House of Representatives

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister noted that bipartisan support for the measures had quickly faded, citing comments from the member for Canning regarding the previous government's failure to list the IRGC. He stated that the government acts on advice from ASIO and the Australian Federal Police, receiving the necessary intelligence on Monday morning. He explained that the delay between receiving advice and acting was due to the need to safely evacuate Australian personnel from Tehran. He characterised the expulsion of an ambassador as a serious step not taken by previous governments and criticised the opposition for seeking political distinction rather than maintaining unity.

Answer from Clare O'Neil

The Minister highlighted that 180,000 Australians had bought their first home under the five per cent deposit program, which was expanding to all new homebuyers from 1 October. She noted that half a million homes had been built since the government took office, with new housing approvals up 30 per cent and 28,000 social and affordable homes in the planning or construction phase. She stated that the build-to-rent scheme was unlocking 80,000 new secure rentals and that Commonwealth rent assistance had increased by almost 50 per cent for a million households. Regarding alternative approaches, she criticised the opposition for blocking housing measures, including the Housing Australia Future Fund, and asserted that the government's plan to build more homes and improve renter conditions was the correct path.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister stated that listing the IRGC required special legislation because it is an arm of the state, a process that takes time to get right. He detailed the government's comprehensive response to antisemitism, including the appointment of Jillian Segal as Special Envoy and the establishment of Special Operation Avalite. He listed legislative actions such as banning Nazi salutes with penalties of up to $1.612 million or one-year imprisonment, criminalising doxxing, and creating a national hate crimes database. He outlined financial commitments including $25 million and $32.5 million for security of Jewish sites, $30 million to restore the Adass Israel synagogue, $812 million for the Sydney Jewish Museum, $100 million for countering violent extremism, $4.4 million for the National Holocaust Education Centre, and $18 million for the Jewish Arts Quarter. He cited positive responses from Jewish and Iranian community organisations regarding the government's actions.