House of Representatives

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister condemned the video as vile and shameful, stating such hate has no place in the health system or anywhere in Australia. He noted that the New South Wales government had stood down the individuals involved and referred them to police for criminal investigation. He confirmed he had discussed the matter with the Australian Federal Police Commissioner and affirmed that those responsible should face the full force of the law.

Answer from Jim Chalmers

The Treasurer highlighted the government's $32 billion investment in housing, including Build to Rent and Help to Buy schemes, and noted new agreements with regulators to treat student debt differently for apartment financing. He criticized the opposition for claiming the announcement provided no new money, arguing it was a cost-neutral regulatory change. He asserted that the opposition's plan to cut $350 billion in spending would include billions in housing cuts, leaving Australians worse off.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister stated the economy was growing with positive growth in every quarter, unlike many advanced economies. He noted inflation had fallen to 2.4 per cent from over six per cent, while wages were rising and unemployment remained low, with 1.1 million jobs created since taking office. He argued that cost-of-living measures, including tax cuts and rent assistance, had been opposed by the opposition, who would have left Australians $7,200 worse off on average.

Answer from Clare O'Neil

The Minister outlined the government's $32 billion investment in housing, including $10 billion for the Housing Australia Future Fund to build social and affordable homes. She noted the government had helped 140,000 Australians enter the property market with lower deposits and increased Commonwealth rent assistance by 45 per cent. She contrasted this with the opposition's plan to cut $19 billion in housing funding and scrap the national housing target.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister questioned the feasibility of the proposal, suggesting higher rates would be more logical if the principle were accepted, and characterized the Greens as a protest party rather than a government-seeking entity. He affirmed his belief in a fair taxation system and responsible fiscal management, noting the government's own measures to cut student debt and support affordability. He emphasized the importance of policies that add up and support economic growth.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister detailed the government's support for Rex, including an $80 million loan, acquisition of $50 million in debt, and $12 million for airport upgrades. He stated the government would work with bidders to maximize a successful sale but would consider Commonwealth acquisition if necessary to prevent isolation of regional communities. He criticized the opposition for opposing government intervention in aviation while supporting large-scale public spending on nuclear energy.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister dismissed the question as childish and noted that Alan Joyce had only visited a Prime Minister's residence under the previous government. He criticized the opposition for ignoring the failures of previous airline administrations and for not supporting regional communities that rely on Rex for health and freight services. He highlighted that the National Party leader had previously raised the possibility of government equity stakes in Rex.

Answer from Catherine King

The Minister stated the government was assisting selected companies in a further disposal phase for Rex to ensure services continue beyond June 30, 2025. She clarified that the Commonwealth was not a bidder but would consider contingency options, including acquisition, if no sale occurred. She criticized the opposition for opposing government intervention while supporting public funding for nuclear reactors.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister stated that inflation had fallen to 2.4 per cent and wages were rising, leading to growing pay packets. He highlighted cost-of-living measures, including a $300 energy rebate, cheaper medicines, and child care relief, all of which were opposed by the opposition. He criticized the opposition's policies, including a $600 billion nuclear plan and unspecified cuts, as harmful to Australians.

Answer from Jason Clare

The Minister noted the government had already cut $3 billion in student debt and planned to cut another 20 per cent if re-elected, which would wipe $5,500 off an average debt of $27,000. He highlighted that the government was also working with regulators to ensure student debt does not hinder home loan applications. He criticized the opposition for suggesting Australians burn through superannuation to buy homes.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister dismissed the question as a non-question and highlighted the government's cost-of-living measures, including cheaper medicines and energy rebates, which the opposition had opposed. He criticized the opposition for lacking coherent policy alternatives and focusing on culture wars. He reiterated that the opposition's plans involved $600 billion in nuclear spending and unspecified cuts.

Answer from Mark Butler

The Minister stated that two new oral contraceptive pills and three menopausal hormone treatments would be listed on the PBS from March 1, saving women between $200 and $580 annually. He noted that no new oral contraceptives had been listed in 30 years and no new menopausal treatments in 20 years. He criticized the previous government for failing to add any such medicines to the PBS during their nine years in office.

Answer from Chris Bowen

The Minister stated that the number of electric vehicles available in Australia had tripled since May 2022, with eight models now under $45,000. He noted that the standard would provide $90 billion in petrol cost benefits by 2050, particularly benefiting outer suburbs and regions. He highlighted high uptake of electric vehicles in specific electorates, including those represented by the Speaker and other members.

Answer from Tony Burke

The Minister stated that the government had invested $50 million in compliance to address a decline in staff from 360 to 203 under the previous government. He criticized the previous 'golden ticket' visa system that allowed visas based on cash rather than skills. He accused the Leader of the Opposition of supporting unlimited student visas, cuts to compliance, and cash-for-visa schemes.