House of Representatives

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister acknowledged cost-of-living pressures but stated that inflation had decreased from nearly 8 per cent to the low single digits. He cited an OECD report indicating that Australia avoided recession and that real incomes had risen since 2022, unlike in many other OECD economies. He criticized the opposition for failing to outline their budget plans and for proposing tax increases and nuclear energy funding.

Answer from Richard Marles

The minister highlighted significant costs incurred by Defence for maintaining vacant properties, such as $1 million at Penrith and $10 million at Maribyrnong. He cited a Defence estate audit stating that Defence holds more property than needed and that past consolidation attempts failed due to a lack of political will. He warned that without reform, governments would spend $2 billion over 25 years on unnecessary properties, arguing that the current government had the political will to act where previous administrations had not.

Answer from Kristy McBain

The minister acknowledged the impact on over 415,000 hectares and mentioned meetings with local communities regarding needs such as rebuilding the Ruffy community centre and improving infrastructure resilience. She noted that $158 million had been announced for supports including power outage assistance, clean-up, temporary accommodation, and mental health services, on top of over $330 million already enacted under Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements. She stated that the government would continue to work with state and local governments to identify and provide further assistance as needed.

Answer from Jim Chalmers

The Treasurer acknowledged that inflation remained higher than desired but noted it was lower than the 2022 peaks. He highlighted government actions including cost-of-living support, tax cuts, and budget repair measures. He cited the Reserve Bank governor's view that the economy was in a good position, noting stronger growth, lower unemployment, and less debt compared to other advanced economies. He stated that the focus for the upcoming budget would be on addressing inflation, productivity, and economic resilience.

Answer from Jim Chalmers

The Treasurer stated he took responsibility for his role in fighting inflation but maintained that his citation of the economist was accurate. He argued that the economist's comments reflected the fact that private demand growth had contributed more to economic growth than public demand in 2025. He cited the Reserve Bank governor and monetary policy statements to support the view that private demand was stronger than expected, while the contribution of public demand to GDP growth had eased.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister stated that gender equality was fundamental to Australia's success and national interest, not just a special interest issue. He highlighted investments to close the gender pay gap, boost economic opportunity, and address violence against women. He criticized a recent media article for its sexist tone, stating that such content would not be written about male leaders, and called for higher standards in national discourse and less polarization.

Answer from Chris Bowen

The minister explained that retail prices are set from 1 July following the release of the default market offer, with a draft expected in March and a final in May. He noted that wholesale energy prices in Queensland had dropped significantly from $347 per megawatt hour in May 2022 to $58 per megawatt hour. He criticized the previous government for hiding price increases before an election and stated that current reforms ensured wholesale price reductions fed efficiently into retail prices.

Answer from Tony Burke

The minister characterised the event as a horrific terrorist attack in which a 31-year-old male was accused of hurling a home-made explosive at a group. He noted that the Joint Counter Terrorism Team responded within 40 minutes of the detention. The individual faced charges for participating in a terrorist act, marking the first instance of this offence in Western Australia, with a potential life sentence. The minister highlighted that white supremacist beliefs were cited as the alleged motive and encouraged citizens to share any concerning details with the National Security Hotline.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister cited the Reserve Bank governor's statement that private demand had been stronger than forecast. He referenced OECD and IMF reports praising Australia's fiscal strategy and soft landing. He noted that the government had identified $114 billion in savings and provided an additional $20 billion in the Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook. He challenged the opposition to specify what cuts they would make, given their lack of action when in government.

Answer from Mark Butler

The minister reported that bulk-billing in Bendigo had increased by 10 per cent, with the proportion of practices bulk-billing all patients tripling. The Bendigo Urgent Care Clinic had treated nearly 20,000 patients, reducing semi-urgent presentations to the local emergency department by almost 10 per cent. He noted that 120,000 Australians had used the 1800MEDICARE helpline in its first month, with 5,000 referred for GP consultations. He also mentioned an historic agreement with states to provide record support to public hospitals.

Answer from Chris Bowen

The minister stated he took responsibility for the energy system and its progress. He highlighted that more than 1,100 home batteries were put in place in the member's electorate from 1 July. He noted that wholesale energy prices in Victoria had dropped from $233 per megawatt hour in May 2022 to $37 per megawatt hour. He emphasized that he did not hide price increases before elections and was focused on dealing with headwinds and setbacks.

Answer from Jason Clare

The minister announced the delivery of the three-day child care guarantee, which would save families earning between $50,000 and $100,000 approximately $1,500 a year. Regarding safety, he stated that personal mobile phones were banned in centres, compliance officers were conducting spot checks, and a national CCTV trial had started. He noted that the national educator register and mandatory safety training would begin at the end of the month, and that funding notices had been sent to over 60 services failing to meet safety standards.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister pointed out that a Senate select committee, including Liberal and National senators, was already examining the capital gains tax discount. He highlighted government actions such as the Housing Australia Future Fund, which had helped 220,000 Australians into their first home, and partnerships with states to build 100,000 new homes. He also mentioned training more tradespeople through free TAFE and utilizing Defence land for housing supply.

Answer from Kristy McBain

The minister highlighted investments in regional health, housing, and education, including the Regional and Remote Airport Support Program and $10,000 payments for housing apprentices. She noted that PBS medicines were now $25 or less, saving over $200 million annually, and that 122 urgent care clinics had opened, with 39 in regional areas. She also mentioned increasing Roads to Recovery funding to $1 billion a year, with 85 per cent going to regional councils.

Answer from Jim Chalmers

The Treasurer stated that specific costs for the Capacity Investment Scheme were not typically published due to ongoing negotiations. He noted that the scheme was generating $73 billion of private capital for renewable energy projects and that all investments were accounted for in the usual way.

Answer from Clare O'Neil

The minister reported that 220,000 Australians had accessed the five per cent deposit scheme, with 73,000 living in regional areas. She highlighted $1.5 billion in housing infrastructure funding for roads, sewerage, and water, mostly directed to regions. She noted that the Housing Australia Future Fund included a dedicated regional stream for social and affordable homes in locations such as Tamworth and Shepparton. She criticized the previous government for building no social or affordable homes in regional areas.

Answer from Catherine King

The minister confirmed that she had approved the release of $10 million for the Dixons Long Point crossing to Transport for NSW for planning, design, and cost estimation. She noted that the project had a long history and that planning work should commence. The transcript does not contain an answer regarding the Blue Mountains expressway.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister stated he was traveling to Jakarta to formally sign a historic security treaty with Indonesia, which would commit both nations to consult on security matters. He described this as a watershed moment in the bilateral relationship. He highlighted broader engagement with regional partners including Papua New Guinea, Timor-Leste, Tuvalu, and Nauru, emphasizing that Australia's prosperity and security depended on a stable and prosperous region.