House of Representatives

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister stated that the Reserve Bank Governor attributed the rate rise to stronger-than-expected private demand, not government spending. He highlighted government measures to ease cost-of-living pressures, including cheaper medicines, bulk-billing incentives, student debt reductions, apprenticeship incentives, and free TAFE. He also noted upcoming tax cuts and criticized the opposition for failing to agree on cost-of-living measures.

Answer from Richard Marles

The Minister announced the largest review of the defence estate in history, citing the need to invest in northern and western bases. He referenced an audit by Jan Mason and Jim Miller, which found Defence held excess property. The government agreed in principle to all 20 recommendations, including divesting 64 properties fully and three partially, with proceeds reinvested in defence capability. He cited the cessation of spending on unused sites like Spectacle Island as an example of improved efficiency.

Answer from Tony Burke

The Minister stated that nothing degrades democracy more than a terrorist attack, justifying the rapid response. He explained that public servants worked daily to prepare legislation, which was released as an exposure draft to allow review. He argued that the speed was necessary, citing the disbandment of the National Socialist Network before the parliament returned as evidence that timely action deterred extremist activity. He emphasized that safety priorities require quick action when necessary.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister highlighted upcoming security agreements with Indonesia and the independent review of the defence estate. He noted that many defence sites are underused or obsolete, leading to a decision to sell 64 sites. Proceeds will be reinvested in defence capability, personnel support, and urban development. He described this as a win-win for defence, housing, and economic efficiency, rejecting the status quo of maintaining unused estates.

Answer from Jim Chalmers

The Treasurer disputed the view that government spending is the primary driver of inflation, citing economists from AMP, Commonwealth Bank, and Westpac who noted that public sector demand growth is slowing or has peaked. He confirmed that savings would be included in the May budget, highlighting $114 billion in savings found so far and a $233 billion improvement in the budget. He criticized the opposition for running larger deficits during their term and for proposing higher deficits in the election.

Answer from Jim Chalmers

The Treasurer described the mid-year update as the most responsible on record, noting it improved the bottom line every year of the forward estimates. He highlighted a $233 billion budget improvement, $114 billion in savings, and a reduction in gross debt by $176 billion. He contrasted this with the previous government's record of missing surplus targets, higher spending growth, and increased debt. He also noted upcoming tax cuts under the current government versus proposed tax hikes by the opposition.

Answer from Jim Chalmers

The Treasurer stated he takes responsibility for his role in fighting inflation but disputed the characterization of his past comments. He aligned his views with the Reserve Bank Governor, who attributed the rate rise to stronger-than-expected private demand. He noted that public sector demand growth has eased, allowing the private sector to take up the slack. He emphasized the government's focus on productivity and responsible budget management.

Answer from Mark Butler

The Minister reported that the NDIS growth rate was on track to meet the 8 per cent target for 2026, with agreements to reduce it further to 5-6 per cent. He highlighted the Thriving Kids program, agreed to by state premiers, to assist young children with low-to-moderate needs without requiring formal diagnoses. This program aims to provide early, accessible support to help children thrive.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister highlighted the government's record of back-to-back budget surpluses and returning 70 per cent of tax receipt upgrades to the bottom line. He noted that debt was $188 billion lower than forecast under the previous government, saving $60 billion in interest costs. He cited AAA credit ratings from S&P and Fitch and criticized the opposition's platform for proposing higher deficits, debt, and tax increases.

Answer from Jason Clare

The Minister highlighted agreements with states and territories to fix public school funding. He emphasized the rollout of phonics checks for six-year-olds and numeracy checks for Year 1 students, citing success in South Australia where standards improved from 43 per cent to 66 per cent. He also noted increases in teacher training applications and offers, and reforms to teacher training to better prepare educators.

Answer from Chris Bowen

The Minister highlighted that 1,128 households in the member's electorate had installed cheaper home batteries, reducing bills by 90 per cent or more. He noted that wholesale electricity prices in Queensland fell from $347 per megawatt hour in May 2022 to $58 currently. He attributed this to increased renewables and policies like Solar Sharer, which the opposition opposed.

Answer from Mark Butler

The Minister stated that bulk-billing rates for pensioners, concession card holders, and kids are back above 90 per cent due to tripled incentives. He highlighted three major increases to the Medicare rebate and the introduction of bulk-billing support for all Australians. He cited a specific medical center in Calwell that now bulk-bills all patients, up from half previously.

Answer from Jim Chalmers

The Treasurer argued that the opposition's own policies of higher deficits would worsen inflation. He cited economists from AMP, Commonwealth Bank, Westpac, and Access Economics who noted that public sector demand growth is slowing or has peaked. He reiterated the Reserve Bank Governor's view that private demand was stronger than expected, driving the recent inflation uptick.

Answer from Catherine King

The Minister announced up to $5 million for regional airports affected by Rex's administration. She highlighted a $17 billion total investment in the Bruce Highway, including $7.2 billion for upgrades north of Gympie. She listed completed and ongoing projects, including road strengthening and safety upgrades, criticizing the opposition for dismissing these investments as political stunts.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister stated that the government follows an orderly decision-making process, considering committee reports through cabinet and expenditure review processes. He emphasized that this ensures proper funding and policy development. He contrasted this with the previous government's failure to respond to reports at all and highlighted regular engagement with the crossbench.

Answer from Pat Conroy

The Minister highlighted increased naval strike range, doubling the warship fleet, and delivering new warships ahead of schedule. He mentioned the production of Ghost Shark submarines, Ghost Bat aircraft, and missiles in South Australia. He criticized the previous government for cancelling drone projects and closing shipyards, contrasting this with the current government's creation of 10,000 shipbuilding jobs and investment in drones.

Answer from Jim Chalmers

The Treasurer confirmed a $170 million commitment to the Hughenden irrigation scheme, noting it is waiting for the Queensland government's Gulf water plan to conclude. He highlighted $1.2 billion invested in water projects through the National Water Grid Fund. He stated the government is reviewing the Water Act and National Water Initiative to ensure they meet needs, acknowledging the member's passion for north-west Queensland development.

Answer from Clare O'Neil

The Minister highlighted a deal with South Australia to build 17,000 homes, with 7,000 reserved for first-home buyers. She noted the government is on track to build 55,000 homes, contrasting this with the previous government's record of building only 373 homes. She criticized the opposition for lacking a coherent housing policy and for proposing policies that would reduce supply.

Answer from Jim Chalmers

The Treasurer stated that the Governor's primary point was that private demand recovered faster than anticipated. He quoted the Governor's response to a specific question about government spending, which emphasized the strength of private demand. He argued that the government is acting responsibly by rolling out cost-of-living help and improving the budget, contrasting this with the opposition's lack of support for such measures.

Answer from Sam Rae

The Minister announced a new 120- to 150-bed aged-care home in Palmerston, part of almost $1 billion invested since 2022. He highlighted wage increases for aged-care workers, with registered nurses earning $28,000 more annually. He also mentioned free TAFE and paid prac programs to build the workforce, emphasizing the government's focus on delivery and worker support.

Answer from Chris Bowen

The Minister stated that wholesale prices, which influence retail prices, fell by 44 per cent in the last quarter. He cited Queensland wholesale prices dropping from $347 to $58 per megawatt hour. He highlighted policies like Solar Sharer and reforms to the default market offer to protect consumers, criticizing the previous government's energy policy failures.

Answer from Michelle Rowland

The Minister announced public consultation on draft legislation to prevent convicted child sex abusers from shielding assets in superannuation. She highlighted family law reforms recognizing superannuation in property pools and the National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children, backed by $4.7 billion in funding. She also mentioned reforms to the low-income superannuation tax offset and improved access to housing and childcare.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister did not provide a guarantee but highlighted the government's economic record, including lower inflation, higher wages, and record job creation. He criticized the opposition for proposing higher deficits and tax increases during the election. He emphasized the government's commitment to cost-of-living relief, contrasting this with the opposition's stated opposition to such measures.

Answer from Chris Bowen

The Minister reported that 219,750 cheaper home batteries had been installed since July 1, with 42 per cent in rural and regional areas. He highlighted record renewable energy supply in the pipeline and new generation connected to the grid. He contrasted this with the previous government's failure to deliver new energy capacity, citing the Collinsville coal-fired power station feasibility study as an example of wasted spending.

Answer from Richard Marles

The Minister confirmed that Anglesea Barracks remains a critical part of the defence estate. He explained that the review involves rationalizing properties in Tasmania, including a tri-service cadet facility in Launceston. He announced a $20.8 million investment in Anglesea Barracks to consolidate the defence footprint in Hobart and ensure it can undertake current and future functions.

Answer from Tony Burke

The Minister explained that the new sessional order was necessary because the crossbench had grown to match the size of the opposition. He noted that this allowed for more crossbench questions. He highlighted recent defections from the opposition, reducing their numbers to 23 members following the shadow cabinet, while 33 do not. He criticized the opposition's internal divisions and leadership challenges.