House of Representatives

Answer from Chris Bowen

The minister stated that the COP presidency is not a full-time position and is commonly held concurrently with cabinet duties, citing previous examples from Azerbaijan and Egypt. He noted that other officials, including the assistant minister and a special envoy, would represent him at international meetings. He criticized the opposition for opposing international climate leadership while claiming to support national interests.

Answer from Kristy McBain

The minister reported that disaster recovery funding had been activated in several local government areas to provide immediate relief and support infrastructure repairs. She highlighted collaboration with the NT government, emergency services, and the National Emergency Management Agency. She noted that over $600 million from the $1 billion Disaster Ready Fund had been committed to 446 projects, including cyclone shelters and emergency coordination facilities, to reduce disaster risk.

Answer from Chris Bowen

The minister corrected the premise that the role is full-time, stating it is held concurrently with ministerial duties. He argued that every trip taken would be in the national interest and part of a foreign affairs reset. He criticized the opposition for previously supporting Australia's role in COP negotiations while now opposing it.

Answer from Tanya Plibersek

The minister revealed a 40 per cent increase in funding for 1800RESPECT, highlighting that contacts had risen by 3000 per cent since the service began. She outlined spending on emergency housing totalling $1.2 billion, $3.9 billion for legal services, 10 days of paid domestic violence leave, and job protection for victims. She stressed continued cooperation with states and territories to enhance responses to sexual violence.

Answer from Tanya Plibersek (Minister for Social Services)

The minister acknowledged the statement and the coalition's association with the remarks on the importance of addressing violence against women.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister stated that the Labor caucus makes decisions collectively and that the government had done more than any previous administration to tackle problem gambling. He indicated that the government would continue to work on the issue as a caucus.

Answer from Jason Clare

The minister announced that 20 per cent of student debt, totaling $16 billion, would be cut for millions of Australians in two stages. He highlighted agreements with states to fix public school funding, the rollout of phonics and numeracy checks in Year 1, and the creation of an Australian Teaching and Learning Commission. He also mentioned curriculum reforms focusing on basic maths skills.

Answer from Chris Bowen

The minister highlighted three rounds of energy bill relief and the Cheaper Home Batteries policy, which had been installed by nearly 137,000 households. He argued that renewables backed by gas and storage reduce bills and emissions, contrasting this with the opposition's plan to extend coal asset life, which he claimed would increase prices.

Answer from Jim Chalmers

The Treasurer listed deliveries including tax cuts, cheaper medicines, student debt relief, housing supply measures, superannuation increases, and paid parental leave. He noted the government had delivered two surpluses and a smaller deficit. He contrasted this with the opposition's record, claiming they would have provided less help and increased debt.

Answer from Chris Bowen

The minister explained that a supply gap of three gigawatts had contributed to price increases, but five gigawatts of new renewable and gas capacity had come online. He cited Treasury and Clean Energy Council reports indicating that delaying net zero would raise prices. He noted wholesale prices had fallen by a third in the last quarter.

Answer from Amanda Rishworth

The minister described reforms introducing minimum standards for digital platform workers. She highlighted a groundbreaking agreement between the Transport Workers' Union, Uber, and DoorDash, which would establish a minimum pay floor and improve conditions for food delivery drivers. She criticized the opposition for voting against these protections.

Answer from Chris Bowen

The minister cited an IEA report stating renewables are the lowest-cost technology for new electricity generation. He criticized the opposition for dropping net zero targets and supporting new coal. He noted that wholesale energy prices had fallen by a third in the last quarter.

Answer from Clare O'Neil

The minister reported that 5,000 social and affordable homes were complete, 25,000 were under construction or planning, and 21,000 more were funded through the Housing Australia Future Fund. She stated the government was on track to build 55,000 homes over five years. She dismissed opposition criticism as a risk, noting their lack of support for Commonwealth housing construction.

Answer from Chris Bowen

The minister confirmed the review would begin in 2026-2027 as indicated in the legislation. He stated that the Productivity Commission's advice would be considered alongside other submissions during the review. He noted that the mechanism had already reduced emissions from covered facilities significantly.

Answer from Andrew Giles

The minister highlighted the TAFE Technology Fund for facility upgrades and the 20 per cent cut to student debt for apprentices and VET students. He noted over 725,000 free TAFE enrolments and 210,000 completions, with construction courses being particularly popular. He emphasized that free TAFE had been made permanent.

Answer from Chris Bowen

The minister highlighted the Cheaper Home Batteries Program and Solar Sharer policy. He noted that renewable energy supplied 50 per cent of the main grid in October and that wholesale prices had fallen 30 per cent in the last quarter. He stated that the next default market offer would be released in March next year.

Answer from Mark Butler

The minister announced the location of a new urgent care clinic in Mundaring, part of a network of 137 clinics that would see two million patients annually. He highlighted that GP clinics in Bullwinkel and Forrest were registering as bulk-billing practices. He noted the success of the Bunbury urgent care clinic in reducing emergency department pressure.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister stated that the Labor Party makes decisions collectively in caucus. He noted that the government had introduced more legislation on problem gambling than any previous administration and was working with media and sporting organizations. He emphasized that reforms would be implemented piece by piece rather than through a single legislative fix.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister cited examples including penalty rate protections for workers, free TAFE for construction students, student debt cuts, paid practical placements for nursing students, savings on endometriosis treatment, wage increases for childcare workers, and full funding for public schools. He stated these measures were making a positive difference to people's lives.