House of Representatives

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister stated that nothing had changed regarding the government's resolve or the opposition's approach. He acknowledged the reality of the war in the Middle East and its impact on global supply chains, noting that oil and gas are trapped behind the Strait of Hormuz. He emphasized that every shipload of fuel due in March arrived on schedule. He urged Australians to remain calm and orderly, asserting that the government was addressing both supply and cost-of-living pressures responsibly.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister outlined several measures, including halving the fuel excise to save families 26 cents per litre and reducing the heavy vehicle road user charge to zero. He noted that the national strategic reserve was now law, allowing for the import of fuel and fertiliser. He also mentioned support for small businesses through the Australian Taxation Office and the adoption of the National Fuel Security Plan by all jurisdictions. He acknowledged that while no government could eliminate all pressure, the government was acting to secure economic resilience.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister confirmed that all ships due in March had arrived. He stated that of the 81 ships due in April, six were cancelled but were replaced by nine additional ships. He added that domestic fuel production was being retained in Australia due to changes in petrol and diesel standards, increasing local supply. He noted that the government continued to engage with international partners to ensure energy security.

Answer from Jim Chalmers

The Treasurer stated that the government was working with industry, states, and international partners to address the shock. He highlighted meetings with business groups and the Australian Taxation Office to provide flexibility for small businesses. He reiterated the halving of the fuel excise and noted that the NRMA confirmed relief was already flowing. He contrasted the government's serious approach with the opposition's leaked talking points, which he claimed hoped for Australia's failure.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister stated that no decisions had been made and that the government was continuing to consult with interested parties, including crossbench members. He expressed his view that the balance between the right to gamble and the prevalence of advertising needed to be addressed, particularly regarding young people and sports sponsorship. He noted that decisions would be made collectively and announced when ready.

Answer from Chris Bowen

The Minister stated that securing fuel supply had been the focus since 28 February. He listed actions including changing fuel quality standards, releasing 20 per cent of the strategic reserve, and changing diesel standards. He noted that legislation enabling Export Finance Australia to support fuel imports had passed both houses and would be law. He mentioned ongoing conversations with 10 companies and engagement with international partners like Singapore and Brunei to ensure fuel flows.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister confirmed he had cancelled a proposed trip to Gallipoli for Anzac Day due to travel circumstances in Turkey. He stated this was a responsible decision to prioritize engagement with regional partners and domestic issues.

Answer from Catherine King

The Minister highlighted temporary relief from the ATO for businesses unable to meet tax obligations and easier access to credit for small businesses. She noted the three-month halving of fuel excise and the reduction of the heavy road user charge to zero. She listed previous actions including releasing strategic reserves, underwriting cargo, amending fuel standards, strengthening ACCC penalties, and changing the Fair Work Act to allow contract renegotiation. She criticized the opposition for heightening fears.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister committed to continuing transparency and providing information as he and the energy minister had done. He noted he had held more press conferences in the last month than his predecessor did in three years and planned to address the National Press Club the following day.

Answer from Amanda Rishworth

The Minister stated that the heavy vehicle road user charge was reduced to zero for three months and the next schedule increase was deferred by six months. She noted the halving of the fuel excise. She highlighted that the fairer fuel bill had passed the Senate, creating a pathway for truckies to argue for a fairer share of costs. She cited positive feedback from the Australian Trucking Association and individual truck drivers.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister stated that the coalition would not be involved as the Queensland LNP was the state government. He noted he worked constructively with the Queensland government and that proposals went through improved environmental laws to be processed faster and more efficiently.

Answer from Julie Collins

The Minister listed actions including legislation to underwrite fuel and fertiliser purchases, halving the fuel excise, amending fuel standards, and releasing 20 per cent of the strategic fuel stockpile. She noted the Fertiliser Supply Working Group would meet soon. She mentioned ATO hardship measures and the deferral of full cost recovery for export services until 1 July 2027. She cited support from the Australian Meat Industry Council.

Answer from Chris Bowen

The Minister confirmed the government was determined to introduce the gas reservation policy starting 1 January 2027. He noted that submissions had been received and detailed design was underway in consultation with industry and gas users. He stated that cabinet would decide the parameters based on recommendations to ensure gas under Australian soil and waters benefited heavy industry and the energy system.

Answer from Daniel Mulino

The Minister highlighted the halving of fuel excise and reduction of road user charges. He noted increased penalties for price gouging up to $100 million. He mentioned support for businesses through tax and banking flexibility. He listed legislative actions to ban unfair trading practices, subscription traps, and drip pricing. He also noted the Reserve Bank's decision to ban card surcharging.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister criticized the member's use of the term 'so-called' and noted the plan was agreed unanimously by National Cabinet. He did not list the critical users, instead attacking the opposition's talking points and suggesting they wanted things to get harder for Australians.

Answer from Clare O'Neil

The Minister noted that construction was a major user of diesel and that fuel costs flowed directly to builders. She highlighted the importance of securing fuel supply through government actions like releasing reserves and adjusting standards. She mentioned support for small businesses in the construction sector through tax leniency. She noted that construction costs had risen from 17.3 per cent to 1.8 per cent since the government took office.

Answer from Michelle Rowland

The Attorney-General stated that the government was developing a consistent whole-of-government framework to implement Royal Commission recommendations. She explained that the framework would improve accuracy, embed safeguards, and ensure lawful use with human oversight. She noted that extensive consultation had occurred and the framework was being developed carefully. She did not provide a specific timeline but offered to engage further when more information was available.

Answer from Chris Bowen

The Minister said priority would go to essential users like emergency services, utilities, and life-supporting services. He cited examples from the Liquid Fuel Emergency Act determination, including police, fire, rescue, ambulance, corrective, public transport, state emergency, and taxi services. He noted the Minister for Energy made this determination.

Answer from Jason Clare

The Minister referenced the Australian Universities Accord and listed actions including cutting student debt, rolling out paid pracs, and expanding free TAFE. He noted the passage of legislation to establish the Australian Tertiary Education Commission (ATEC) to break down barriers between TAFE and university. He mentioned upcoming legislation to guarantee university places for students from disadvantaged backgrounds and regions. He also highlighted the National Student Ombudsman and stronger powers for TEQSA.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister stated he had spoken with the NSW Minister for Transport and that the road would remain closed for at least three months for safety reasons. He noted that the Australian government had announced assistance for small businesses, including temporary tax relief and more generous payment plans. He mentioned that NSW had also put in place support for businesses and commuters and that the federal government would continue to work with the member.

Answer from Tanya Plibersek

The Minister declared $11.7 million in additional emergency relief funds, comprising $812 million for 196 providers and $214 million for financial counselling. She outlined further actions such as tax reductions, higher wages, expanded paid parental leave, lower medicine costs, and bulk-billing. She highlighted rises in aged pensions, unemployment benefits, and Commonwealth rent assistance. She condemned the opposition for reducing support for these initiatives while in power.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister listed numerous achievements including cutting fuel excise, establishing the national strategic reserve, abolishing unfair junior pay rates, ending card surcharges, and launching the Medicare mental health check-in service. He noted 134 Medicare urgent care clinics, cheaper medicines, and 230,000 first-home buyers with five per cent deposits. He also mentioned the 20 per cent student debt cut, the gender pay gap reduction, battery incentives, and free TAFE enrolments. He criticized the opposition for not asking a question from the shadow Treasurer.