impacted communities. Concessional loans were available to farmers, small enterprises, and charitable organisations. An $8 million community relief fund was established to support local councils. She also highlighted investments in the national aerial firefighting fleet and emergency stockpile.

Answer from Penny Wong

The minister criticized the opposition's credibility on public service issues, citing previous cuts under the Liberal government. She explained that the budget forecasts used the same methodologies as the former government, with entities forecasting their own wage and salary expenditures. She stated that the opposition's claim of a 'black hole' was misleading and contrasted it with the opposition's proposed nuclear power plan. She reiterated that the approach to APS wages was consistent with past practices and challenged the opposition to specify where their proposed cuts would come from.

Answer from Murray Watt

The minister stated that workplace relations changes had led to real wages growing for four consecutive quarters and the creation of over one million jobs since May 2022. He noted that the gender pay gap had reached an unprecedented low, as female average weekly earnings rose by $173.80. He emphasized that the right to disconnect helped reduce unpaid overtime and that casual workers had a clearer pathway to permanency. He contrasted these outcomes with the opposition's plan to repeal these rights, arguing that workers would be worse off under a Liberal government.