Senate

Answer from Don Farrell

The minister stated that security agencies were monitoring the unstable situation in Syria to prepare for any potential returns. He confirmed that the government was not providing assistance or repatriating individuals from Syrian IDP camps. In response to supplementary questions, he reiterated that no taxpayer funds were being spent on the return of these individuals and that the government was not facilitating their repatriation.

Answer from Katy Gallagher

The minister confirmed a settlement subject to court approval would make $475 million available for compensation. She noted the scheme had been projected to save $4.7 billion but only delivered $406 million in savings while costing $971 million to implement. The total cost to the budget, including legal settlements and debt repayments, was stated to be $2.9 billion. She emphasised the importance of a well-resourced public service to prevent such failures.

Answer from Katy Gallagher

The minister stated that ministers do not make procurement decisions, which are left to the public service. She explained that PwC had entered a voluntary agreement to pause bidding while the Department of Finance sought assurances. The department advised that, with those assurances in place, it was appropriate to allow PwC to bid, though this did not guarantee contract awards. She highlighted new measures like the Supplier Code of Conduct to strengthen oversight.

Answer from Jenny McAllister

The minister outlined that the government had delivered 87 urgent care clinics, exceeding the target of 50. She announced an $8.5 billion investment in Medicare from November 2025 to expand bulk-billing and open 50 more clinics. She confirmed legislation had passed to cap PBS prescription costs at $25, a 20 per cent reduction, and freeze costs for pensioners at $7.70 until 2030.

Answer from Malarndirri McCarthy

The minister acknowledged the power to intervene in the Northern Territory but stated that such powers must be used wisely. She confirmed she was considering all options and had expressed concerns directly to the Chief Minister about youth incarceration and the use of spit guards. She stated the Northern Territory government was on notice and promised to keep the Senate informed.

Answer from Murray Watt

The minister stated that the government was not providing assistance to the cohort referred to in reports. He repeated this position in response to supplementary questions, declining to confirm or deny meetings with Save the Children and reiterating that no assistance was being provided for repatriation.

Answer from Murray Watt

The minister stated that comments made by NSW police were a matter for them. He repeatedly affirmed that the Australian government was not providing assistance to the cohort. He declined to comment on costs, timelines, or locations for potential returns, maintaining that no assistance was being provided.

Answer from Murray Watt

The minister highlighted Australia's multicultural benefits, including economic contributions and cultural diversity. He stated the government was investing in housing and infrastructure to support population growth. He criticised the opposition for stoking division and blamed migrants for housing shortages, urging unity and rejecting racism.

Answer from Murray Watt

The minister stated that the question was predicated on incorrect assumptions and repeated that the government was not providing assistance to the cohort. He accused the senator of misrepresenting his previous answers and declined to take the question on notice, maintaining that no assistance was being provided.

Answer from Tim Ayres

The minister stated that the government was building a new, low-cost, clean-energy system. He acknowledged support from young climate advocates and cited OECD Secretary-General Mathias Cormann's endorsement of pursuing net zero. He criticised the opposition for undermining investment and regional economic progress, asserting that the government's approach was coherent and supported by data.

Answer from Murray Watt

The minister repeated that security agencies were prepared for any returns but stated that the government was not providing assistance. He declined to provide details on agency activities or warrants, citing national security confidentiality. He affirmed that such operational details would not be disclosed.

Answer from Katy Gallagher

The minister highlighted that the economy grew by 0.6 per cent in the June quarter, with annual growth of 1.8 per cent. She noted the government had delivered back-to-back budget surpluses, reducing debt by $177 billion in 2024-25. She emphasised the government's focus on cost-of-living relief, including cheaper medicines and energy bill support, contrasting this with the opposition's record of deficits.