House of Representatives

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister stated that ASIO intelligence confirmed Iran directed at least two antisemitic attacks, including the firebombing of the Adass Israel synagogue, using paid criminal elements. He confirmed the expulsion of the Iranian ambassador, the suspension of embassy operations in Tehran, and the safe relocation of Australian diplomats. The government would legislate to list the IRGC as a terrorist organisation. He noted that briefings had been provided to state premiers and community leaders, and that further investigations were ongoing.

Answer from Tony Burke

The Minister acknowledged the work of ASIO, the AFP, and state police in identifying the threat. He described the attacks as an unprecedented attempt to create fear and division, noting that while no one was physically injured, the Jewish community and broader society were harmed. He affirmed that the government would amend the Criminal Code to list the IRGC, sending a strong signal against such conduct. He emphasised that blame should not fall on Australians of Iranian descent and that the nation stood united against division.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister dismissed the question as referring to non-government members' comments at a roundtable. He countered by citing the Coalition's election costings, which included $75 billion in personal income tax increases, higher resource sector taxes, and the abolition of EV concessions. He listed other Coalition policies he claimed would increase costs, such as abolishing build-to-rent concessions, Help to Buy, and free TAFE. He asserted the Coalition had gone to the election arguing for higher taxes and bigger deficits.

Answer from Clare O'Neil

The Minister highlighted that 3,416 people in the member's electorate had entered homeownership with government support. She outlined the $43 billion housing agenda, noting 180,000 first home buyers had used the five per cent deposit program and 500,000 homes had been built. She announced that from 1 October, all first home buyers could enter the market with a five per cent deposit, removing the 20 per cent deposit barrier. She stated the majority of the package aimed at improving supply to address the housing crisis.

Answer from Sam Rae

The Minister explained that the delay allowed for the implementation of the new Aged Care Act and the Support at Home program on 1 November, which replaced the existing Home Care Packages. He noted that demand had grown significantly, with over 300,000 people accessing care compared to 150,000 in 2020. He assured that 80,000 additional places would roll out in the first 12 months of the new program. Until then, packages would continue to be assigned weekly, with high-priority cases receiving care within a month.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister cited the $43 billion Homes for Australia Plan, noting new dwelling commencements were up 17 per cent and approvals up 30 per cent. He highlighted that construction cost inflation had fallen from 17 per cent to 1.6 per cent. He discussed accelerating the five per cent deposit scheme, which saves years of saving and mortgage insurance costs. He criticised the Coalition's housing spokesperson for initially opposing the scheme for 'children of billionaires' before changing his stance.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister did not directly answer the question about the Treasurer's work. Instead, he criticised the Coalition for internal division, citing conflicts over net zero targets and leadership challenges. He described the opposition as being 'all over the shop' and engaged in sledging rather than presenting policies.

Answer from Jim Chalmers

The Treasurer cited Reserve Bank minutes showing strengthening dwelling investment. He noted building approvals were up almost 30 per cent and dwelling commencements up 17.3 per cent. He highlighted that construction cost growth had moderated to 0.4 per cent. He announced measures to blitz the approvals backlog, pause the National Construction Code, and accelerate environmental law reforms. He stated these steps would help clean up the mess left by the previous government.

Answer from Daniel Mulino

The Assistant Treasurer stated the government was focused on delivering election commitments, including sustaining tax cuts for all taxpayers. He noted the Coalition had voted against these tax cuts. He affirmed that the government had not changed its tax positions and had clear policies from the last election, including a 20 per cent HECS reduction and upcoming payday super policies.

Answer from Catherine King

The Minister announced that from 1 October 2025, all first home buyers in regional Australia would be eligible for the five per cent deposit scheme without income limits. She noted that over 23,500 home guarantees had been issued in regions since the government took office. She highlighted $1.5 billion in the Home Support Program for infrastructure and speeding up planning processes. She stated these measures would help young Australians and others enter the housing market sooner.

Answer from Daniel Mulino

The Assistant Treasurer referenced the Shadow Treasurer's comments that nothing should be taken off the table regarding tax review. He stressed that the government's priority was implementing election tax policies, which included tax cuts for all taxpayers. He noted these policies had been rejected by the opposition at the last election and asked the member to clarify the opposition's own policy.

Answer from Matt Keogh

The Minister stated that around 6,000 veterans were at risk of homelessness annually, with 1,500 homeless on census night. He explained that $30 million in election funding for veteran housing and support services was blocked in the Senate by the Coalition and Greens. This delay held up $24 million for infrastructure projects and $6 million for expert care. The funding was finally rolled out in June last year, supporting eight organisations for housing and five for wraparound services.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister affirmed the government's commitment to community safety, citing visits to synagogues and the Jewish Museum. He noted that intelligence agencies had worked closely with the community and that leaders were briefed before the press conference. He highlighted increased security arrangements around schools and synagogues. He condemned harassment on campuses and emphasised the need for social cohesion and respect for all faiths.

Answer from Madeleine King

The Minister highlighted $17 billion in production tax credits and a total $28 billion investment in the resources sector. She cited NAIF investments in projects like Alpha HPA's alumina project and Arafura's rare earths project. She identified the Coalition's opposition to production tax credits and their proposal to classify gas as a critical mineral as threats to the sector. She stated no government had done more for the resources industry.

Answer from Clare O'Neil

The Minister dismissed the question as nonsensical, stating no such tax policy existed. She asserted the government's tax policies were clear and focused on lower taxes, which the opposition had opposed. She criticised the Coalition for voting against housing measures and for incompetence in managing the housing crisis over the previous decade. She stated the opposition should not be listened to on housing policy.

Answer from Tanya Plibersek

The Minister highlighted the creation of 1.1 million jobs and a $9,000 increase in minimum wage. She announced that from 20 September, over five million social security recipients would see fortnightly increases, with age pensioners receiving about $30 more per fortnight. She noted JobSeeker recipients were $4,000 better off annually. She also announced the gradual unfreezing of deeming rates, which had been frozen since COVID, to ensure fairness between those with financial assets and those with income.

Answer from Tony Burke

The Minister stated that plastic pollution was a global problem requiring global solutions. He highlighted Australia's role in the High Ambition Coalition to End Plastic Pollution and the goal of a binding treaty by 2040. He noted the government had delivered over $1 billion for recycling, including $60 million for soft plastics, creating 3,000 jobs. He affirmed the government's commitment to international action and domestic measures to boost recycling.

Answer from Chris Bowen

The Minister stated that 38,921 cheaper home batteries had been installed since 1 July, demonstrating strong uptake. He criticised the Coalition for internal divisions over net zero, citing comments from Senator Canavan and Senator Cash advocating for its abolition. He described the opposition's approach as chaotic and harmful to regional Australia and future jobs. He affirmed the government's commitment to the net zero plan and its benefits for households and regions.