Senate

Answer from Katy Gallagher

The minister stated that, over the year, private demand expanded more rapidly than public demand, citing contributions of 2.3 for private demand and 0.7 for public demand to annual growth. She affirmed the Treasurer's position was correct and contrasted the government's fiscal management with the opposition's election platform, which she claimed would have resulted in deeper deficits, higher debt, and higher taxes.

Answer from Penny Wong

The minister reported that Iran had attacked 11 countries, with the UAE intercepting over a thousand drones and rockets. She confirmed Australia was not participating in US strikes or sending troops to Iran. The government had deployed DFAT personnel for consular support and military assets for contingency planning. She noted there were 115,000 Australians in the region, including 24,000 in the UAE, and emphasized efforts to keep them safe and facilitate their return.

Answer from Murray Watt

The minister stated he did not have specifics on the individual case but would provide information if possible. He noted the government had issued a new ministerial direction to the Administrative Review Tribunal regarding visa cancellations. He highlighted that the government had cancelled 85 visas by ministers in 2024-25 compared to 20 in 2021, asserting a strong track record on visa cancellations.

Answer from Penny Wong

The minister stated that US submarine operations were a matter for the United States. She explained that for operational and security reasons, the government did not disclose specific information regarding Australian personnel. She reiterated that Australia was not involved in the attacks on Iran.

Answer from Katy Gallagher

The minister stated that the budget would be $233 billion stronger in total across the seven-year period ending in 2028-29, with $176 billion less debt than forecast prior to the 2022 election. She noted savings of around $60 billion in expected interest costs and the delivery of two surpluses. She linked this fiscal improvement to investments in wages, health, defence, and education, contrasting these with the opposition's proposed cuts.

Answer from Penny Wong

The minister emphasized Australia's commitment to non-proliferation and the Non-Proliferation Treaty. She clarified that AUKUS provides for nuclear-powered submarines, not nuclear-armed ones. She stated that Australia does not pursue nuclear weapons and will not do so, and that the US is aware of Australia's position.

Answer from Penny Wong

The minister stated Australia had larger reserves of aviation fuel, petrol, and diesel than at any point in the previous 15 years. She noted diesel stocks were at 116 per cent of holding obligations. She highlighted the establishment of a domestic fuel reserve and gas reservation, and the monitoring of Middle East developments.

Answer from Tim Ayres

The minister stated Australia was more fuel secure than in a generation, citing 1.5 billion litres of petrol and three billion litres of diesel in the Minimum Stockholding Obligation. He criticized the previous government for failing to manage fuel security obligations. He noted the ACCC was being directed to focus on price gouging.

Answer from Jenny McAllister

The minister explained that the Commonwealth was not party to the specific project contract in South Australia, which had received $68 million in 2017. She stated the government was working with the South Australian government to explore alternative technology suppliers. She noted patients could apply through the Medical Treatment Overseas Program and that Cancer Australia projected a need for one unit nationally.

Answer from Murray Watt

The minister reported that nearly 30,000 Australians had signed up for apprenticeships under the program, which offers $10,000 incentives. He noted the clean energy stream had an 85 per cent retention rate after the first year. He criticized the opposition for proposing to scrap the program, citing a secret Liberal Party review.