Senate

Answer from Penny Wong

The minister stated that defence funding had increased by $10.6 billion over the forward estimates and $56.7 billion over the decade, describing it as the largest peacetime increase in history. She argued that the previous government failed to deliver capability, with 28 projects running nearly a century behind schedule. Regarding the Prime Minister's attendance, she noted he had spoken at the War Memorial and that she had met with service personnel from three countries during the exercise. She emphasized the importance of engaging with China while maintaining the strategic partnership with the United States.

Answer from Penny Wong

The minister confirmed that rules for a minimum age of 16 for social media access would start on 10 December 2025, excluding health and education apps. She highlighted that PBS medicine prices had been cut from $42.50 to $30, with concession holders paying $7.70. Regarding student debt, she stated that 3 million Australians would receive a 20 per cent cut, with repayment thresholds adjusted to allow higher earnings before repayments begin. She criticized the opposition for voting against these measures.

Answer from Penny Wong

The minister acknowledged that progress was insufficient, with four targets on track and ten improving, but noted that the Northern Territory was going backwards on some indicators. She listed improving areas such as life expectancy and education, while highlighting worsening issues like incarceration and suicide rates. Regarding housing, she stated she would seek specific details on additional homes funded since 2022, noting that appropriately sized housing was improving but not on track.

Answer from Murray Watt

The minister stated that $14 million in federal funding had been provided, matching the South Australian government's request, as part of a $28 million package. He explained that the event was treated like a drought rather than a sudden natural disaster because it developed over time. He rejected calls to hold fossil fuel companies liable, emphasizing that the government used taxpayer funds to support the community and environment directly. He criticized the Greens for political point-scoring rather than providing solutions.

Answer from Katy Gallagher

The minister highlighted that the gender pay gap had fallen to a record low of 11.9 per cent, with women earning $217.40 more per week than in 2022. She cited investments in early childhood education, free TAFE, and Commonwealth prac payments for teaching and nursing. She rejected views from opposition members that suggested inherent gender roles in vocations, stating the government aimed to remove barriers for all Australians to pursue their desired careers.

Answer from Penny Wong

The minister confirmed that direct imports of Russian energy had fallen to zero due to sanctions, including those on the shadow fleet. She stated that mechanisms to track oil through third countries did not currently exist in those nations. She noted the EU's ban would start in January 2026 but lacked implementation guidance. She encouraged businesses to ensure their supply chains did not inadvertently fund Russia's invasion.

Answer from Jenny McAllister

The minister stated that 306,000 home-care packages were in use, a record high, and that the government had invested over $8 billion in the program last year. She explained that the new Support at Home program would commence on 1 November 2025, replacing the current system. She noted that high-priority cases received packages within a month and that the reforms were a bipartisan effort to address a decade of neglect.

Answer from Murray Watt

The minister stated he did not have the specific visa data to hand but would seek it. He highlighted that net overseas migration had fallen by 37 per cent to 341,000 in the year to December 2024, down from a peak of 538,000. Regarding housing, he criticized One Nation senators for previously voting against housing supply legislation and encouraged the new senator to support future housing bills.

Answer from Jenny McAllister

The minister announced that PBS medicine costs would be capped at $25, saving $200 million annually, with concession holders paying $7.70 until 2030. She stated that $8.5 billion would be invested to expand bulk-billing, aiming for nine out of 10 GP visits to be bulk-billed by 2030. She noted that six million additional bulk-billed visits occurred in the year to December 2024 and criticized the opposition for opposing these measures.

Answer from Katy Gallagher

The minister stated that unions and businesses both had a right to be consulted on AI implementation. She denied that any concessions had been made in advance, emphasizing that the government sought consensus through engagement. She criticized the opposition for using inflammatory language and invited them to participate in the productivity roundtable to discuss solutions.

Answer from Tim Ayres

The minister stated that 28,000 homes were under construction or in planning, contrasting this with 373 homes built over a decade under the previous government. He highlighted that the build-to-rent policy would deliver 80,000 new rental properties with rent caps. He criticized the opposition for opposing foreign investment in housing and noted that the government had invested $43 billion in housing since 2022.