Senate

Answer from Tim Ayres

The minister stated that electricity prices had risen by 91 per cent during the previous government's tenure. He argued that the current administration is addressing the infrastructure gaps left by prior policy inaction, including the closure of coal-fired stations without replacement. He asserted that a mix of renewables, storage, gas, and hydro provides the lowest generation costs and that prices would be lower under the government's orderly transition model compared to the opposition's approach.

Answer from Katy Gallagher

The minister announced an additional $41.8 million for 1800RESPECT to enhance support services, including video and SMS capabilities. She highlighted investments in the Leaving Violence Program, emergency housing, legal services, and paid domestic violence leave. The minister also noted the implementation of the National Higher Education Code and Respect@Work recommendations, and an inquiry into suicide related to domestic violence.

Answer from Murray Watt

The minister expressed dissatisfaction with the Bureau's handling of the website upgrade and noted he had met with the acting CEO to request urgent changes. He clarified that the initial $4 million estimate was for the public-facing site, while the total program cost was higher. He emphasized the independence of the Bureau and stated he had confidence in the new CEO to investigate the issues and ensure taxpayer money was spent wisely.

Answer from Katy Gallagher

The minister stated the government had invested over $4 billion in programs to end gender-based violence and $3.9 billion in legal services. She outlined a multi-faceted approach including housing policy, economic equality measures, and women's health packages. Regarding the funding mapping framework, she indicated that strategic coordination of investments was ongoing and would be discussed at an upcoming women's ministerial meeting.

Answer from Jess Walsh

The minister confirmed that 3 million Australians would have their HECS debt reduced by an average of $5,500. She stated that notifications were being sent to students in waves. She also highlighted free TAFE and paid practical placements as part of the government's support for young people, contrasting this with the opposition's stance.

Answer from Jenny McAllister

The minister noted that an expression of interest was open for three new bulk-billed GP clinics in Canberra. She explained that the allocation of Commonwealth supported places relied on advice from a selection advisory committee and was a competitive process. She stated that a further 50 places would be allocated in a second grant round opening in 2026.

Answer from Malarndirri McCarthy

The minister highlighted government efforts to create 3,000 jobs in remote Australia, including ranger positions. She defended the government's migration stance and criticized the opposition for opposing infrastructure and housing development. Regarding net zero, she emphasized the need for climate action and responsible management of climate impacts, rejecting the suggestion to abandon net zero targets.

Answer from Jenny McAllister

The minister confirmed that National Emergency Management Agency staff were embedded in the emergency operations centre. She noted that disaster relief funding had been activated, providing immediate relief payments to those who relocated. Joint funding was also activated for rebuilding roads and public infrastructure. She highlighted investments in the national emergency stockpile and the Disaster Ready Fund to enhance future resilience.

Answer from Katy Gallagher

The minister denied that the measure was an austerity cut, describing it as fiscal discipline to ensure agencies prioritized spending. She stated that the Australian Security Liaison (ASL) would not be reduced and that national institutions were exempt from the efficiency dividend. She offered to table correspondence during estimates to provide transparency on the specific requirements.

Answer from Don Farrell

The minister stated that climate issues fell under the purview of the Minister for Climate Change and Energy. He rejected the premise that the declaration ended fossil fuel exports, emphasizing the continued role of gas as a transition fuel. He noted that Australia would continue to honor contractual obligations for gas exports, particularly to Japan.

Answer from Jenny McAllister

The minister highlighted an $81.2 billion investment in Medicare to expand bulk-billing, aiming for nine out of 10 GP visits to be bulk-billed by 2030. She noted the opening of 47 additional Medicare urgent care clinics. Regarding medicines, she stated that the maximum PBS co-payment would drop to $25, saving Australians over $200 million annually, and that new listings for breast cancer treatments and contraceptives had been made.