House of Representatives

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister stated that the government is implementing practical measures to shield households and businesses from global uncertainty, ensuring fuel access for farmers and regional communities. He noted that fuel shipments are arriving as expected, but acknowledged that prolonged conflict could impact global prices and supply chains, citing that 20 per cent of world oil moves through the Strait of Hormuz. He highlighted the International Energy Agency's release of 400 million barrels of oil and confirmed that the government is directing more domestic fuel to the Australian market. The Prime Minister emphasized that fuel security has been a priority for four years, including stockpiling obligations, and recalled that the Leader of the Opposition previously advised against panic buying in 2021.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister confirmed that over 3,600 Australians had returned on 26 flights, with more scheduled, and that most stranded transit passengers were home. He advised that commercial flights remain the safest return option and that consular support is available. He announced the deployment of an E-7A Wedgetail aircraft and AMRAAM missiles to support Gulf nations against Iranian attacks, aiming to protect civilians including 24,000 Australians in the UAE. He reiterated calls for Iran to cease attacks and for de-escalation, stating that keeping Australians safe remains the top priority.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister referred to his previous comprehensive answer, stating that fuel security is being prioritized and that reserves are located in Australia and are available. He emphasized that the situation is a serious international challenge rather than a political opportunity, noting that the government is working with industry and the National Farmers' Federation to ensure fuel security.

Answer from Chris Bowen (Minister for Climate Change and Energy)

The member noted that current fuel stocks exceed the minimum levels previously deemed necessary by the former energy minister. He emphasized that fuel supplies are arriving and stocks are strong, urging responsible members to reassure the public that there is no need for panic buying despite real challenges. He contrasted the government's leadership with the opposition's political maneuvering.

Answer from Chris Bowen

The Minister stated that fuel supplies are arriving as scheduled and stocks are strong, but acknowledged unacceptable shortages in rural and regional areas due to doubled demand. He announced a temporary 60-day relaxation of sulphur content requirements under the Fuel Quality Standards Act, allowing 100 million litres of extra fuel per month from the Ampol refinery to be blended into the Australian supply. This additional fuel will be prioritized for regional Australia, particularly Queensland, to alleviate pressure on those areas while maintaining high fuel quality standards.

Answer from Sam Rae

The Minister highlighted that aged care funding has increased by over 40 per cent since 2022 and that the new Support at Home program now serves nearly 350,000 Australians. He noted that 83,000 additional places are being rolled out this financial year, which has reduced the National Priority System queue by over 25,000 people. He reported that the median period for home support assessments fell by seven days between the April-June and July-September 2025 quarters, with comprehensive assessments now taking under a month. The Minister emphasized the new Aged Care Act's sustainable funding model.

Answer from Julie Collins

The Minister stated that the ACCC and Australian Institute of Petroleum are working with suppliers to address bottlenecks and ensure fuel reaches regional communities. She noted that penalties for false conduct and cartel behaviour have been doubled, and fuel price monitoring is being ramped up. She confirmed that the National Coordination Mechanism is active and that similar arrangements are being made for fertiliser supply, with much of the required fertiliser already in the country or en route. She urged all parties to act in the national interest rather than exploiting the crisis.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister quoted opposition members advising against panic buying and noting that reserve supplies exist. He reiterated that current stock levels of 36 days for petrol, 29 for jet fuel, and 32 for diesel exceed the minimums previously set by the former energy minister. He criticized the opposition for asking when the war would end and for denying the existence of a crisis, stating that the conflict is having a significant global impact.

Answer from Jim Chalmers

The Treasurer noted that oil prices have fluctuated between $80 and $120 a barrel recently, up from $60 in January. He stated that the government has doubled fines for retailers taking advantage of motorists and increased surveillance of price spikes. He highlighted that the ACCC has been given extra powers, including on-the-spot fines. He reminded the House that the government passed changes to the Fuel Security Act 2021 and Petroleum and Other Fuels Reporting Act 2017 in November, which the opposition voted against, to better manage stockpiles and ensure transparency.

Answer from Madeleine King

The Minister guaranteed that Australians are better placed to withstand international shocks under the current government than under the opposition. She criticized the opposition for voting against reforms to access fuel stockpiles and for previously storing fuel in Texas. She asserted that Labor MPs always fight in the national interest to ensure fuel supply.

Answer from Amanda Rishworth

The Minister highlighted the introduction of the right to disconnect and strengthened access to flexible work, noting that work-from-home policies can save workers up to $110 per week. She criticized the opposition for voting against these measures and for previously committing to abolish work-from-home arrangements, a policy their own election review deemed unsympathetic to women's needs. She argued that only Labor supports work-life balance.

Answer from Chris Bowen

The Minister confirmed that he regards the war and its implications for fuel as a crisis, citing the International Energy Agency's historic coordinated action. He stated that if farmers or fishing companies cannot access fuel, it is a crisis for them. He criticized the opposition for voting against legislation to manage fuel shortages and for making politics out of a crisis, contrasting this with bipartisan leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Answer from Catherine King

The Minister reported that Australia's global gender equality ranking improved to 13th, up from 43rd in 2022, and the gender pay gap fell to 11.5 per cent. She noted that over 303,000 women accessed cheaper contraceptives on the PBS. She highlighted legislative achievements including 10 days paid domestic violence leave and expanded paid parental leave. She criticized the opposition for their past policies on work-from-home and for dismissing gender pay gap reporting.

Answer from Jim Chalmers

The Treasurer stated that the government has already made changes to the Petroleum Resource Rent Tax (PRRT) to ensure Australians collect more tax sooner from offshore gas exports. He noted that these changes provide extra billions of dollars to fund government priorities like Medicare and housing. He acknowledged calls for further action but emphasized that substantial steps have already been taken.

Answer from Jason Clare

The Minister reported that student debt has been cut by 20 per cent and that more Australians are starting university degrees than ever before. He announced legislation to reduce the length and cost of degrees for those with relevant TAFE qualifications and to increase Commonwealth-supported places for students from disadvantaged or regional backgrounds. He highlighted the establishment of the National Student Ombudsman, Remuneration Tribunal involvement in vice-chancellor salaries, and strengthened powers for TEQSA. He also noted the appointment of David Gonski to chair the Antisemitism Education Taskforce.

Answer from Chris Bowen

The Minister expressed surprise that the opposition did not ask about his announcement of 100 million litres of additional supply. He stated that Western Australia is connected to the national supply and that he would work closely with the WA government and health services. He noted that he had already addressed specific issues raised by other members from the state.

Answer from Clare O'Neil

The Minister stated that 500 social and affordable homes are being funded in the member's electorate, with 170 starting construction soon. She highlighted the national goal of building 55,000 social and affordable homes, contrasting this with the opposition's record of building only 373 homes over nine years. She criticized the shadow Treasurer's view that social housing suffocates entrepreneurialism, arguing instead that it provides a platform for growth and security.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister stated that he was surprised to find that crossbench members had double the staff of party members under the previous government. He argued that the current allocations are fair and reasonable, noting that crossbenchers have more staff proportionally due to not being part of party processes. He dismissed the allegations, stating that most representations from crossbenchers are about their staff rather than policy issues.

Answer from Chris Bowen

The Minister stated that the government's policy has not changed and that it provides strong support for farmers. He referred to his previous answer to the member for Mackellar on the same issue.

Answer from Tanya Plibersek

The Minister highlighted that paid parental leave is expanding to six months, with payments increased by $200 a week and superannuation included. She noted that recipients are $12,000 better off since 2022. She criticized the opposition for inconsistent and negative rhetoric regarding mothers and paid parental leave, contrasting this with the government's support for working families, cheaper childcare, and workplace flexibility.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister stated that the coalition did not support the bill, which he described as an area needing reform.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister highlighted strong economic growth, rising business and dwelling investment, and a historic low unemployment rate of 4.1 per cent. He noted improvements in superannuation for low- and middle-income earners and assistance with natural disasters in the Northern Territory and Queensland. He reiterated that the gender pay gap is at a record low and that the government is managing the global impact of the Middle East war, including the release of 100 million litres of fuel per month. He criticized the opposition for failing to ask substantive questions about the war.