Senate

Answer from Penny Wong

The minister stated that the government's economic plan focuses on Australians earning and keeping more of their income. She noted that while the government has not changed its tax policy, some members are open to discussing capital gains tax reforms. Regarding negative gearing, she confirmed no changes to tax policy but highlighted the government's detailed housing supply and demand measures. On GST, she referred to the Prime Minister's previous statements confirming the funding arrangement for Western Australia.

Answer from Penny Wong

The minister outlined the government's commitment to fairness, stability, and strengthening Medicare and renewable energy. She highlighted that the first legislation introduced was to cut student debt by 20 per cent, saving approximately three million Australians an average of $512 each. She also noted the introduction of a $1,000 instant tax deduction, capping PBS script costs at $25 for most and freezing them at $7.70 for pensioners until 2030. The minister emphasized the government's diverse representation and focus on productivity and economic resilience.

Answer from Penny Wong

The minister stated that the government had substantially expanded bulk-billing incentives, resulting in more than nine in ten GP visits being free for eligible people. She clarified that government modelling indicated three-quarters of practices would be fully bulk-billing, achieving the nine-in-ten visit target. She noted that data on out-of-pocket costs is publicly available and that the government remains committed to strengthening Medicare through continued investment in bulk-billing incentives.

Answer from Murray Watt

The minister explained that the approval was subject to strict conditions focused on protecting 50,000-year-old Indigenous rock art from air emissions, rather than being a decision on climate change. He noted that the project must reduce emissions by five per cent annually and reach net zero by 2050 under the safeguard mechanism. Regarding the algal bloom, he confirmed $14 million in federal support for South Australia's response. He emphasized the government's record on renewable energy investment and its commitment to net zero by 2050.

Answer from Katy Gallagher

The minister outlined measures including a 312 per cent rise in the minimum wage for over 2.9 million workers, a $150 energy bill rebate, and a 20 per cent cut in student debt. She noted that paid parental leave was rising to 24 weeks with superannuation contributions, helping women. She confirmed the government's ongoing efforts to deliver its agenda and tackle economic pressures since the election.

Answer from Penny Wong

The minister affirmed the ambitious nature of the target and stated the government was committed to meeting it through supply-side measures and assistance for first-home buyers. She criticized the opposition for blocking housing legislation in the previous term. Regarding the Housing Australia Future Fund, she noted she did not have current operational data but highlighted that the opposition had previously blocked the fund's establishment.

Answer from Jenny McAllister

The minister stated the objective was to protect young people from both smoking and vaping harms, noting that vaping often leads to smoking uptake. She highlighted that illicit vape seizures had exceeded 10 million units since January 2024. She confirmed that one in three vapers are likely to take up smoking, justifying the interlinked approach. She directed those with nicotine addiction to seek medical advice and noted investments in tackling the tobacco black market.

Answer from Katy Gallagher

The minister reported that 138 submissions were received and Treasury was completing a regulatory impact analysis. She confirmed the government was focusing on reforms to address subscription traps, drip pricing, and dark patterns. She noted that these reforms required agreement with state and territory governments under Australian consumer laws and that the specific issues raised by stakeholders were part of the ongoing consultation process.

Answer from Jess Walsh

The minister confirmed the introduction of legislation to wipe 20 per cent off HECS debts, saving an average of $512 per person and totaling $16 billion in debt reduction. She highlighted the Better and Fairer Schools Agreement, which provides $16.5 billion in additional funding to public schools. She also noted that the HECS repayment threshold was being raised from $54,000 to $67,000, reducing repayments for low-income earners.

Answer from Penny Wong

The minister confirmed that $14 million had already been provided as part of a jointly funded $28 million package with South Australia. She noted the funds supported science, research, cleanup, and small-business grants. She acknowledged the severe impact on commercial fishing and aquaculture but stated she could not provide detailed grant allocations as they were administered by the state government. She emphasized the unprecedented scale of the environmental disaster.

Answer from Tim Ayres

The minister listed several smelters facing challenges, including Whyalla, Tomago, and Mount Isa, noting they face global market pressures and non-market practices. He stated the government was working to protect domestic capabilities in the national interest, expecting firms to deliver investment and good governance. He announced a metals and minerals processing roundtable in August to discuss long-term investment and highlighted the potential for green iron and aluminium production using renewable energy.