House of Representatives

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister said the economy was expanding at its quickest pace in nearly three years, surpassing all G7 nations. He noted that household incomes and living standards were rising, citing a record low gender pay gap and a significant increase in bulk-billing rates. He criticized the opposition for focusing on negative narratives rather than these positive indicators.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister described the visit as auspicious, highlighting strengthened ties in critical minerals, including Australia's entry into the G7 Critical Minerals Production Alliance. He announced a new clean-energy partnership, an updated tax treaty, and deeper cooperation on artificial intelligence and defense, including the Arctic Over the Horizon Radar system. He also emphasized enhanced emergency management collaboration, acknowledging Canadian support during past bushfires.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister stated that the previous government had no housing minister and set a target of zero homes. He noted that net migration had been cut by over 40 per cent in a year, with current arrival numbers lower than under the Coalition. He cited projections that population growth would decrease to 1.3 per cent this financial year and 1.2 per cent starting in 2026-27. He highlighted that 1.2 million jobs had been created and that the budget bottom line was $233 billion better over seven years.

Answer from Madeleine King

The Minister highlighted Australia and Canada as reliable mining partners committed to processing minerals domestically. She noted commitments to collaborate on standards, capital investment, strategic reserves, and geoscience expertise. She mentioned Australia's inclusion in the G7 Critical Minerals Production Alliance and cited government investments of $1 billion through the National Reconstruction Fund and $1.2 billion for a Critical Minerals Strategic Reserve, which the opposition had opposed.

Answer from Anthony Albanese; Anika Wells

The Prime Minister acknowledged the divisive nature of some political advocacy and suggested the Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters consider the issues, while emphasizing freedom of expression. The Minister for Communications stated that the government was implementing a digital duty of care to address online harms, including deepfakes and hate speech. She noted that consultation had closed and legislation was intended to pass by year-end, placing responsibility on big tech to prevent harm proactively.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister confirmed that flights were bringing Australians home from Dubai, with one flight having arrived and another in the air carrying over 200 people. He stated that two more flights were scheduled for the day. He emphasized that commercial flights were the quickest exit route and that the government was deploying six crisis response teams and military assets. He reiterated the call for Iran to cease attacks and confirmed that 'do not travel' advice remained in place.

Answer from Jim Chalmers

The Treasurer attributed the rise in public demand to defense spending, which the opposition had supported. He argued that over the full year, private demand had grown faster and contributed more than three times as much to growth as public demand. He highlighted that the government had delivered budget surpluses and reduced debt by $176 billion. He criticized the opposition for talking down the economy and noted the Shadow Treasurer's personal investments in betting against Australia.

Answer from Jim Chalmers

The Treasurer described the figures as encouraging, showing strong and broad growth, including in business and dwelling investment. He stated the May budget would focus on inflation, productivity, and global uncertainty, while rolling out tax cuts and strengthening superannuation. He contrasted the government's optimism with the opposition's negativity, citing the Shadow Treasurer's delayed disclosure of share sales as evidence of conflicting interests.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister highlighted the creation of 1.2 million jobs and the implementation of tax cuts, including changes to stage 3 tax cuts. He noted that the opposition had opposed these tax cuts, pay rises, and penalty rate protections. He also mentioned benefits for student debt reduction, bulk-billing support, and cheaper childcare for over one million families, attributing these improvements to government policy.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister accepted responsibility for government policies, including pay rises for minimum-wage workers, increased superannuation contributions, and expanded paid parental leave. He highlighted energy bill relief, student debt cuts, and housing apprenticeship bonuses. He noted that the government had restored $20 million in emergency relief funding that the previous government had cut, and emphasized that the opposition opposed these support measures.

Answer from Clare O'Neil

The Minister stated that the government had helped 230,000 Australians, including 1,700 in the member's electorate, buy their first home through the five per cent deposit program. She argued this reduced the savings period from 10-11 years to two or three years. She criticized the opposition for opposing the program and labeling it a gimmick, asserting it supported ordinary Australians rather than the wealthy.

Answer from Madeleine King

The Minister stated that imposing new costs or taxes on the gas industry would freeze production and discourage investment needed for the transition to net zero. She emphasized that gas serves as firming capacity for renewables, a view supported by the International Energy Agency and AEMO. She noted that the industry already pays significant tax and employs many Australians.

Answer from Jason Clare

The Minister reported that high school completion rates were rising for boys, girls, and students across all school sectors, reversing a decade-long decline. He noted that attendance rates were also increasing after dropping to 86 per cent under the previous government. He highlighted improvements in teacher supply and announced significant new funding for public schools tied to reforms like phonics checks and small-group tutoring.

Answer from Anne Aly

The Minister clarified that the funding in question was public, not secret. She stated that an active funding process had been stopped after concerns were raised. She reiterated that all publicly funded organizations must adhere to standards expected by Australian taxpayers regarding social cohesion and appropriate conduct.

Answer from Sam Rae

The Minister highlighted a $60 million investment in a new facility in Palmerston and four rounds of fully funded pay rises, increasing average registered nurse wages by $28,000 annually. He noted the mandate for 24/7 registered nurse presence and mandatory care minutes. He contrasted this with the previous government's failure to implement Royal Commission recommendations and their plans to cut public sector jobs.

Answer from Anika Wells

The Minister highlighted existing harm reduction measures, including BetStop, a ban on credit card wagering, and mandatory activity statements. She noted that a recent review of BetStop found it successful and suggested improvements to its reach. She stated she would continue working with advocates, broadcasters, and sporting codes to minimize gambling harms, without committing to a specific date for a full advertising ban.

Answer from Matt Keogh

The Minister announced a veterans and families hub in the Tweed and highlighted improved claims processing and access to medical and psychosocial support. He stated that the Department of Veterans' Affairs had been chronically underfunded and underresourced under the previous government, with six ministers in nine years. He credited his predecessor for acknowledging the dire situation and criticized the opposition for prioritizing political advantage over veteran needs.

Answer from Anne Aly

The Minister repeated that all funded organizations must meet taxpayer expectations. She confirmed that an active submission had been stopped due to concerns about social cohesion. She stated she had previously addressed this matter in parliament and would not elaborate further.

Answer from Mark Butler

The Minister noted that 400 new or amended listings had been added to the PBS, including treatments for reproductive health, menopause, and cancer. He highlighted the listing of Opdivo and Yervoy for whole-of-cancer eligibility, which would benefit approximately 5,000 Australians annually. He shared a constituent's story of curing melanoma with these drugs, which previously cost $100,000 out-of-pocket, emphasizing that the listing would prevent such financial hardship.

Answer from Amanda Rishworth

The Minister highlighted the right to disconnect, which improved employee engagement, and same job, same pay laws, which delivered pay increases to over 8,000 workers. She also noted reforms for gig workers to ensure decent living standards. She criticized the Leader of the Opposition for rejecting these proposals and attempting to repeal the laws, arguing that the opposition was denying pay increases to workers.