Senate

Answer from Malarndirri McCarthy

The minister stated the government aims to make cleaner, cheaper-to-run cars accessible, noting that the standard saves Australians an average of $1,000 annually on fuel. She highlighted that over 160 new models are now available, including electric vehicles under $30,000, and dismissed opposition claims of $38 billion in fines as exaggerated. In response to supplementary questions, she cited expert opinion that outer-suburban and regional residents benefit most from fuel tax exemptions for hybrids and electric vehicles. She also noted that the opposition had voted against previous cost-of-living measures and quoted analysis suggesting fuel efficiency standards could save nearly $28 billion by 2040.

Answer from Penny Wong

The minister stated the bill establishes tax incentives to keep resource processing onshore, creating tens of thousands of blue-collar jobs and strengthening sovereign capability in regions such as South Australia, Queensland, and Victoria. She noted the bill incentivises green hydrogen production and cited the Chamber of Minerals and Energy's support for the message it sends to investors. In supplementary answers, she highlighted the creation of 1.1 million jobs since taking office, including 47,000 in manufacturing. She also mentioned the removal of $20 billion in trade impediments and the government's focus on deepening economic engagement with South-East Asia.

Answer from Penny Wong

The minister acknowledged the project's importance to the national economy and noted the government's Future Gas Strategy. She stated that the Minister for the Environment must follow statutory requirements, pointing out that on-time environmental approvals had risen from 47 per cent to 84 per cent under the current government. Regarding the Environmental Defenders Office, she stated the government expects high ethical standards and had requested a review of the organisation's conduct against its grant agreement, with results available online. She denied that the delay was intended to gain political preferences from the Greens.

Answer from Katy Gallagher

The minister stated Labor has no plans to adopt the Greens' revenue measures, distinguishing between political promises and government responsibilities. She highlighted Labor's own tax agenda, including superannuation tax concessions for accounts over $3 million and multinational tax reform. She noted the government has invested heavily in Medicare, provided tax cuts for all taxpayers, and delivered energy bill relief. She rejected the proposition that billionaires should be taxed at the rate proposed, emphasising the government's focus on vulnerable communities and existing progressive taxation.

Answer from Don Farrell

The minister stated the National Reconstruction Fund has invested $400 million in businesses, while the Industry Growth Program supports companies in robotics and battery manufacturing. He highlighted the passage of production tax credits to ensure resources are processed locally, creating jobs in Western Australia. He also noted investments in the domestic steel industry, particularly in Whyalla, and mentioned that the government has delivered energy bill relief and tax cuts. He contrasted these actions with the opposition's record, claiming they opposed such relief measures.

Answer from Don Farrell

The minister stated the government is consulting stakeholders to ensure the plan is correct and has not been inactive. He highlighted the largest Commonwealth investment in social and affordable housing in over a decade, with 40,000 new homes to be delivered under the Housing Australia Future Fund and National Housing Accord. He noted that homelessness funding has doubled to $400 million annually under the national agreement. He dismissed the link between housing delays and political motivations, stating the minister is working with states and territories to achieve the best results.

Answer from Jenny McAllister

The minister stated the government relies on expert advice from AEMO, which identifies renewables firmed by batteries and gas as the cheapest path to 2050. She dismissed One Nation's energy policy as lacking detail and contrasted it with the opposition's nuclear proposal. She attributed high wholesale energy prices to the previous government's mismanagement, noting prices were $286 per megawatt hour when Labor took office. She clarified that consumer bills reflect average prices, not spot prices, and stated renewables remain the cheapest form of new generation.

Answer from Malarndirri McCarthy

The minister stated the government is proud to invest in Tasmania's infrastructure and housing. She clarified that once funding arrangements are made with state governments, it is their responsibility to manage the projects. She rejected assertions of reckless decisions by the federal government and advised the senator to direct further questions to the Minister for Infrastructure. She maintained that the federal government supports state jurisdictions but does not intervene in their specific project management.

Answer from Katy Gallagher

The minister confirmed a new moratorium on regional bank closures from NAB, Commonwealth Bank, and Westpac, ensuring no closures before 31 July 2027. She stated this ensures continued face-to-face banking access for consumers and small businesses. She highlighted the government's work with banks and Australia Post to support Bank@Post. Regarding broader reforms, she noted investments in scam prevention, improved access to affordable financial advice for farmers and small businesses, and strengthened consumer protections.