Senate

Answer from Penny Wong

The minister stated that the allegations were sickening and affirmed the government's commitment to safe workplaces. She noted that Minister Watt had referred matters to the Victorian Deputy Premier for WorkSafe action and that allegations of violence were referred to the Australian Federal Police. The minister argued that the opposition's proposal to deregister the CFMEU would return control to John Setka, whom she described as a criminal element. She asserted that the government stands against violence against women and that deregistration would allow criminal elements to regain control without regulation.

Answer from Penny Wong

The minister highlighted the government's largest investment in Medicare in over 40 years, including expanded bulk-billing, training more doctors, and opening 87 urgent care clinics with 50 more promised. She noted investments in cheaper medicines and women's health. The minister contrasted this with the opposition's record, citing past cuts to hospitals and a freeze on Medicare rebates under Peter Dutton. She warned that a Liberal-National government would cut cost-of-living support, including Medicare funding and urgent care clinics.

Answer from Penny Wong

The minister stated that the Labor Party has a long record of opposing racism and does not believe people have a right to be bigots or offend others. She contrasted this with the opposition's previous attempts to remove protections from section 18C of the Racial Discrimination Act. In response to supplementary questions, she condemned racism in all forms and reaffirmed the party's opposition to white supremacism.

Answer from Penny Wong

The minister explained that the amendments address a flaw in the EPBC Act that forces industries to shut down overnight when environmental assessments commence. She argued that the current laws are broken and do not sufficiently protect the environment or workers. She stated that the government is acting to protect jobs in Tasmania and that there is broad agreement that the environmental laws need reform.

Answer from Murray Watt

The minister stated that the government has delivered five consecutive quarters of real wage growth, reversing the previous government's record. He noted that the average full-time worker earns over $200 a week more than under the coalition. He criticized the opposition for proposing job cuts, including in the Department of Veterans' Affairs, and for voting against cost-of-living measures. He warned that the opposition plans to cut workers' rights, including the right to disconnect and casual protections.

Answer from Jenny McAllister

The minister confirmed that the energy bill relief applies to all households, regardless of income level. She stated that the government's approach is to support all families under pressure. She also highlighted other measures, including investments in solar and batteries for social housing and lending through the Clean Energy Finance Corporation. She rejected the notion that immediate relief and long-term structural reforms are mutually exclusive.

Answer from Murray Watt

The minister stated that the government has built more housing in three years than the previous coalition did in ten. He noted that the opposition voted against legislation to cap international student numbers. He argued that migration levels are falling compared to when the coalition was in government, citing a 30 per cent drop in student visa applications. He also mentioned that the Housing Australia Future Fund was blocked by the opposition for months.

Answer from Don Farrell

The minister expressed support for the industry, citing the government's intervention in the Whyalla Steelworks as an example of protecting jobs. He stated that funding provided so far was for Whyalla but would consult with Minister Husic regarding any requests from Tasmania. He expressed confidence that the Whyalla Steelworks would remain a going concern and that maintenance issues under GFG would be addressed.

Answer from Jenny McAllister

The minister outlined joint funding with state governments for essential services loss, emergency essentials, and structural safety. She mentioned Commonwealth-only assistance including disaster recovery payments and allowances. She highlighted the deployment of the national emergency stockpile, including sandbags and generators, and the use of aerial assets. She criticized the opposition for not ruling out cuts to the National Emergency Management Agency.

Answer from Penny Wong

The minister stated she did not have a list of all sites but noted that the administrator had removed dozens of officials. She explained that the Minister for Infrastructure had written to state and territory counterparts and infrastructure bodies like ARTC and WSA to seek assurance of compliance. She noted that prior to the allegations, no information had been received from Victoria, but the minister has since written to seek explanations and underline reporting expectations.