Senate

Answer from Don Farrell

The minister stated he was unaware of the reports and denied being vindictive. He urged the coalition to demonstrate maturity and common sense in governing the chamber. He emphasized that the government answers questions honestly and directly, suggesting the opposition should act responsibly to regain public trust.

Answer from Don Farrell

The minister described the act as a historic step that made racial discrimination unlawful for the first time. He noted it created rights not previously existing in common law and provided a template for state and territory laws. He highlighted the act's role in promoting respect and cooperation across society.

Answer from Don Farrell

The minister confirmed that Senator Gallagher would release the report at the appropriate time. He argued that the government takes time to ensure policy correctness and transparency. He rejected suggestions of heavy-handed tactics, claiming the government is cooperative with parliament.

Answer from Jenny McAllister

The minister affirmed the importance of the US alliance for national security. She stated that the government considers the national interest in all international engagements. She defended the acquisition of nuclear-powered submarines and critical minerals agreements as beneficial for Australia.

Answer from Katy Gallagher

The minister acknowledged the report's recommendations and highlighted over $4 billion in investment since 2022. She mentioned the permanent leaving violence payment, perpetrator response programs, and an audit of Commonwealth systems. She noted the report would guide the development of the second action plan.

Answer from Don Farrell

The minister stated he was not the Attorney-General but would consult with her and seek a response. He rejected the suggestion that the government was ignoring the report, emphasizing its commitment to tackling racial discrimination. He promised to forward the question for a formal response.

Answer from Tim Ayres

The minister acknowledged the uncertain future of the facility due to global market challenges and energy issues. He stated the government was working to secure the future of aluminium facilities, including Tomago, Boyne Island, and Bell Bay. He highlighted interventions in other industries to protect jobs.

Answer from Tim Ayres

The minister argued that policy uncertainty under the previous government led to higher prices. He stated the current government was modernizing the energy system to serve industry and households. He rejected the notion that net zero was the cause of price hikes, blaming previous inaction.

Answer from Malarndirri McCarthy

The minister reported over 550 enrolments and 152 completions since July 2023. She highlighted additional funding for Aboriginal community controlled health organizations and infrastructure upgrades. She noted benefits from expanded bulk-billing incentives for these organizations.

Answer from Malarndirri McCarthy

The minister denied the premise that roads were deteriorating, citing investments in the Northern Territory. She explained that speed limit reviews were part of a long-standing road safety agenda. She highlighted increased funding for the Roads to Recovery Program.

Answer from Murray Watt

The minister did not directly answer the question about shark nets. Instead, he invited the Greens to support environmental law reform. He criticized the Greens for opposing previous reforms and suggested their focus on question time was a distraction.

Answer from Katy Gallagher

The minister stated that Labor supported strengthening superannuation and ensuring good returns for members. She did not directly address the specific concern about watering down the performance test, instead affirming the government's support for super.

Answer from Tim Ayres

The minister confirmed close work with the Tasmanian government and Hydro Tasmania. He expressed a preference for keeping the facility open and noted ongoing negotiations. He assured that the same attention would be given to Tasmanian facilities as mainland ones.

Answer from Jenny McAllister

The minister expressed disappointment at the closure of cohealth, attributing it to financial issues. She highlighted upcoming investments in Medicare and bulk-billing incentives starting 1 November. She did not commit to lifting rebates for longer consultations.

Answer from Tim Ayres

The minister simply answered 'No' to the suggestion that the figures were inaccurate or should be removed. He affirmed the government's belief in science and the validity of the modelling.

Answer from Don Farrell

The minister affirmed the Prime Minister's confidence in Minister Rishworth. He stated the government was taking action against the CFMEU and that Minister Rishworth was capable of dealing with corruption. He did not directly address the administrator's knowledge of the transfer.

Answer from Jenny McAllister

The minister stated the government was determined to defend universal health care. She highlighted investments to restore bulk-billing and mentioned steps taken in the ACT. She did not provide specific details on market intervention mechanisms.

Answer from Katy Gallagher

The minister stated that all HAFF applications were handled independently. She highlighted the government's commitment to social housing and the use of various levers, including super funds, to deliver housing. She did not address the specific concern about conflicts of interest.

Answer from Jenny McAllister

The minister highlighted investments in new GP practices and attraction initiatives in the ACT. She did not provide a specific number of practices that had signed up. She emphasized the government's commitment to restoring bulk-billing.

Answer from Katy Gallagher

The minister disagreed with the characterization, stating that inflation was down and real wages were growing. She highlighted falling interest rates and low unemployment. She accused the opposition of wanting to cut Medicare and pensions.

Answer from Tim Ayres

The minister denied the characterization, stating that the facility could not secure power contracts of any type. He affirmed the government's commitment to protecting jobs and maintaining cheap electricity. He highlighted support for other smelters.

Answer from Don Farrell

The minister stated that the government prioritized the protection of military personnel. He confirmed that the Prime Minister had raised the issue with Chinese officials. He highlighted investment in submarine construction in South Australia.

Answer from Tim Ayres

The minister stated that the minister was working hard on the process and that consultation was ongoing. He highlighted other housing investments, including funding for first home buyers. He did not provide a specific release date.

Answer from Murray Watt

The minister stated that the opposition and Greens had prevented the parliament from sitting to answer questions. He noted that business groups including the Ai Group and the Clean Energy Council supported the reforms from day one. In response to supplementary questions regarding stop-work orders and time limits, he suggested voting for the legislation to speed up approvals. When asked to rule out a climate trigger, he confirmed he had already done so.

Answer from Jess Walsh

The minister stated that the government was implementing recommendations, citing a 15 per cent pay rise for early childhood educators. She attributed the issue regarding the specific centres to a decision by the Tasmanian regulator. In response to the claim that it was a federal regulation, she highlighted the government's investment of one billion dollars in the Building Early Education Fund to increase supply in underserved regions.

Answer from Murray Watt

The minister guaranteed that the government was taking strong action against illegal tobacco. He expressed sympathy for victims of related crimes. He noted that additional funding had been provided to the Border Force, including $188.5 million over four years, to support frontline resources in tackling the issue.

Answer from Don Farrell (Minister representing the Prime Minister)

The transcript ends before the minister provided an answer.