Senate

Answer from Don Farrell

The minister stated he had made a mistake, clarifying that President Trump mentioned US beef exports in a speech rather than in discussions with the Prime Minister. He confirmed he had apologised to the Prime Minister and corrected the record with journalists. In response to supplementary questions, he reiterated that he owned up to the error immediately and affirmed that the Prime Minister always tells the truth, dismissing further inquiries as unnecessary.

Answer from Penny Wong

The minister highlighted that the government reduced the maximum PBS medicine price from $42.50 to $30 in 2023, saving Australians over $1 billion. She announced legislation to cap PBS prescriptions at $25 and maintain the $7.70 safety net for pensioners and concession cardholders until the end of the decade. Regarding wages, she noted tax cuts for all taxpayers and a bill to protect penalty and overtime rates. She also listed other measures including a 20 per cent cut to student debt, 24 weeks of paid parental leave, and $10,000 incentives for new tradies.

Answer from Jess Walsh

The minister stated she was not familiar with the specific cases mentioned but offered to seek further information. She emphasised the government's commitment to implementing the Productivity Commission review findings, including a $3.6 billion investment in early childhood educator wages to stabilise the workforce. She argued this approach improves access to quality care in underserved areas, contrasting it with previous government policies.

Answer from Penny Wong

The minister condemned the situation in Gaza and affirmed that stopping food deliveries breaches international law and decency. She stated Australia joins international calls for a ceasefire and adherence to humanitarian law, and has sanctioned extremist settler entities and individuals. She clarified that Australia has not supplied weapons to Israel for five years. In response to questions about Pine Gap and F-35 parts, she denied supplying weapons, stating Australia contributes non-lethal components to the global F-35 supply chain, and dismissed the senator's claims as misinformation.

Answer from Jess Walsh

The minister explained that the legislation would wipe $16 billion from HECS debts, benefiting over three million Australians, including apprentices and VET students. She noted that for someone with an average debt of $27,000, this would remove approximately $5,400. She also highlighted that the legislation makes repayments fairer and contrasts the government's unity with opposition disarray regarding education policy.

Answer from Jenny McAllister

The minister stated the government is working with the disability community and state counterparts to implement reforms, building on $3 billion in previous investments. She noted that the Attorney-General's Department is progressing options to reform the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 and will commence consultations. She emphasised her commitment to engaging with diverse representatives of the disability community.

Answer from Malarndirri McCarthy

The minister stated the process had been ongoing for 10 years under the previous government and was based on science. She rejected claims of biosecurity risks, asserting the government does not compromise on biosecurity. She highlighted that Australian beef exports had increased by 55 per cent since the government took office, reaching $14 billion in value.

Answer from Malarndirri McCarthy

The minister rejected the premise that the government was harming agriculture, stating it supports farmers. She reiterated that biosecurity is not compromised and that Australian beef exports have grown significantly, with record-breaking values. She dismissed the question's assertions as incorrect.

Answer from Tim Ayres

The minister defined net zero as a basic maths concept and stated that renewables backed by storage and gas provide the cheapest and most reliable energy. He argued that policy incoherence from the opposition drives up prices. He confirmed there would be no increased taxes, emphasising policy certainty for investment in electricity generation and transmission.

Answer from Penny Wong

The minister stated she was not aware of the specific NSW expansion details but would seek information. She reaffirmed the government's stance that organised crime has no place in unions and that the CFMEU is in administration to stamp out corruption. She rejected the proposition that the administration had failed, noting officials had been terminated. She also argued that housing shortages are driven by lack of supply, which the government is addressing.

Answer from Tim Ayres

The minister reported that over 15,000 households had taken up cheaper home batteries since 1 July, reducing battery prices by 30 per cent and energy bills by up to 90 per cent for some. He highlighted record renewable uptake and lower emissions due to policies like the safeguard reforms and Capacity Investment Scheme. He emphasised that policy certainty is crucial for market confidence and investment in clean energy infrastructure.