House of Representatives

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister stated that child sexual abuse is unacceptable and should not be subject to partisan politics. He explained that private member's business is procedurally scheduled for Monday after introduction, a practice in place since 1996. He highlighted the government's commitment to child safety, noting the establishment of the Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation in 2018 and the retention of mandatory minimum sentences for serious offences introduced by the previous government. He affirmed that the government is implementing the National Strategy to Prevent and Respond to Child Sexual Abuse and working on reforming Working with Children Checks, while remaining open to sensible proposals from the opposition.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister welcomed the agreement between Israel and Hamas on the first phase of President Trump's peace plan, describing it as a ray of light after two years of conflict. He emphasized Australia's consistent support for a ceasefire, the return of hostages, and humanitarian aid to Gaza. He acknowledged the vital role of US and Arab League leadership, including Turkey, Qatar, and Egypt, in diplomatic efforts. The Prime Minister reiterated support for Hamas laying down arms and having no role in Gaza's future, while affirming that a two-state solution with internationally recognized borders remains the only path to lasting peace.

Answer from Tony Burke

The Minister stated that the actions described as assistance were legal obligations under the Citizenship Act and passport laws, not discretionary support. He clarified that the government followed the law by processing applications for citizenship and passports where eligible, providing no more or less than required. He contrasted this with the previous government's handling of returns, noting that no support was given to individuals who returned under their tenure, regardless of their involvement with extremist groups.

Answer from Jim Chalmers

The Treasurer listed numerous government initiatives, including cheaper medicines, student debt relief, tax cuts, electricity bill assistance, real wage growth, and the introduction of payday superannuation legislation. He emphasized that these measures help Australians earn more, keep more, and retire with more. He criticized the opposition for being divided and focused on internal conflicts rather than economic delivery, asserting that the government remains focused on cost-of-living relief while the opposition offers no coherent alternative.

Answer from Richard Marles

The Minister acknowledged the importance of the Defence estate audit, which assesses the fitness of properties for future needs. He explained that the response required more time than initially anticipated due to the complexity of the work and its implications for personnel. He assured the member that the government is working at pace and will respond to the audit in the near future, at which point he will address her specific correspondence regarding Woodside Barracks.

Answer from Clare O'Neil

The Minister highlighted that over 2,000 people in the member's electorate have used the five per cent deposit program, and more than 20,000 have received increased Commonwealth Rent Assistance. She noted that rents in capital cities have stabilized for five quarters. The government has expanded the five per cent deposit program to all first-home buyers, aiming to reduce savings time from over a decade to two or three years. She criticized the opposition for opposing these measures and lacking a constructive housing agenda, contrasting this with the government's $43 billion housing plan.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister rejected the premise of the question, stating that the assumption that the government is supporting the return of these individuals is incorrect. He clarified that the government is not providing assistance for their repatriation.

Answer from Chris Bowen

The Minister cited estimates from the Australian National University of 120,000 hectares, or 1,200 square kilometres. He also referenced a New South Wales Agriculture Commissioner estimate of 55,000 hectares in NSW, representing 0.1 per cent of rural land. He noted that the Commissioner's analysis indicated no material impact on agricultural production from the renewable rollout to 2051.

Answer from Sam Rae

The Minister stated that the new Aged Care Act commences on 1 November, but reforms began earlier with the release of over 10,000 fast-tracked home-care packages, aiming for 83,000 new places this financial year. He highlighted a $300 million investment in the Aged Care Capital Assistance Program and pay rises for aged care workers, with registered nurses earning an average of $28,000 more annually. He criticized the previous government for inheriting a system in crisis, citing the royal commission's findings, and affirmed the government's commitment to dignified care.

Answer from Chris Bowen

The Minister referred to his previous answer regarding land use estimates and emphasized the strict environmental approval regime in place. He stated that projects in protected areas or those not environmentally sustainable would not be approved. He accused the member of spreading disinformation about the renewable rollout, citing examples of false claims about wind farms and climate change made by opposition members.

Answer from Mark Butler

The Minister highlighted the Carlton Urgent Care Clinic, which has treated 18,000 patients free of charge. He noted that 90 clinics are already open, treating nearly two million patients, and 50 more are promised, with three already open and 47 in tender. He aimed to have as many as possible open by Christmas, ensuring four out of five Australians live within a 20-minute drive of a clinic. He emphasized that these clinics provide bulk-billed care and reduce pressure on emergency departments.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister rejected the link between the FOI bill and robodebt, stating the royal commission found ministers acted against advice, not that cabinet processes were the problem. He argued the current FOI system is broken due to technological advances and misuse, such as paid FOI requests. He emphasized that cabinet confidentiality is necessary for government function and urged constructive engagement on the reforms.

Answer from Jason Clare

The Minister stated that the government is cutting HECS debts by 20 per cent, with reductions starting in November and most completed by Christmas. He noted the average cut is about $512. He also highlighted reduced annual repayments, saving approximately $1,300 for those earning $70,000. He emphasized that these measures were voted for by Australians and criticized opposition members for opposing them.

Answer from Jim Chalmers

The Treasurer denied the premise, stating that Treasury modelling does not assume an economy-wide carbon price is in place, as it is not government policy. He argued that the government's orderly transition is the best way to grow the economy, contrasting it with the opposition's disorderly approach which he claimed would cost jobs and investment.

Answer from Andrew Giles

The Minister reported 685,000 free TAFE enrolments and 190,000 course completions. He cited savings for students, such as $15,000 for nursing diplomas in Queensland. He emphasized that Australians voted for free TAFE and are enrolling in large numbers, contrasting this with opposition criticism and claims that the program drains resources.

Answer from Anika Wells

The Minister stated that she and the Minister for the Arts are working on local content quotas, acknowledging their importance to the Australian industry. She promised to provide an update as soon as possible.

Answer from Tanya Plibersek

The Minister noted that over five million social security recipients received payment boosts from 20 September, including age pensioners and jobseekers. She stated that age pensioners are about $5,000 better off annually and jobseekers $4,000 better off. Commonwealth Rent Assistance increased by almost 50 per cent. She criticized the opposition for past attempts to cut pensions and raise the pension age, warning that their current rhetoric suggests similar cuts.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister listed facts: a non-government organization lost a court case demanding repatriation; the government did not repatriate these people; and the AFP remains prepared for self-managed returns. He quoted the AFP Commissioner on preparedness for self-managed returns and emphasized that Australian citizens have rights, but the government is not actively repatriating individuals. He accused the opposition of misleading the public.

Answer from Chris Bowen

The Minister reported that 81,413 batteries had been delivered in the first 100 days of the policy. He highlighted high uptake in regional and outer-suburban areas across multiple states. He noted that half of those installing batteries are also adding solar panels, potentially reducing annual bills by over $2,000. He criticized the opposition for opposing the policy during the election and warned that they might cut it if elected.

Answer from Michelle Rowland

The Attorney-General stated that the premise was incorrect, noting the government initiated the robodebt royal commission. She explained that the FOI amendments clarify existing cabinet exemptions to ensure they are applied consistently with their original intent. She emphasized that merely labeling something 'cabinet-in-confidence' does not automatically exempt it. She affirmed that the government accepted all 56 royal commission recommendations and that cabinet confidentiality is necessary for frank deliberation and collective responsibility.

Answer from Tony Burke

The Leader of the House listed legislative achievements including student debt cuts, cheaper medicines, penalty rate protections, beer excise freezes, payday super, tax cuts, wage growth, energy bill relief, free TAFE, and housing construction. He contrasted this delivery with the opposition's focus on division and internal conflicts, describing their behavior as a 'clown show' and criticizing their lack of constructive policy.