Senate

Answer from Jess Walsh

The minister stated that the government had introduced legislation to cut funding from providers prioritising profit over safety. She noted that officials were tasked with developing an urgent reform plan following an education ministers meeting in late June. A standalone meeting was scheduled for late August to finalise a package including a nationwide register of educators. The minister affirmed that officials and jurisdictions recognised the urgency of these measures.

Answer from Murray Watt

The minister highlighted previous workplace reforms that improved wage growth and gender equality. He stated that the government intervened in current cases to block employers from trading away penalty rates for lower-paid workers. Legislation to protect these rates was introduced by the Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations. The minister emphasised that penalty rates are vital for vulnerable workers, including women, part-time employees, and young people.

Answer from Katy Gallagher

The minister confirmed that the policy on high-balance super accounts remained unchanged and was taken to the election. She noted that the proposal affects approximately half a per cent of people with balances over $3 million. The government intends to pass the legislation through the parliament in the current term. The minister dismissed concerns from stakeholders as part of a campaign against the policy.

Answer from Penny Wong

The minister stated that AUKUS contributes to strategic balance and stability in the region through hard deterrence. She affirmed that decisions are made in Australia's national interest. Regarding beef imports, she explained that a rigorous, science-based risk assessment allowed expanded access for beef from cattle born in Canada or Mexico, consistent with biosecurity standards. The minister rejected the premise that the government was appeasing the United States.

Answer from Malarndirri McCarthy

The minister detailed the $707 million Remote Jobs and Economic Development program, which aims to create 3,000 jobs. Round 1 funded 650 jobs with 100 employers, building on 280 jobs from a previous trial. Round 2 received over 400 applications. The program focuses on dignity of work with proper pay and conditions, covering sectors like tourism, agriculture, and community services. The minister contrasted this with previous coalition policies.

Answer from Jess Walsh

The minister noted that paid parental leave increased to 24 weeks in July and will rise to 26 weeks next year. She stated that legislation is before parliament to withdraw subsidies from providers prioritising profit over safety. A billion-dollar fund is being used to invest in not-for-profit early learning. The government is working with states on reforms including a nationwide educator register and mandatory child-safe training.

Answer from Tim Ayres

The minister explained that the Whyalla intervention was a joint effort with the South Australian government to protect steelmaking capability. He stated that no announcements had been made regarding Nyrstar, but the government was working closely with the firm. Regarding Mount Isa, the minister confirmed he had met with Glencore and Queensland government officials to coordinate on the facility's future, emphasising its strategic importance.

Answer from Murray Watt

The minister stated that the government had reformed compliance measures to remove fraudulent providers. He confirmed that qualifications were cancelled where students paid for them without training. He noted that there was little evidence that these students were employed in the occupations for which they held fraudulent qualifications. The minister affirmed that action was being taken against both students and providers.

Answer from Katy Gallagher

The minister reported a forecast deficit in the low double digits for 2024-25, indicating progress in budget repair. She outlined a five-pillar productivity agenda including net zero transformation, workforce skills, and digital technology. An Economic Reform Roundtable was scheduled for August to build consensus on productivity improvements. The government invited the coalition to participate in these discussions.