Senate

Answer from Murray Watt

The minister stated that the government had worked to reduce net overseas migration, including through measures opposed by the coalition. He noted that recent data showed migration levels were approximately 17,000 below Treasury forecasts for the first three quarters of 2024-25 and had fallen for six consecutive quarters. He attributed the reduction to fixing a broken immigration system inherited from the previous government and criticized the opposition for lacking a unified policy.

Answer from Penny Wong

The minister outlined the $8.5 billion Medicare bulk-billing practice incentive program, noting that around 1,000 clinics had indicated they would move to full bulk billing. She stated that nine in 10 GP visits would receive bulk billing by the end of the decade. Regarding urgent care, she reported two million visits to the 87 existing clinics and confirmed plans to open 50 more, including two in South Australia, to relieve pressure on hospitals.

Answer from Tim Ayres

The minister criticized the previous government's record on industrial energy prices. He stated that Australians were major adopters of rooftop solar and batteries, which saved households money. He did not provide specific figures on turbine or panel installations or land use impacts, instead focusing on the benefits of distributed energy resources and criticizing the opposition's lack of policy clarity.

Answer from Tim Ayres

The minister stated that the government had released the national climate risk assessment to inform its 2035 target. Regarding the polluter-pays principle, he noted that a similar model was voted down by the Greens and the coalition in 2009. He did not provide a timeline for responding to the current report's recommendations or address the fast-tracking of fossil fuel projects directly.

Answer from Murray Watt

The minister stated that 111 renewable energy projects had been approved since May 2022, enough to power every home in Australia. He highlighted a 27 per cent reduction in wholesale prices due to renewable penetration. He emphasized that consistent support for net zero by 2050 provided investment certainty and created jobs, citing examples of farmers earning income from hosting solar farms.

Answer from Malarndirri McCarthy

The minister stated that her role was to work with states and territories on incarceration and death in custody rates. She mentioned working through the Coalition of Peaks and with Pat Turner. She did not confirm the establishment of an independent Commonwealth investigative body, instead emphasizing collaboration with jurisdictions and considering federal funding levers to hold states accountable.

Answer from Jenny McAllister

The minister declined to comment on the specific case but highlighted the new Aged Care Act starting 1 November, which aimed to ensure sustainable funding and expansion of residential care. She referred the specific case to the Minister for Aged Care. Regarding First Nations elders, she stated that means testing relied on social security law definitions and that the Minister for Aged Care was considering the effects of co-contributions on First Nations Australians.

Answer from Murray Watt

The minister questioned the accuracy of the figures cited. He reiterated that net overseas migration had fallen for six quarters and was below Treasury forecasts. He criticized One Nation for linking migration to housing while voting against government housing investments. He did not provide a timeline for removals or address the specific number of people living unlawfully.

Answer from Katy Gallagher

The minister detailed the $43 billion housing plan, including $10 billion for 100,000 first-home buyer homes and investments in social housing. She stated that over 520,000 homes had been built since 2022, with 5,000 social and affordable homes completed and 25,000 under construction. She criticized the opposition for abandoning their super-for-housing policy.

Answer from Jenny McAllister

The minister highlighted the rollout of the bulk-billing incentive program from 1 November. She stated that 134 GP practices in Western Australia, 904 in New South Wales, and 89 in South Australia had indicated they would move to full bulk billing. She did not provide a specific date when all out-of-pocket costs would be zero, focusing instead on the increase in bulk-billing practices.

Answer from Penny Wong

The minister stated that Australia had not supplied weapons to Israel since the conflict began. She referred the senator to Defence estimates for details on export conditions. Regarding the F-35, she noted Australia was one of 20 operators and that arrangements had been detailed in estimates. She rejected the premise that weapons were being washed through the US and referred to previous statements supporting international law.

Answer from Murray Watt

The minister stated he was not personally briefed or involved in the website rollout. He confirmed that the Bureau had undertaken beta testing which received positive feedback, but acknowledged that user experience did not meet expectations. He noted that urgent changes were being made following complaints and severe weather events in South East Queensland.

Answer from Tim Ayres

The minister stated the government was focused on supply and supporting first-home buyers with the five per cent deposit scheme. He criticized the Greens for protesting housing developments and the opposition for inconsistent policies. He did not address the reform of investor tax breaks, instead emphasizing the benefits of the deposit scheme for young people.

Answer from Penny Wong

The minister stated that Australia's climate commitments were driven by economic imperatives and global trends, not foreign dictates. She noted that 24 out of 28 coal-fired power stations had announced closures under the previous coalition due to lack of investment. She emphasized that capital markets were moving towards renewable energy and that the transition was necessary for Australia's prosperity.

Answer from Katy Gallagher

The minister disagreed with the opposition's characterization, stating that inflation was lower than when the government took office and that real wages were growing. She noted that interest rates had been cut three times and unemployment was low. She attributed the opposition's concerns to a desire to cut social services and cost-of-living measures, rather than accepting responsibility for economic outcomes.