Senate

Answer from Jenny McAllister

The minister invited the senator to raise individual cases with the Minister for Aged Care. She highlighted that the government had invested $5.6 billion in aged-care reforms, the largest improvement in 30 years, including delivering registered nurses on site more than 99 per cent of the time. She noted that a new single assessment system was being rolled out to reduce wait times and improve the experience. The minister confirmed that a new program to increase care availability would commence on 1 November.

Answer from Penny Wong

The minister outlined measures including tax cuts, energy rebates, stronger Medicare, and a 20 per cent reduction in HECS debt for three million Australians. She noted that legislation had passed to save $200 million annually on medicines, adding to $1.5 billion saved in the previous term. The minister cited economic indicators such as falling inflation, debt, and interest rates, along with low unemployment and real wage growth. She announced the abolition of 500 nuisance tariffs and reductions in construction code complexity to accelerate housing supply.

Answer from Malarndirri McCarthy

The minister rejected the claim that the Senate lacked opportunities to scrutinise Closing the Gap, stating that questions could be directed to relevant ministers for health, housing, and justice. She argued that the opposition was politicising the issue rather than attending estimates to ask questions. The minister confirmed she would be present at estimates to answer questions on Indigenous issues, as well as health, aged care, and local government matters.

Answer from Katy Gallagher

The minister stated that the government had increased investment in Medicare, delivering the biggest increase in rebates in two years compared to nine years under the previous government. She noted that more than nine out of 10 GP visits were free for eligible people due to bulk-billing incentives. The minister confirmed that legislation passed to reduce the general patient co-payment to $25 from the beginning of next year, down from $31.60, and highlighted the introduction of 60-day prescribing.

Answer from Penny Wong

The minister stated that direct imports of Russian oil products had fallen from $80 million to zero due to sanctions. She explained that tracking refined products from third countries was difficult due to a lack of global tracing systems. The minister took the question on notice regarding the number of permits issued, noting they were restricted and issued under ministerial discretion. She agreed that companies should take responsibility for assuring their supply chains to avoid circumventing sanctions.

Answer from Tim Ayres

The minister stated that private investment required confidence and certainty, which the government provided through its climate policies. He contrasted this with the previous government's lack of a rational approach, which led to disinvestment. He noted that international partners and investors watched Australia to see if it could be relied upon. The minister argued that abandoning commitments would weaken regional Australia and reduce investment and jobs.

Answer from Penny Wong

The minister confirmed there were no plans for bedroom inspectors. She stated that the government would keep improving tax efficiency and fairness, implementing tax cuts for every Australian on 1 July 2024, 2026, and 2027. She criticised the opposition for not learning from the election and for engaging in internal debates on policy.