House of Representatives

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister criticized the opposition's internal divisions and their historical stance on climate policy, citing comments from Phil Coorey about the dysfunction caused by past climate wars. He highlighted the defection of a National Party member and the lack of unity within the coalition regarding net zero commitments. He stated that the government was focused on delivery rather than political tactics.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister stated that the reforms were a win for business, the environment, and the country, noting that current laws were obsolete and caused project approval times to rise from 48 weeks in 2000 to 118 weeks today. He criticized the previous government for ignoring the Samuel review and claimed the new laws would provide certainty for investment while safeguarding the environment. He confirmed the legislation would pass the Senate that day.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister rejected the characterization of economic failure, noting that interest rates had decreased three times that year and inflation was half of what it was when the government took office. He highlighted that 1.2 million additional Australians were in jobs and wages had risen for eight consecutive quarters. He listed cost-of-living measures including free TAFE, cheaper medicines, and student debt relief, stating these were opposed by the opposition.

Answer from Jason Clare

The minister stated that 1.5 million Australians had their student debt reduced by 20 per cent, with another 1.12 million set to receive the same cut the following week. He described this as the largest student debt reduction in Australian history, averaging $5,500 off for those affected. He attributed the policy to the Prime Minister's commitment and criticized opposition members for opposing the measure.

Answer from Tony Burke

The minister answered no.

Answer from Mark Butler

The minister highlighted 29 bulk-billing practices in the member's electorate and a new urgent care clinic. He noted the listing of new contraceptives and menopause treatments, saving women millions. He stated that over 1,000 general practices had switched to bulk-billing and 50 new urgent care clinics were announced. He also mentioned freezing script prices for pensioners and reducing the maximum pharmacy co-payment to $25.

Answer from Chris Bowen

The minister stated that the government was working to lower prices by increasing supply, noting that wholesale electricity prices in Victoria had dropped from $233 per megawatt hour in May 2022 to $77. He criticized the previous government for closing coal plants without replacement and highlighted that 4 gigawatts of renewables and 1.2 gigawatts of storage had been added in Victoria since May 2022. He also noted that over 139,000 Australians had installed home batteries.

Answer from Jim Chalmers

The treasurer stated that every taxpayer was receiving three tax cuts, returning bracket creep and lowering average tax rates by about $50 a week for the average worker. He criticized the opposition for voting against these cuts and proposing higher taxes on 14 million workers. He highlighted that the opposition had larger deficits and debt while proposing tax increases.

Answer from Chris Bowen

The minister did not apologize but cited a drop in wholesale electricity prices in New South Wales from $320 to $90 per megawatt hour. He criticized the previous government for hiding retail price increases and closing coal plants without replacement. He highlighted that 5.7 gigawatts of renewables and 1 gigawatt of storage had been added in New South Wales since May 2022.

Answer from Clare O'Neil

The minister stated that the government was reforming environmental laws to reduce approval times for housing from years to weeks. She highlighted the delivery of 55,000 social and affordable homes and a 15 per cent increase in building approvals. She identified the opposition's division and failure to support environmental reforms as a risk to delivery.

Answer from Chris Bowen

The minister stated that the government was working to lower bills by increasing supply and providing short-term relief. He noted that wholesale prices had dropped by roughly 30 per cent but this had not yet flowed through to bills. He mentioned reforms to the default market offer and the introduction of solar sharer to provide free electricity during the day.

Answer from Amanda Rishworth

The minister highlighted legislation protecting penalty and overtime rates, wage increases for minimum wage earners totaling over $9,000, and gig worker reforms. She noted the highest number of employees covered by enterprise agreements and pay rises for aged care and early educators. She criticized the opposition for proposing to cut take-home pay for women and repeal right-to-disconnect laws.

Answer from Tony Burke

The minister stated that the arrangements were important for stopping boat arrivals, citing a 90 per cent reduction in 2013. He emphasized that the current arrangements involved individuals who had committed serious crimes and had their visas cancelled. He argued that visa cancellation must be meaningful and that third-country resettlement was necessary when return to origin countries was not possible.

Answer from Sam Rae

The minister stated that the government had delivered four rounds of fully funded pay rises, increasing the average registered nurse's pay by $28,000. He highlighted the introduction of 24/7 nursing requirements, mandatory care minutes, and free TAFE places for aged care workers. He criticized the previous government for neglecting the sector.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister rejected the claims, stating that the government had turned deficits into surpluses and reduced debt. He highlighted zero quarters of negative growth, inflation halved, and wages rising for eight quarters. He listed achievements including 1.2 million new jobs, tax cuts, and cost-of-living relief, criticizing the opposition for fighting amongst themselves.

Answer from Anika Wells

The minister stated that the government was tabling rules and working with platforms to ensure compliance. She identified threats from opposition parliamentarians who were attempting to repeal the law and undermining trust in it. She criticized the shadow minister for suggesting she would not have supported the law in hindsight.

Answer from Madeleine King

The minister stated that the government was undertaking a review of the gas market to examine policies and regulatory mechanisms. She noted that the arrangements with KOGAS and Gladstone LNG expire in 2031 and that any future arrangements must meet Australian law obligations. She did not confirm whether the contract would be extended.

Answer from Catherine King

The minister highlighted the Coomera Connector, the Bruce Highway upgrade, and beef roads in Queensland. She noted the delivery of the Rockhampton and Mackay Ring Roads and rail improvements. She criticized the previous government for antagonizing states and cutting funding to projects like Cross River Rail.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister stated that it was a breach of the law to discuss what happens at the National Security Committee.

Answer from Tony Burke

The minister listed government achievements including student debt cuts, cheaper medicines, and environmental reforms. He criticized the opposition for internal division and lack of ideas, comparing their behavior to characters in A Christmas Carol.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister stated that the government was increasing supply through social housing, private rentals, and home ownership schemes. He criticized the opposition and Greens for blocking the build-to-rent incentive in the Senate.

Answer from Pat Conroy

The minister highlighted the delivery of naval strike missiles, the selection of Mogami class frigates, and continuous naval shipbuilding. He criticized the previous government for closing shipyards and cutting the defence budget. He noted the allocation of $10 billion for drones and autonomous systems.

Answer from Chris Bowen

The minister agreed that energy prices were too high and stated the government was working to reduce them by increasing supply in Western Australia. He highlighted that 112 gigawatts of renewables had been added since May 2022 and that over 15,000 families had installed home batteries.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister cited positive comments from Graeme Samuel, the Association of Mining and Exploration Companies, the Australian Industry Group, the Property Council, and the Housing Industry Association. He stated that the reforms provided clarity and certainty for development and environmental protection.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister stated that reforms had already improved time limits and that the government was the most accountable in the world compared to other parliaments. He noted that crossbenchers were given a fair opportunity to ask questions.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister listed achievements including student debt cuts, first home buyer assistance, social housing, tax cuts, and healthcare improvements. He criticized the opposition for being defined by what they were against rather than what they were for, citing their opposition to net zero and environmental reforms.