House of Representatives

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister stated that Australian citizens have a legal right to return to the country, a position previously held by former Liberal leaders including Peter Dutton and the member for Berowra. He clarified that the government is not repatriating these individuals but is operating under existing laws and international obligations. He noted that the government successfully opposed a court action by a non-government organisation demanding repatriation. The Prime Minister highlighted that 40 people, including fighters, returned to Australia under the previous government.

Answer from Anthony Albanese (Prime Minister)

The Prime Minister did not provide a substantive answer as no question was posed.

Answer from Tony Burke

The Minister stated that no repatriation or assistance was provided to these individuals. He cited a subsequent letter from Save the Children expressing disappointment that the government refused to offer support, confirming that no commitments were fulfilled.

Answer from Richard Marles

The Minister confirmed that over 100 Australian serving personnel in the region were safe and accounted for. He noted that approximately 115,000 Australians were in the Middle East, with 'do not travel' advisories in place for Iran, Israel, Lebanon, the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, and Kuwait. He encouraged Australians to register on the crisis portal for direct communication and to follow Smartraveller advisories. The 24-hour consular hotline was available for assistance. He stated that airspace was currently blacked out, but commercial flights were expected to resume first as the situation stabilised.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister noted that the site is a Pacific National asset and that Sydney Trains operates the line. He highlighted government support for local manufacturing through the National Reconstruction Fund and the National Rail Action Plan, which aims to coordinate state efforts and reduce costs. He stated that he would raise the issue with the Minister for Industry and Innovation, Senator Ayres, and that the relevant minister would continue to engage with the member.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister listed several initiatives, including paid practical placements for nurses, free TAFE training with $10,000 incentives for tradespeople, and improved resourcing for veterans. He noted the expansion of bulk-billing GP practices, with 3,400 fully bulk-billing clinics nationwide, and record investment in women's health. He announced 17,000 new homes, including 7,000 for first-home buyers, and highlighted AUKUS submarine construction in Adelaide. He stated that over 250,000 cheaper home batteries had been installed to reduce power bills.

Answer from Tony Burke

The Minister stated that it had been many months since he last spoke with Dr Rifi on this matter. He referenced a letter from Save the Children following a previous meeting, which expressed disappointment at the government's refusal to provide assistance to Australians overseas.

Answer from Jim Chalmers

The Treasurer stated that the government had found $114 billion in savings, delivered two surpluses, and reduced debt by $176 billion. He noted that annual inflation was steady in January but higher than desired. He highlighted that income tax cuts would allow the average taxpayer to keep an extra $50 a week. He contrasted this with the opposition's previous policies, which he claimed involved higher taxes and bigger deficits.

Answer from Tony Burke

The Minister declined to discuss specific intelligence advice in the House. He confirmed that ASIO had advised that one member of the cohort met the threshold for a temporary exclusion order, which the government had implemented. He stated that the government would not take risks with national security and would act on agency advice to exclude individuals who met the legal threshold.

Answer from Mark Butler

The Minister stated that the proportion of pensioners and concession card holders receiving bulk-billing had risen to over 90 per cent, and 91 per cent in Queensland, due to tripling the bulk-billing incentive in 2023. He noted that the number of practices bulk-billing every patient had doubled in the member's electorate, with 3,500 practices now fully bulk-billing. He attributed previous declines to Medicare rebate freezes under the Liberal government.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister stated that the premise of the question was wrong, implying that no such repatriation plans existed to be halted.

Answer from Amanda Rishworth

The Minister stated that the gender pay gap had fallen to 11.5 per cent, its lowest on record, down from 14.1 per cent under the previous government. She noted that women on enterprise agreements earned 12.4 per cent more. She identified the opposition as the primary risk, citing their criticism of wage increases and penalty rate protections. She highlighted that working women were benefiting from an average weekly increase of $255.

Answer from Julie Collins

The Minister stated that the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) is an independent body responsible for emergency listings and decisions based on science. She noted that the Tasmanian government manages waterways. She mentioned that the APVMA was considering removing the emergency listing based on new evidence.

Answer from Jim Chalmers

The Treasurer listed income tax cuts, superannuation boosts for lower-income earners, student debt relief, cheaper medicines, and increased bulk-billing. He contrasted these measures with the shadow Treasurer's views, which he described as supporting the privatisation of Medicare, dismantling superannuation, and opposing work-from-home arrangements.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister welcomed the Yazidi community and affirmed Australia's stance against ISIS. He stated that the government was united against the group and that no one should play politics with these issues. He noted that the Minister for Home Affairs was meeting with the community to provide reassurance.

Answer from Tony Burke

The Minister stated that a 20-year-old man was charged with preparing for a terrorist act and firearms offences. He was arrested during an investigation into online hate speech, where a manifesto outlining plans to attack mosques, police headquarters, and parliament was found. He warned of a new security environment involving online extremism and urged Australians to report hateful behaviour to the National Security Hotline.

Answer from Chris Bowen

The Minister stated that Australia had 34 days of diesel, 32 days of jet fuel, and 36 days of petrol in stock, the highest levels in 15 years. He clarified that these figures included fuel in Australia or within the exclusive economic zone. He highlighted the introduction of minimum holding stocks and contrasted this with the previous government's reliance on US reserves.

Answer from Catherine King

The Minister stated that the government was entering the development phase for the Newcastle to Sydney line, involving detailed planning and design work. She noted that industry briefings were scheduled for April. She contrasted this steady approach with the previous government's handling of Inland Rail, which she claimed lacked a clear plan and resulted in significant cost blowouts. She highlighted progress on the Beveridge intermodal and prioritising the Parkes section for double-stack trains.