Senate

Answer from Katy Gallagher

The minister defended the budget, highlighting two budget surpluses and a reduction in debt by $177 billion. She stated that the budget included cost-of-living relief, tax cuts, Medicare support, and energy bill assistance. She contrasted this with the opposition's record, noting their previous opposition to tax cuts and their current proposal for nuclear power, which she claimed would require significant spending cuts.

Answer from Katy Gallagher

The minister listed measures including tax cuts, energy bill relief, cheaper medicines, and investments in Medicare, housing, and education. She highlighted a 20 per cent cut to student debt and $3 billion for green metals. She stated that these actions helped households while reducing debt by $177 billion and avoiding $60 billion in interest costs.

Answer from Penny Wong

The minister commented on opposition internal leaks before addressing the question. She stated that the legislation addressed a flaw in the EPBC Act to prevent job losses. She noted that the Prime Minister and Senator Urquhart had emphasized the importance of Tasmanian jobs and that the government would not allow workers to suffer due to a broken law.

Answer from Jenny McAllister

The minister accused the Greens of blocking previous reforms that would have established an independent EPA and increased penalties. She stated that the Greens preferred to keep issues unresolved for political gain. She argued that environmental progress in Australia had historically occurred under Labor governments.

Answer from Penny Wong

The minister detailed tax cuts averaging $43 a week initially, rising to $50 a week, and $150 in energy bill relief. She mentioned investments in Medicare, public schools, and housing. She criticized the opposition for opposing these measures to fund their nuclear energy proposal.

Answer from Penny Wong

The minister stated that the situation was currently managed by the state government and no national emergency event had been triggered. She noted that the National Emergency Management Agency was monitoring the situation and that the government was ready to assist if requested. She took the question regarding weather radar gaps on notice.

Answer from Penny Wong

The minister criticized the opposition for consistently voting against cost-of-living relief, including energy bill rebates and previous tax cuts. She stated that inflation was decreasing and real wages were growing. She argued that the opposition's nuclear proposal would require cuts to essential services.

Answer from Malarndirri McCarthy

The minister stated that the government was working to reduce incarceration rates through justice reinvestment packages. She emphasized the goal of reducing remand numbers across the country. She mentioned ongoing engagement with Indigenous affairs ministers and the Coalition of Peaks.

Answer from Malarndirri McCarthy

The minister highlighted $7.9 billion in investment to enable free GP visits for all Australians. She noted the opening of 87 urgent care clinics and a commitment to open 50 more. She mentioned a workforce package to fund 2,000 new GP trainees annually by 2028.

Answer from Katy Gallagher

The minister stated that the Economic Reform Council was focused on tax system integrity, including multinational tax reform. She mentioned efforts to define Australian businesses for procurement purposes to support small businesses. She affirmed that the government continued to look for ways to level the playing field.

Answer from Jenny McAllister

The minister announced an additional $150 in energy bill relief extending until the end of 2025. She stated this would lower average household bills by 7.5 per cent. She contrasted this with the opposition's nuclear proposal, which she claimed would lead to higher bills and service cuts.

Answer from Katy Gallagher

The minister rejected the claim, stating that thousands of houses were under construction with $33 billion in funding. She accused the opposition of voting against and delaying housing measures. She defended the 1.2 million homes target and criticized the opposition's policy of allowing superannuation access for housing deposits.

Answer from Murray Watt

The minister highlighted growing real wages, low unemployment, and tax cuts for every taxpayer. He criticized the opposition for opposing tax cuts and proposing public service job cuts to fund nuclear reactors. He stated that the government was focused on delivering jobs and higher wages.