House of Representatives

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister attributed economic pressures to the conflict in the Middle East and global instability, stating the government was managing the situation constructively. He highlighted that fuel imports remained at pre-conflict levels and criticized the opposition for exploiting the crisis for political gain. He urged calm and noted that industry leaders advised against panic buying, contrasting this with the opposition's approach.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister reported on contacts with Queensland Premier David Crisafulli regarding threats to Bundaberg and the Wide Bay region, advising residents to prioritize safety. He noted that in the Northern Territory, a monsoon trough was affecting the Big Rivers region, with Minister McCarthy visiting evacuation centres in Katherine. The Commonwealth had deployed National Emergency Management Agency staff to coordinate evacuations and activated joint disaster recovery funding for clean-up, relief payments, and accommodation. He affirmed ongoing cooperation with all levels of government.

Answer from Jim Chalmers

The Treasurer criticized the shadow treasurer's recent call to end the Reserve Bank's dual mandate, arguing it would lead to higher rates and unemployment. He stated that responsible treasurers do not comment on future rate movements and noted that three rate cuts had occurred in the previous year. He emphasized the importance of the dual mandate for balancing inflation and employment, acknowledging that while inflation was lower than under the previous government, the Middle East conflict complicated the challenge.

Answer from Tony Burke

The Minister reported travelling to Brisbane and Sydney to meet with team members individually to discuss their options. Two individuals initially accepted humanitarian visas to stay in Australia. However, one later changed her mind after contacting teammates and the Iranian embassy, leading to her departure. The Minister emphasized that all decisions were made voluntarily without pressure, and those who chose to stay were welcomed and issued visas. He praised the handling of the situation by officials and the respect shown to the athletes' autonomy.

Answer from Tony Burke (Minister for Home Affairs)

The Minister acknowledged the opposition's support and reiterated the government's commitment to respecting the choices of the athletes. He did not provide new information, as the question was primarily a statement of solidarity.

Answer from Chris Bowen

The Minister confirmed that national fuel supplies remained secure and that the minimum stock obligation had not been accessed. He noted a 139 per cent increase in demand at the Adelaide terminal. The government was working with the ACCC to facilitate exemptions for industry coordination and had doubled penalties for misleading conduct to $100 million. He also requested additional supply and demand data from fuel terminals under the Petroleum and Other Fuels Reporting Act, while balancing compliance burdens on small businesses.

Answer from Julie Collins

The Minister reported holding a roundtable with industry groups including the National Farmers' Federation and the Australian Institute of Petroleum. She confirmed that fuel supplies were arriving in normal volumes and that the strategic reserve was larger than under the previous government. Fertilizer for the upcoming planting season was already in the country or en route. She urged calm and stated that the government was working day and night to assist producers with immediate challenges.

Answer from Chris Bowen

The Minister reiterated that national fuel supplies were secure, with 16 vessels arriving in the month and 25 to 30 more expected. He acknowledged localized pressures due to a 165 per cent demand increase at the Perth terminal but stated the minimum stock obligation remained intact. He criticized opposition members for undermining national interest by questioning supply security and urged against panic buying.

Answer from Chris Bowen

The Minister acknowledged regional shortages and supply chain pressures due to increased demand. He highlighted that the government had worked with the ACCC to increase penalties for exploitation. He contrasted the current domestic fuel reserves with the previous government's policy of holding reserves in Texas, asserting that current stocks were accessible and secure. He criticized the opposition for spreading misinformation.

Answer from Catherine King

The Minister stated that Australia was fuel secure due to government actions including the minimum stockholding obligation and keeping refineries open. She noted that all scheduled deliveries had arrived but acknowledged regional shortages due to doubled or tripled diesel demand. She reported meetings with fuel suppliers and transport providers to manage distribution. The ACCC was tasked with monitoring for price gouging. She urged MPs to discourage panic buying and spread responsible messages.

Answer from Chris Bowen

The Minister offered to make inquiries on behalf of the business if details were provided. He cited a statement from the Australian Institute of Petroleum noting an unprecedented rush to buy fuel, with some customers buying four times their usual volume. He referenced comments from the National Farmers' Federation President indicating a 40 per cent demand increase and the need to slow demand. He emphasized government collaboration with industry to ensure fair distribution.

Answer from Jim Chalmers

The Treasurer stated that the legislation, which had passed the Senate, made superannuation fairer by boosting the low-income super tax offset for 1.3 million Australians and providing more super for workers with low balances. He criticized the opposition for voting against these measures and for proposing to reduce the super guarantee and dismantle compulsory super for lower-income earners. He highlighted that the government was delivering more super for specific worker groups and making tax breaks more sustainable for high-balance holders.

Answer from Jim Chalmers

The Treasurer stated that the government was already engaging with the ACCC and industry, having made announcements that day. He outlined three key actions: working with industry to secure ACCC authorisation for supply coordination, ramping up ACCC surveillance of price spikes, and doubling penalties for misconduct to $100 million. He emphasized that the government did not need an invitation to consult and was already addressing supply chain pressures and ensuring fair prices.

Answer from Kristy McBain

The Minister pointed to the Better Connectivity Plan, which put $1.1 billion into rural areas, and a $3 billion boost to improve the fibre-to-the-node network. She mentioned the launch of AusAlert for emergency alerts and the universal outdoor mobile obligation. She faulted the former government’s management of the NBN and inland rail, stating that the current government was providing key infrastructure and retaining public control of the NBN.

Answer from Pat Conroy

The Minister stated that predicting the end of the conflict between Iran, the United States, and Israel was beyond his scope and best directed to those leaders. He reported that the Australian Defence Force's fuel supplies were uninterrupted, citing a doubling of fuel holdings as per the Defence Strategic Review. He criticized the question as scaremongering and emphasized that the government had prepared for such disruptions.

Answer from Madeleine King

The Minister highlighted the Perdaman urea project in Karratha, supported by the Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility with $475 million in funding. She noted the project would create 2,000 construction jobs and 200 ongoing jobs, securing fertilizer supply for farmers. She criticized the opposition for opposing the NAIF legislation and for failing to support regional development, asserting that the government was strengthening national resilience and sovereign capability.

Answer from Jim Chalmers

The Treasurer acknowledged the member's long-standing interest in biofuels and fuel security. He highlighted the $1.1 billion Cleaner Fuels Program announced in September 2025 to kickstart low-carbon liquid fuel production. He noted that the government was already taking action on fuel security, including the minimum stockholding obligation and supporting domestic refining. He stated that if further steps were required, they would be considered in a responsible manner.

Answer from Mark Butler

The Minister reported that new contraceptive pills, menopause hormone treatments, and endometriosis medicines had been added to the PBS. He noted that almost 400,000 women had accessed menopause treatments at affordable prices, and over 300,000 had accessed oral contraceptives. He highlighted new Medicare entitlements for menopause health assessments and higher rebates for gynaecological care, including free implants and IUDs. He stated these measures were righting decades of neglect and strengthening Medicare.

Answer from Chris Bowen

The Minister assured that national fuel supplies were secure, with 18 vessels having arrived and 33 more scheduled. He noted that the minimum stock obligation held three billion litres of diesel and 1.56 billion litres of petrol. He acknowledged increased demand at Newcastle (136 per cent) and Brisbane (115 per cent) terminals, which caused short-term pressures, but stated that national stocks were good and the government was working with industry to distribute fuel efficiently.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister listed government achievements including strengthening Medicare, building homes, cutting taxes, and securing fuel reserves. He criticized the opposition for internal instability and political opportunism, citing recent coalition splits and leadership challenges. He contrasted the government's focus on national interest with the opposition's focus on internal security and drama, asserting that the government would continue to govern responsibly.