Senate

Answer from Penny Wong

The minister stated that the decision followed the identification by security agencies that the IRGC orchestrated recent antisemitic attacks, including at the Adass Israel synagogue and Lewis' Continental Kitchen. She noted that the government had already imposed approximately 200 sanctions on Iranian and IRGC entities and individuals, and had pushed for Iran's removal from a UN body regarding discrimination against women. The minister argued that the unprecedented nature of foreign-orchestrated violence on Australian soil necessitated the current actions, including the first post-war expulsion of an ambassador.

Answer from Tim Ayres

The minister reported that total dwellings approved rose 27.4 per cent over the year and commencements rose 17.3 per cent over the year. He stated that 500,000 homes had been built since the government took office, with 28,000 social and affordable homes under construction or planned, supported by a $43 billion housing agenda. Regarding the deposit scheme, he explained it would help young Australians save for deposits sooner, potentially reducing the time spent saving by a decade.

Answer from Penny Wong

The minister stated that the IRGC has engaged in foreign interference globally and that ASIO would outline further details appropriate for public release. She confirmed that additional resources had been directed to combat antisemitism, including a joint police taskforce called Special Operation Avalite and funding for security at Jewish schools. She noted that $57.5 million was committed for improved safety at Jewish sites, $1.2 million for upgrading security at existing structures, and $30 million to restore the Adass Israel Synagogue and community centre.

Answer from Murray Watt

The minister stated that the government was open to working with both the Greens and the Coalition to pass reforms that included strong protections and faster approvals. He explained that the Treasurer was establishing a Treasury Front Door and consulting on a Commonwealth coordinator-general role to better coordinate approvals across agencies, such as the Foreign Investment Review Board. He noted that environment groups supported faster approvals provided they aligned with new national safeguards, and that the government was listening to both industry and environmental sectors.

Answer from Murray Watt

The minister stated that the reforms had removed loopholes that undermined fair competition and worker safety. He reported that real wages had grown for seven consecutive quarters, employment had increased by almost 880,000 to reach a record 14.6 million workers in July 2025, and industrial disputation had dropped to under 14,000 days lost in the March quarter. He also noted that the number of small businesses had increased by 2.7 per cent to nearly 2.6 million.

Answer from Don Farrell

The minister stated that he was not the responsible minister but would take the issue up with the Minister for Social Services to provide a proper response. Regarding the previous statement, he defended his use of the word 'multiple' by stating that two is more than one and therefore constitutes a multiple, asserting that his previous answer was correct.

Answer from Penny Wong

The minister stated that over 28,000 social and affordable homes were in planning and construction, with 18,000 through the HAFF and National Housing Accord Facility. When pressed for the number of completed homes, she stated she did not have the specific figure in front of her but argued that the opposition's policy would result in zero homes being built. She highlighted that the opposition had sought to disallow 80,000 homes.

Answer from Tim Ayres

The minister stated that the funding was being evaluated by the Clean Energy Finance Corporation consistent with its mandate. He highlighted that the government had added over 18 gigawatts of renewables to the grid since May 2022 and was focused on delivering faster approval times and bigger projects. He argued that Western Australia had shared ambition for industrial development and that the government was committed to backing blue-collar jobs through renewable and transmission projects.

Answer from Jess Walsh

The minister stated that the government was investing $3.6 billion to provide a 15 per cent wage increase for early childhood staff, resulting in weekly pay rises of at least $103, rising to $155. She noted that vacancy rates had dropped by almost a quarter as educators stayed in their roles longer. She explained that a stable workforce allowed for lasting bonds with children, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, and that supporting educators helped women return to work, thereby boosting productivity and gender equality.

Answer from Penny Wong

The minister stated that the government would implement the tax policy taken to the last election, which included tax cuts for every Australian taxpayer on 1 July 2024, 2026, and 2027. She argued that the opposition had campaigned on higher taxes and smaller government, and dismissed the spare bedroom tax question as a scare campaign in the absence of an alternative tax policy. She did not explicitly rule out the tax but emphasized the commitment to broad tax cuts.