Senate

Answer from Jenny McAllister

The minister confirmed that as of 31 March, figures indicated 87,597 individuals awaiting an approved home-care package. She blamed the prior government's neglect for the backlogs and stated that current reforms, backed by the opposition, seek to resolve these problems and guarantee quality care. She observed that new and reallocated packages are issued weekly, assisting older Australians to leave the waiting list.

Answer from Jenny McAllister

The minister outlined that the government delivered $3.5 billion in 2023 to restore bulk-billing access for 11 million patients. She announced an $812 billion investment in Medicare starting 1 November 2025, aiming for nine out of 10 GP visits to be bulk-billed by 2030. She also noted the expansion of Medicare urgent care clinics, with 87 delivered against a promise of 50, and a reduction in the maximum PBS script cost to $25, saving over $200 million annually.

Answer from Jenny McAllister

The minister acknowledged the case and stated that reforms are designed to centre people in the aged-care system. She attributed the current situation to a period of neglect under the previous government and noted that high-priority assessments are now completed within a month. She highlighted that access to in-home care has grown from 155,000 to over 300,000 people in five years.

Answer from Tim Ayres

The minister stated that the matter is primarily for the Northern Territory EPA, though the Resources Minister had asked his department to review the reports. He noted the tank is not currently in operation and has an approved safety case. He clarified that NOPSEMA has no jurisdiction over the Darwin LNG facility and that the tank's licence was due for renewal on 18 September.

Answer from Malarndirri McCarthy

The minister described hosting First Nations economic roundtables across multiple states, which fed into the Treasurer's productivity roundtable. She highlighted visits to Indigenous businesses such as IndigiGrow and Aunty Vicki's cafe. She announced $75 million in funding for prescribed bodies corporate and strengthened Indigenous Business Australia's ability to raise capital.

Answer from Murray Watt

The minister condemned the rallies and rejected the implication that the government was responsible for them. He stated the legislation excludes procedural fairness for those without a right to a visa, asserting that such individuals should leave Australia. He defended the principle that people without visa rights must depart, contrasting it with the Greens' position.

Answer from Penny Wong

The minister stated that the government is pursuing the cheapest available energy, asserting that renewable energy is the most cost-effective option. She criticized the opposition's nuclear policy as ideological and irrational. She declined to release specific modelling, instead arguing that the opposition had blocked housing and environmental reforms.

Answer from Don Farrell

The minister stated that Comcare had provided its findings to the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions. He noted that independent investigations by the Inspector-General of the Australian Defence Force and the Queensland coroner were ongoing. He deemed it inappropriate to comment further while these investigations were proceeding.

Answer from Murray Watt

The minister argued that opposition support for rallies and voting against motions affirming multiculturalism undermined social harmony. He condemned the views expressed at the rallies, including neo-Nazi speeches, as un-Australian. He attributed housing pressures to opposition votes against housing construction rather than migration levels.

Answer from Penny Wong

The minister stated that more than 5,000 homes had been completed through Commonwealth programs since the government took office. She attributed delays in HAFF progress to opposition and Greens blocking of housing supply. She listed specific HAFF projects in various electorates, including Penrith, South Grafton, and Southport.