House of Representatives

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister stated that the economy was growing, inflation had halved from inherited levels, and real wages were rising. He highlighted government actions including income tax cuts, job creation, pay increases for aged and childcare workers, minimum wage rises, energy bill relief, cheaper medicines, and free TAFE places. He argued that these measures provided cost-of-living relief that the opposition had dismissed or opposed.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister listed delivered measures including the installation of over 11,000 home batteries, $10,000 bonuses for construction apprentices, free TAFE, a 20 per cent reduction in student debt, and open five per cent deposits for first home buyers. He noted that bulk-billing incentives had led to over 2,600 GP clinics committing to bulk-billing all patients. He asserted that the opposition was defined by what they opposed rather than by policy delivery.

Answer from Jim Chalmers

The Treasurer denied that the Reserve Bank linked its decision to government spending, stating the Governor did not mention it in the statement. He contrasted the current government's two budget surpluses and 1.7 per cent real spending growth with the previous government's nine deficits and 4.1 per cent spending growth. He noted that national debt was $188 billion lower than the previous trajectory, saving tens of billions in interest.

Answer from Chris Bowen

The Minister highlighted the installation of over 111,000 home batteries and the new Solar Sharer program providing free midday power. He cited positive feedback from constituents and noted that shift workers and remote workers could benefit from free power. He criticized the opposition for internal division and for potentially supporting coal-fired power stations.

Answer from Jim Chalmers

The Treasurer acknowledged the Foodbank report and the proposal, noting that a Senate committee had previously examined similar ideas. He highlighted existing government support, including an additional $20 million annually for food relief organizations, bringing total investment to $460 million over five years. He contrasted this with the previous government's cuts to these programs and listed other cost-of-living measures such as tax cuts and rent assistance.

Answer from Jim Chalmers

The Treasurer described the transition to net zero as a golden economic opportunity, citing Treasury modelling that warned against abandoning the goal. He stated that Treasury analysis indicated that not pursuing net zero would risk lower economic growth, reduced investment, and higher electricity prices. He criticized the opposition for reversing their previous support for net zero by 2050.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister pointed out that the previous government had cut $20 million annually from Foodbank funding, whereas the current government had increased support. He criticized opposition interjections regarding aged care, childcare, and housing funding as contemptuous of Australian needs. He asserted that the public voted for a government that protects living standards rather than one that opposes cost-of-living measures.

Answer from Pat Conroy

The Minister reported a 12-month in-principle electricity agreement for the Bell Bay Aluminium smelter, providing breathing space for long-term negotiations. He highlighted government initiatives like Future Made in Australia and the Capacity Investment Scheme to ensure cheap, reliable power. He criticized the opposition for opposing renewable energy rollout and for having failed energy policies during their time in government.

Answer from Chris Bowen

The Minister dismissed the cited analyst as biased and instead quoted positive feedback from the Climate Energy Finance CEO, the Business Council of Australia, and Solar Citizens. He stated that the policy incentivizes demand shifting to midday at zero cost to the market. He shared testimonials from individuals who supported the initiative for helping renters and those without solar panels.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister expressed skepticism about the premise that a non-coalition member was on Sky News. He noted that the member for Solomon was quoting the Climate Change Authority's advice, which projected a 20 per cent fall in average household energy costs over the next decade under a coordinated renewables rollout. He advised the member to circulate his own past McKinsey article on net zero benefits.

Answer from Anika Wells

The Minister confirmed that nine major platforms must remove underage accounts from 10 December, implementing a minimum age of 16 for social media. She cited international support from leaders in Europe and New Zealand. She stated that the law aims to allow young people an additional three years to develop strength in everyday life, protecting them from predatory algorithms and harmful content.

Answer from Julie Collins

The Minister stated that buffel grass is recognized as valuable pasture in agricultural areas and that management actions would not affect deliberately planted grass. She explained that national weed priorities are being assessed collaboratively with state and territory governments. She highlighted government support for the beef industry, including $12 million for Beef2027 and noting a 62 per cent increase in beef exports.

Answer from Mark Butler

The Minister reported that the Maroondah Medicare Urgent Care Clinic was fully bulk-billed and that the number of GP clinics bulk-billing all patients in the electorate of Aston had tripled in the first week. He cited support from the Cancer Council and noted that most GPs appreciated the investment. He criticized the opposition for opposing bulk-billing measures.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister quoted the Climate Change Authority's 2035 targets advice, which projected a 20 per cent fall in average household energy costs under a coordinated renewables rollout. He clarified that the member for Solomon was quoting this official report, not expressing a personal view, and criticized the opposition for using this question to highlight internal coalition disagreements.

Answer from Clare O'Neil

The Minister stated that 197,000 Australians had been helped into homeownership, with 2,060 in the member's electorate alone. She highlighted a $43 billion housing agenda and noted that the expansion of homeownership opportunities took effect three months earlier than promised. She criticized the opposition for lacking specific housing policies and for opposing government measures.

Answer from Mark Butler

The Minister reported that every GP clinic in the member's electorate had indicated they would be 100 per cent bulk-billing following the government's investment. He argued that affordable access to GPs was crucial for mental health support and that the record investment in bulk-billing would improve access. He expressed surprise that the member minimized the impact of this investment.

Answer from Catherine King; Anthony Albanese

The Minister announced that administrators had secured a way forward with Air T, subject to a creditors meeting. The government would support Air T in restructuring Rex's debts in exchange for commitments to preserve regional connectivity, including returning aircraft and increasing flight frequency. A new $5 million program was established for local government-owned airports. The Prime Minister congratulated the Minister on the achievement, noting it prevented regional communities from losing aviation services.

Answer from Sussan Ley (Leader of the Opposition)

The member praised the pilots and crew of Rex Airlines and other smaller regional airlines for their outstanding work in connecting communities.