Senate

Answer from Tim Ayres

The minister stated that the government was ensuring minimum stockholding obligations were exceeded and that updated figures would be released. He announced that fuel standards regarding sulphur levels were temporarily amended for 60 days to allow Ampol to redirect export-bound petrol to the domestic market. He confirmed that the national coordination mechanism had been activated to address supply chain issues and that additional supply was being directed to regional areas via the spot market.

Answer from Penny Wong

The minister reported that three more flights had returned to Australia, bringing the total number of returned Australians to over 3,600 on 26 commercial flights. She stated that the security situation was deteriorating and urged Australians in the region to leave if safe, noting that commercial flights were the best departure method. She advised Australians not to travel to most of the Middle East and to follow Smartraveller advice, including avoiding missions in high-risk areas.

Answer from Katy Gallagher

The minister stated that inflation was lower than when the previous government left office, having peaked at 7.8 per cent in December 2022. She explained that the government's approach focused on repairing the budget, paying down debt, and providing cost-of-living assistance. She noted that the government continued to focus on inflation, productivity, and reform in the lead-up to the budget.

Answer from Penny Wong

The minister rejected the premise of the question as misinformation. She stated that the government called on all parties to observe international humanitarian law and the Geneva Convention. She criticized the Greens for raising heat and promoting anger rather than seeking constructive solutions.

Answer from Tim Ayres

The minister explained that fuel quality standards were temporarily amended to allow higher sulphur levels for 60 days, enabling 100 million litres of additional monthly supply from Ampol. He stated that this supply would be prioritized for regions with shortages and the wholesale spot market. He confirmed that the national coordination mechanism would continue to address supply chain bottlenecks.

Answer from Malarndirri McCarthy

The minister stated that development activity at Lee Point was paused pending the outcome of proceedings before the Northern Territory Civil and Administrative Tribunal. She confirmed that Defence Housing Australia had ceased construction, except for essential maintenance, and would not recommence works until legal, heritage, and environmental requirements were met.

Answer from Malarndirri McCarthy

The minister stated that the government supported a robust and sustainable agricultural industry. She highlighted investments of over $2 billion in agriculture, including $60.8 million for emissions reduction and $87 million for the Zero Net Emissions Agriculture Cooperative Research Centre. She argued that farmers were choosing to earn money through carbon credits and hosting renewables.

Answer from Katy Gallagher

The minister explained that there are two avenues for DGR status: administrative approval and legislative inclusion. She stated that the government believed Equality Australia performed important work for the LGBTIQ+ community, including advocacy and support. She confirmed that the legislation was currently before the Senate for debate and vote.

Answer from Jess Walsh

The minister reported that four agreements with states and territories would deliver almost 2,000 new early learning places, with 80 per cent co-located with schools. She highlighted the Building Early Education Fund and the three-day childcare guarantee that started on 5 January. She cited an example of a new centre in Derby, Western Australia, supported by the fund.

Answer from Tim Ayres

The minister stated that the government had directed the ACCC to remove obstacles to fuel companies coordinating supply. He explained that demand spikes affected different regions differently, particularly where retailers accessed the spot market. He confirmed that 100 million litres of additional monthly supply would be available due to changed fuel standards.

Answer from Murray Watt

The minister stated that over 8,000 workers had benefited from same-job same-pay laws, including Qantas flight attendants receiving up to $20,000 annual raises and BHP mine workers receiving up to $30,000. He noted that wage theft was now a criminal offence. He also highlighted paid parental leave reforms that increased leave by two weeks, added $775 to entitlements, and included superannuation payments.