House of Representatives

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister stated that inflation had decreased from six per cent to three per cent since the government took office, while unemployment remained low and wages increased. He noted that the budget had moved from deficits to surpluses, allowing for debt reduction. He emphasized that the Reserve Bank had indicated government spending was not the primary driver of inflation. The government continued to implement cost-of-living measures, including cheaper medicines, free TAFE, and home batteries, which he claimed were opposed by the opposition.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister announced a landmark funding agreement for public hospitals, noting it was three times larger than the previous agreement. He highlighted the delivery of 120 urgent care clinics out of a commitment of 137, and the reduction of PBS script costs to $25. He also mentioned the launch of 1800MEDICARE and the increase in fully bulk-billed clinics to 3,300. These measures were described as reducing pressure on emergency departments and ensuring access based on need rather than ability to pay.

Answer from Tanya Plibersek

The Minister stated that the government did not believe another royal commission was necessary, as frontline workers preferred implementation over further reports. She noted that there were already 1,000 recommendations from eight major inquiries, including the recent rapid review commissioned by National Cabinet. The government was currently implementing 583 initiatives, 122 of which were Commonwealth-led, supported by a $4 billion investment. She announced that consultation would begin on the second action plan of the National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children.

Answer from Tanya Plibersek (Minister for Social Services)

The Minister did not provide a direct answer to the specific question regarding the 500 workers, as the exchange was cut short or not fully recorded in the provided transcript segment. The transcript shows the question was asked but the answer is not included in the provided text for this specific exchange.

Answer from Kristy McBain

The Minister reported that over $330 million had been committed for disaster recovery, including $158 million announced recently. Funding covered clean-up, business support, rebuilding infrastructure like the Harcourt cool store, and mental health support. Disaster recovery payments were available in 57 locations, and income support was available in 23 local government areas. She warned that conditions could change quickly and urged residents to follow emergency advice.

Answer from Jim Chalmers

The Treasurer stated he took responsibility for his role in fighting inflation and managing the budget, which he claimed was stronger than when inherited. He highlighted cost-of-living measures such as tax cuts, cheaper medicines, and free TAFE. He argued that the opposition had left the government with higher inflation and larger deficits, and had campaigned on policies for higher taxes and debt. He noted that real wages had grown for two years and inflation had decreased.

Answer from Jim Chalmers

The Treasurer confirmed the Reserve Bank had increased the cash rate by 25 basis points. He acknowledged the pressure this placed on families and businesses. He emphasized that the Reserve Bank's statement attributed inflationary pressure to private demand rather than government spending. He noted that public demand had retreated while private demand strengthened. He reiterated the government's focus on cost-of-living relief and budget repair.

Answer from Jim Chalmers

The Treasurer did not apologize. He reiterated that Australians were under pressure and that the government was acting through cost-of-living relief. He argued that the opposition had left a weaker budget and higher inflation. He claimed the opposition parties were united only in their desire for interest rates to rise. He maintained that the government was focused on the cost-of-living challenge while the opposition was divided.

Answer from Catherine King

The Minister highlighted the sale of Rex Airlines to Air T, ensuring continued regional flights. She listed infrastructure projects including the Coffs Harbour bypass, Bruce Highway improvements, Rocky ring road, and Western Highway upgrades. She also mentioned sealing sections of the Tanami Road and developing logistics hubs. She contrasted these deliveries with the opposition's internal disputes.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister stated the government had engaged in responsible economic management, turning deficits into surpluses and reducing debt by $176 billion. He highlighted tax cuts, wage increases for aged care and childcare workers, student debt relief, and free TAFE as measures to help Australians. He argued that the opposition had opposed these measures and campaigned on higher taxes and deficits.

Answer from Mark Butler

The Minister announced the listing of Andriga-10 for advanced prostate cancer, making it available at PBS prices for around 2,000 men. He noted that the maximum PBS script price had been lowered to $25, matching 2004 levels. He highlighted that pensioners and concession cardholders had received over 8.7 million free scripts and that 60-day scripts were available for common medicines. He stated these measures were helping Australians who previously avoided filling scripts due to cost.

Answer from Jim Chalmers

The Treasurer cited economists from AMP, Commonwealth Bank, and Westpac, as well as the Reserve Bank's statement, to argue that inflationary pressure was coming from private demand, not public spending. He stated that government spending growth had peaked and was retreating. He encouraged the member to read the Reserve Bank's statement, which did not mention government spending as a factor in the rate decision.

Answer from Jason Clare

The Minister reported that student debt had been cut by 20 per cent for over three million Australians, averaging $5,500 in relief per person. He noted that annual repayments were being reduced, for example by $1,300 for those earning $70,000. He also highlighted the rollout of paid practical training for students in teaching, nursing, midwifery, and social work to help cover living costs during placements.

Answer from Jim Chalmers

The Treasurer repeated that the Reserve Bank and other economists attributed inflation pressure to private demand, not public spending. He cited specific economists to support this view. He stated he took responsibility for his role in fighting inflation and cleaning up the previous government's economic mess, which included higher inflation and larger deficits. He argued the opposition was not credible on economic management.

Answer from Amanda Rishworth

The Minister cited ABS data showing wages for workers on enterprise agreements had risen by 9.6 per cent over two years. She stated that the opposition posed a risk to wages, citing their history of WorkChoices and opposition to penalty rates and work-from-home rights. She argued that regardless of leadership changes, the opposition would seek to cut wages and conditions.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister did not commit to a billionaires' wealth tax. Instead, he highlighted the government's focus on redistributing tax cuts to lower-income earners by changing the stage 3 tax cut thresholds. He mentioned rental assistance, higher social security payments, and Medicare levy reductions for low-income earners. He also noted measures to close the gender pay gap and pay superannuation on paid parental leave as ways to tackle inequality.

Answer from Anika Wells

The Minister reported that 4.7 million accounts had been deactivated, removed, or restricted in the first week of the law's implementation. She stated this allowed young Australians to disconnect from algorithms and engage in real-life activities. She acknowledged that implementation was not perfect but emphasized the cultural change and progress being made. She cited positive feedback from parents and educators.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister did not directly answer the question about entitlements. He commented on the opposition's internal divisions and stated he would wait to see what happened. He mentioned he would have respectful discussions with the Leader of the Opposition to ensure the parliament functioned appropriately. He noted that representations were being made to him on various issues.

Answer from Mark Butler

The Minister reported that 122 Medicare urgent care clinics were open, with 15 more opening soon. He stated they had seen 2.12 million patients, with a third being children and a third seen on weekends. All patients were fully bulk-billed. He emphasized that these clinics reduced pressure on emergency departments and provided timely care.

Answer from Jim Chalmers

The Treasurer defended the Treasury Secretary, stating she attends Reserve Bank meetings as a representative of Treasury, not the government. He criticized the opposition for attacking a public servant. He highlighted that the government had appointed women to lead major economic institutions, including the Treasury, ASIC, Productivity Commission, and Reserve Bank, for the first time in history.

Answer from Chris Bowen

The Minister reported that renewables hit 51 per cent of demand in the December quarter, with wholesale prices down 44 per cent. He stated that 218,023 home batteries had been installed. He provided installation numbers for various electorates, highlighting high uptake in regional areas. He argued that renewables were improving reliability and lowering prices.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister acknowledged the need for a comprehensive response to antisemitism and social cohesion. He mentioned a recent incident in Perth being investigated as a potential act of terrorism. He highlighted legislative advances on hate speech and guns. He emphasized the need for a broader societal conversation about polarization and the role of social media in pushing people toward extremes. He did not explicitly commit to specific resourcing of the framework in the answer.

Answer from Andrew Giles

The Minister reported 725,000 enrolments and 210,000 completed courses. He highlighted success stories in tech and digital courses. He stated that free TAFE was secure and would become permanent starting next year. He argued that the opposition opposed free TAFE and would cut it if in power.

Answer from Jim Chalmers

The Treasurer stated that the Reserve Bank makes independent decisions and the government does not set interest rates. He reiterated that the Reserve Bank's statement attributed inflation pressure to private demand, not government spending. He emphasized the government's role in managing the budget and providing cost-of-living relief, while the Reserve Bank managed monetary policy. He argued the opposition's campaign blaming government spending was dishonest.

Answer from Tanya Plibersek

The Minister stated that from 1 July, families would receive six months of paid parental leave. She noted that recipients were already $12,000 better off since 2022, with 180,000 families benefiting. She highlighted increased payments, superannuation contributions, and flexibility. She contrasted this with the opposition's past criticism of paid parental leave schemes.

Answer from Chris Bowen

The Minister stated that 218,000 Australian families had reduced their energy bills close to zero or received rebates through the home battery policy. He also noted that wholesale electricity prices had dropped by 44 per cent during the final quarter of the prior year, comparing current prices to those under the previous government.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister described a warm reception in Timor-Leste and highlighted the shared history between Australia and Timor-Leste, including support during World War II and independence struggles. He noted the signing of a new partnership agreement (parseria) and Timor-Leste's ascension to ASEAN. He emphasized the importance of these relationships for Australia's role as a middle power in a turbulent world, mentioning upcoming visits to Indonesia and Papua New Guinea.