Senate

Answer from Penny Wong

The minister reiterated the government's condemnation of Hamas as a terrorist organisation dedicated to Israel's destruction. She stated that international consensus, including from Arab nations, requires a reformed Palestinian Authority and the demilitarisation of Hamas before recognition can occur. She argued that addressing the issue of a Palestinian state is essential for long-term peace and security, aligning with positions taken by the United Kingdom and France. The minister criticised the opposition for not supporting a ceasefire, which she claimed is supported by the international community and President Trump.

Answer from Jess Walsh

The minister stated that from 10 December 2025, social media platforms must act reasonably to stop Australians under 16 from holding accounts, with fines reaching $49.5 million for each breach of non-compliance. She explained that the law aims to give children three more years of development away from predatory algorithms. The minister noted that rules based on eSafety Commissioner advice exclude messaging apps and health or education services from the ban. She emphasised that there are no penalties for under-16s or parents who facilitate access, placing the onus strictly on platforms.

Answer from Penny Wong

The minister affirmed the government's commitment to its Medicare policies, noting that 11 million pensioners and concession cardholders receive bulk billing in 90 per cent of cases. She announced an extension of bulk-billing incentives to all 26 million Australians, aiming for nine in 10 GP consultations to be covered by bulk billing by 2030. The minister highlighted an $8.5 billion investment in Medicare and the establishment of urgent care clinics. She criticised the opposition for previously freezing Medicare rebates and proposing a GP tax, arguing that bulk billing is the mechanism for delivering free access.

Answer from Murray Watt

The minister stated that Australia is viewed as a world leader in ocean protection and the High Ambition Coalition for the plastics treaty. He highlighted first-term actions, including over $1 billion invested to increase annual recycling capacity by 1.4 million tonnes and $60 million for soft plastics. The minister noted ongoing work with states and territories on packaging regulations and affirmed that more action would be taken in this term. He declined to make a specific immediate legislative commitment, instead inviting further discussion and Greens support.

Answer from Katy Gallagher

The minister stated that both headline and core inflation had dropped to their lowest levels in almost four years, with headline inflation staying inside the target range for a complete year. She credited this achievement to prudent economic stewardship, citing $100 billion in savings since assuming office, comprising $94 billion in the first term and $6.4 billion pledged for the subsequent three years. The minister pointed to gains in real wages, jobs, and debt reduction, adding that the Treasurer would hold a productivity roundtable next month.

Answer from Malarndirri McCarthy

The minister confirmed the government's commitment to increasing TFES payments by 25 per cent for two years. She did not directly address the modernisation commitment or the specific findings of the independent review, stating that the minister would like to hear from stakeholders directly. The minister indicated she would take on board the points raised and get back to the senator.

Answer from Penny Wong

The minister said that 18,000 dwellings were being planned or built via the HAFF and National Housing Accord. She criticised the opposition for opposing the fund and blocking 5,000 homes from proceeding during the caretaker period. She did not give a specific number for houses finished to date nor confirm spending of the remaining $277 million, instead focusing on the opposition's historical stance against the fund.

Answer from Malarndirri McCarthy

The minister stated that there are no actual penalties in the Closing the Gap agreement for non-compliance, making it difficult to enforce adherence. She noted that nearly 80 per cent of the Northern Territory's budget comes from the Commonwealth, requiring a responsible response. The minister indicated she is working with the Attorney-General and will discuss oversight issues with state attorneys-general at the next SCAG meeting, but did not commit to withholding funding or specify a red line.

Answer from Murray Watt

The minister announced a 25 per cent expansion of the Capacity Investment Scheme to underwrite 40 gigawatts of renewable energy by the end of the decade. He cited the speedy approval of the 90-megawatt Summerville Solar Farm and the Narrogin Wind Farm, expected to power 130,000 homes, as examples of effective approvals. The minister emphasised the need to reform environmental laws to make quick approvals the norm and criticised the coalition's internal divisions on net zero policy.

Answer from Tim Ayres

The minister acknowledged the impact of Glencore's decisions on Mount Isa jobs and stated that clear action and coordination with the Queensland government are imperative. He did not commit to specific federal intervention or price reductions, instead attributing current energy issues to a decade of previous government mismanagement and policy uncertainty. He criticised the questioner for focusing on energy prices while ignoring the broader context of industrial recovery.