Senate

Answer from Katy Gallagher

The minister stated the government was committed to fiscal discipline, having halved the deficit and reduced debt interest costs. She argued that responsible budget management supported the Reserve Bank's efforts to lower inflation while providing cost-of-living assistance. She rejected the opposition's approach of significant cuts and tax increases, asserting that the government's strategy of finding savings and reprioritising spending was effective.

Answer from Penny Wong

The minister highlighted recent environmental law reforms to speed up projects in priority areas like housing and renewables. She listed cost-of-living measures including tax cuts, cheaper medicines with PBS script caps of $25 for general patients and $7.70 for concession card holders, and student debt reductions of 20 per cent for 11.2 million Australians. She also noted investments in Medicare bulk-billing and urgent care clinics, contrasting these actions with the opposition's lack of a clear plan.

Answer from Katy Gallagher

The minister defended the decision to hold the event in the Pacific to highlight climate impacts on island nations. She stated that costs would be determined through standard government processes, similar to other climate-related expenditures. She did not provide a specific dollar amount, instead focusing on the strategic importance of the event and criticising the opposition's stance on climate change.

Answer from Penny Wong

The minister stated she would not comment on classified AUSTRAC reporting. She clarified that the memorandum of understanding was negotiated by the Department of Home Affairs, not her portfolio. Regarding allegations of funding criminal groups through contractors, she reiterated that government expectations for the use of funds were clear and applied across all departments.

Answer from Katy Gallagher

The minister stated that the gender pay gap had decreased to 21.1 per cent, a reduction from the previous 28.8 per cent, while the median gap dropped to 16.4 per cent. She credited this advancement to fresh reporting obligations for major employers and changes to parental leave and superannuation. She observed that 99 per cent of employers now possessed sexual harassment prevention policies and pointed to gains in men utilising primary carer leave.

Answer from Don Farrell

The minister highlighted existing harm reduction measures, including the BetStop self-exclusion registry and the ban on credit card use for online wagering. He stated that the government was engaging with stakeholders, including broadcasters and sporting codes, to develop further solutions. He did not provide a specific date for introducing advertising ban legislation, emphasising ongoing consultation.

Answer from Penny Wong

The minister denied losing control of the agency and defended the government's $43 billion housing plan. She criticised the opposition's historical record on social housing, noting only 373 homes were built in nine years compared to over 5,000 under the current government. Regarding the withheld report, she dismissed the Senate order as not serious and did not provide the document.

Answer from Katy Gallagher

The minister rejected the claims, citing Treasury modelling and bank CEO statements that the scheme was not driving prices. She highlighted that construction cost inflation had fallen to 2.1 per cent and that over 520,000 new homes had been built. She emphasised that lending rules remained unchanged and that the scheme helped buyers save on mortgage insurance without increasing borrowing capacity.

Answer from Jess Walsh

The minister announced a 15 per cent pay rise for educators, with the second instalment rolling out to provide an extra $160 per week. She stated this measure had reduced vacancy rates and burnout, stabilising the workforce. She contrasted this support with the previous government's neglect of the sector.

Answer from Tim Ayres

The minister described the emissions data as a positive outcome, noting a 2.2 per cent decrease and that emissions were 29 per cent below 2005 levels. He attributed reductions to increased renewable energy generation and efforts across agriculture and industry. He dismissed the opposition's criticism as negative politics and reaffirmed the government's commitment to modernising the electricity system and supporting manufacturing.