House of Representatives

Answer from Sam Rae

The minister stated that the reforms were bipartisan decisions made by the previous parliament. He explained that the Support at Home program would commence on 1 November 2025, releasing over 80,000 new places in its first year. He noted that more than 2,000 packages were currently released weekly, with high-priority cases receiving care within a month. The deferral of the Aged Care Act was described as necessary to ensure providers and older Australians were prepared for the reforms.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister highlighted legislation for net zero by 2050, the safeguard mechanism, the Capacity Investment Scheme, and the vehicle emissions standard. He noted that the Cheaper Home Batteries Program had installed nearly 45,000 batteries. He contrasted this with the previous government's record, citing the closure of 24 out of 28 coal-fired power stations and failed energy policies. He criticised the opposition for introducing bills to abolish net zero targets.

Answer from Sam Rae

The minister offered to follow up on the specific case after question time. He explained that the new single streamlined assessment process, aligned with royal commission recommendations, aims to reduce wait times. He stated that the median wait time for an assessment was currently 25 days and continuing to reduce. He clarified that the assessment waitlist includes those seeking lower-level care and overlaps with the national priority system, noting that over 521,000 assessments were completed last year.

Answer from Chris Bowen

The minister reported that the Cheaper Home Batteries Program had reached 44,895 installations, including for small businesses and community groups like the Umina Surf Life Saving Club. He highlighted strong rural uptake and support from farmers. He criticised the opposition for delaying climate action through reviews and introducing bills to repeal net zero targets, contrasting this with the government's legislative progress on penalty rates, HECS debt reduction, and cheaper medicines.

Answer from Chris Bowen

The minister defended the safeguard reforms, stating they had reduced emissions equivalent to two-thirds of domestic aviation in their first year. He expressed concern about the specific incident and confirmed he had asked his department to ensure the expert review of methane emission management, led by Dr Cathy Foley, examined the matters raised. He promised to update the House upon receiving the report.

Answer from Mark Butler

The minister highlighted the passage of the National Health Amendment (Cheaper Medicines) Bill, which would reduce the maximum PBS co-payment to $25 from 1 January. He noted that without government cuts, the cost would have exceeded $50. He stated that the reform would deliver $200 million in annual savings, adding to $112 billion already saved. He also mentioned upcoming investments in bulk-billing and urgent care clinics.

Answer from Sam Rae

The minister expressed sadness at any deaths and reiterated that the deferral of the Aged Care Act was made after extensive consultation to ensure care quality. He quoted a media release from the shadow minister for health and aged care, Senator Ruston, which welcomed the delay as the right decision for older Australians and providers.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister detailed the reduction of PBS script costs to $25 and the freezing of concession card holder costs at $7.70. He highlighted the introduction of 60-day dispensing and the opening of 50 urgent care clinics. He also mentioned an $812 billion investment in bulk-billing and the 1800MEDICARE telehealth service, emphasising that these measures ease cost-of-living pressures.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister attributed the protest to opposition to the VNI West transmission project, which he noted was initiated and approved by the former government. He quoted the member for Hume, who had previously supported the project for its economic benefits and reliability. He stated that he had been honest with protesters about the closure of coal-fired power stations under the previous government.

Answer from Kristy McBain

The minister highlighted the establishment of 90 Medicare urgent care clinics, including 31 in regional areas, and the reduction of PBS co-payments to $25. She noted investments in mental health centres and bulk-billing incentives. She also listed infrastructure projects such as the Kwinana aquatics centre, Port Fairy skate park, and funding for the Hunter Park youth precinct in Gilgandra.

Answer from Sam Rae

The minister reiterated that the deferral was welcomed by the sector and quoted support from Silverchain and Ageing Australia. He stated that in the last financial year, 4,812 older Australians died while in care or waiting for care, a figure provided by the department to the Senate.

Answer from Richard Marles

The minister stated that the ADF separation rate had fallen to 7.7 per cent from 11.2 per cent under the previous government. He noted that 75,000 applications were received in the last 12 months, with over 7,000 enlistments, the highest in 15 years. The full-time force now stands at 61,494, an increase of 2,100. He attributed this to improvements in housing, wages, and retention bonuses.

Answer from Catherine King

The minister acknowledged the benefits and risks of e-bikes and e-scooters. She stated that a broader national regulatory framework was being developed by state and territory transport ministers, led by Western Australia with support from the National Transport Commission. She also noted that work was underway through the Consumer Ministers Network on lithium-ion battery safety under Australian Consumer Law.

Answer from Anika Wells; Anthony Albanese

The minister announced restrictions on nudification and undetectable online stalking tools, following legislation to delay social media access until age 16. She cited statistics on deepfake abuse and the doubling of eSafety reports from under-18s. She emphasised holding big tech accountable and moving the burden of reporting from victims to the source.

Answer from Sam Rae

The minister expressed sadness at the deaths and reiterated that the deferral of the new act was broadly welcomed. He referred the member to his previous answers regarding the decision-making process and sector feedback.

Answer from Jim Chalmers

The Treasurer noted that inflation was down, two surpluses had been delivered, and real wages growth was strong. He highlighted that interest rates had been cut three times and unemployment was at its lowest in half a century. He stated that Australia was one of few advanced economies to grow every quarter for three years. He mentioned actions on housing approvals, EPBC reform, and abolishing nuisance tariffs.

Answer from Mark Butler

The minister stated that bulk-billing incentives were higher for GPs outside major cities, with the member for Mayo's electorate seeing some of the largest increases. He noted that new bulk-billing investments from 1 November would provide significant increases for rural GPs, raising potential earnings to about $457,000 compared to $400,000 in cities. He also highlighted student debt relief for graduates working in remote areas.

Answer from Anne Aly

The minister reported over 800,000 new small businesses since 2022. She highlighted $2 billion in supports, including energy bill relief, paused beer excise indexation, and extended instant asset write-offs. She mentioned mental health supports, free TAFE, cyber resilience programs, and ACCC enforcement against unfair contracts and phoenixing.

Answer from Sam Rae

The minister stated he had canvassed these matters extensively and referred the member to his previous answers.

Answer from Clare O'Neil

The minister highlighted that 1,106 constituents in Leichhardt had bought homes via the 5 per cent deposit program. She noted that half a million homes had been built since the government took office and housing starts were up 17 per cent. She announced that the expanded 5 per cent deposit program would commence on 1 October, with no income caps and increased property price caps.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister stated he would attend the Pacific Island Forum as a participant in climate action, not a block. He highlighted funding for climate resilience, the Falepili agreement with Tuvalu, and discussions with neighbours like Vanuatu. He emphasised that action on climate change is essential for credibility in the region and for national security.

Answer from Mark Butler

The minister stated that strengthening health and social care was in Labor's DNA and necessary to address the mess inherited from the previous government. He criticised the Leader of the Opposition for extending Medicare rebate freezes and cutting aged care funds, which he argued contributed to the sector's crisis. He highlighted the government's addition of packages in multiple budgets.