Senate

Answer from Penny Wong

The minister stated that matters regarding temporary exclusion orders fall under the Home Affairs portfolio. She noted that the government acts within the full extent of the law, which was passed by the previous government. Regarding the specific individual, she confirmed that security agencies had not requested a refusal or cancellation of the passport. She reiterated that any Australian meeting eligibility requirements is entitled to a passport unless a competent authority, such as ASIO, requests otherwise, which had not occurred in this instance.

Answer from Penny Wong

The minister confirmed that all Australian Defence Force personnel and embassy staff in the region were safe. She condemned Iran's attacks on nine countries, including Bahrain, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. Regarding consular support, she noted that approximately 11,000 Australians travel through the region daily, primarily via the UAE. The government had activated its crisis centre and opened a registration portal for Australians in Israel, Iran, the UAE, and Qatar. She highlighted cooperation with the UAE government to provide accommodation and meals, and noted that the Assistant Treasurer was working with insurers to address claims exclusions.

Answer from Penny Wong

The minister clarified that she can refuse or cancel passports on security grounds if a competent authority requests it. She stated that no such request had been made regarding the group of individuals in question. She declined to provide specific numbers or details regarding other matters, citing the need to protect classified security advice and offering a confidential briefing to the senator instead.

Answer from Penny Wong

The minister emphasized the government's commitment to standing against racism and solidarity. She referred the matter of the National Anti-Racism Framework to the Attorney-General. Regarding funding, she stated that budget decisions would be made in the budget context. She affirmed that the government's views on Senator Hanson and her party had been clearly outlined previously.

Answer from Katy Gallagher

The minister reported that the average total remuneration gender pay gap had reduced from 12.1 per cent to 11.2 per cent. She noted that women were earning an average of $291.60 more per week than when the government took office, with workforce participation at 62 per cent. She identified challenges in non-base remuneration and base pay, and highlighted flexible work as a key issue, criticizing the opposition's previous stance on working from home.

Answer from Tim Ayres

The minister explained that the AI Safety Institute, funded with nearly $30 million, would perform technical evaluations and support regulators. He stated that the government believed existing regulatory frameworks were sufficient but might be strengthened in the future. Regarding the specific AI models used for government submissions, he stated he was not in a position to answer that question and would provide information on notice, while affirming that data protection was a core principle.

Answer from Penny Wong

The minister stated that she was cautious about commenting on specific security entities. She declined to answer the question directly, citing the sensitivity of the matter, and indicated she would provide further information on notice if possible.

Answer from Tim Ayres

The minister attributed energy insecurity to the closure of four oil refineries under the previous government. He stated that current fuel reserves were at their highest level in 15 years. Regarding the Lytton shutdown, he noted that such maintenance occurs periodically and declined to provide specific details on supply arrangements, instead criticizing the opposition's past energy policies.

Answer from Malarndirri McCarthy

The minister announced the doubling of remote community jobs to 6,000 and the expansion of the Low-Cost Essentials Subsidy Scheme to all 225 remote stores. She highlighted a $450 million boost to health services and $218 million for violence prevention. Regarding mental health, she noted a $13.9 million investment to extend 13YARN operating hours. For food security, she explained that the food resilience package was being expanded to 75 additional stores to improve storage and refrigeration capabilities during supply disruptions.

Answer from Penny Wong

The minister denied the premise that consular lines were unanswered, stating staff were working around the clock. She explained that travel advice was published via Smartraveller and media channels. She listed specific warnings issued on 15 January and 30 January, and noted that 41 travel advice updates had been issued before the conflict escalated on 28 February, including warnings about airspace closures and flight cancellations.

Answer from Murray Watt

The minister stated that pay rose by 3.4 per cent through to December 2025. He pointed to more than 1.2 million new jobs created since May 2022. He noted law reforms such as closing loopholes, repairing the labour hire system, and improving flexible work options. He condemned the opposition’s previous policies and their confidential election review, alleging it acknowledged blame for their loss.