Senate

Answer from Penny Wong

The minister stated that the government was responding to an unprecedented shock to global energy markets caused by conflict in the Middle East. She outlined that the Prime Minister would address the nation to explain measures taken to shore up supply, including releasing 20 per cent of fuel reserves and changing fuel standards. The minister criticized the opposition for attempting to create doubt about the government's fuel plan, referencing leaked talking points that allegedly instructed opposition members to sow fear.

Answer from Penny Wong

The minister listed several measures, including the National Fuel Security Plan, empowering Export Finance Australia to secure supplies, appointing a taskforce coordinator, and releasing 20 per cent of fuel reserves. She noted changes to fuel and diesel standards, increased ACCC monitoring, and a three-month halving of the fuel excise. The minister also highlighted international engagement, including a joint statement with Singapore, and reported that over 10,000 Australians had returned home from the Middle East since 4 March.

Answer from Penny Wong

The minister stated that the government's advice to use only necessary fuel was consistent with ministers limiting travel. She accused the opposition of using leaked talking points to create doubt and sow fear about the fuel supply. In response to supplementary questions, she clarified that the National Fuel Security Plan was at level 2, which involves precautionary actions and voluntary choices to use less fuel. She reiterated that the government had been transparent about its actions to shore up supply.

Answer from Katy Gallagher

The minister explained that the excise cut would flow through to prices as contracted supplies were purchased, which might take some time. She stated that the ACCC was monitoring prices to ensure reductions were realized at the pump. In response to supplementary questions about direct cost-of-living relief and AUKUS, she emphasized targeted assistance for businesses and households, noting that the budget would reflect current economic circumstances. She firmly rejected the suggestion that the government would withdraw from AUKUS.

Answer from Katy Gallagher

The minister stated that the conflict was intensifying inflation and uncertainty, reinforcing challenges of high inflation and weak productivity. She highlighted that the economy remained strong with low unemployment and consistent wage growth. The minister outlined new measures announced that day, including temporary tax relief for businesses affected by fuel issues and an extension of the small business responsible lending obligation exemption for 10 years. She emphasized that the budget would focus on resilience and reform.

Answer from Jenny McAllister

The minister explained that No. 34 was funded under the Indigenous Australians' Health Programme, which was being evaluated and rebalanced to prioritize community-controlled services. She affirmed the government's commitment to culturally safe services and partnership with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community controlled health sector. The minister stated that the Minister for Health and Ageing was aware of the case and considering options for funding.

Answer from Murray Watt

The minister criticized the National Party for raising the issue only after the Farrer by-election was called and for following requests from other parties. He stated the government would not support the inquiry. In response to supplementary questions about Narrandera's water supply, he noted that the government had funded a business case for a water purification plant, unlike the previous coalition government. He defended water buybacks as necessary for sustaining the Murray-Darling Basin.

Answer from Murray Watt

The minister stated that the government supported the concept of mutual obligations, expecting unemployed people to seek work. He highlighted that the government had increased support payments for unemployed people and single mothers. In response to supplementary questions, he noted that large-scale reforms to the employment services system were underway and that the government had halved the petrol excise to provide relief. He rejected the comparison to pandemic measures, stating that further decisions would be made in the context of the budget.

Answer from Malarndirri McCarthy

The minister listed measures including halving the fuel excise, amending fuel standards, releasing 20 per cent of the strategic fuel stockpile, and deferring full cost recovery for export services until 1 July 2027. She noted that new legislation gave Export Finance Australia powers to underwrite fertiliser purchases and that a fertiliser working group had been established. The minister also highlighted that the heavy vehicle road user charge was set to zero for three months.

Answer from Penny Wong

The minister stated that the excise reduction would flow through to users in the coming days or weeks. She mentioned that she had personally paid around $2.60 per litre recently. In response to supplementary questions about dry service stations, she cited a report from the Adelaide Advertiser indicating that fuel prices had dropped by 30c per litre in South Australia, with unleaded falling to $2.29. She criticized the opposition for focusing on leaked talking points rather than the government's actions.

Answer from Murray Watt

The minister highlighted the government's submission to the Fair Work Commission for a real wage increase and noted that the minimum wage had increased by over $9,000 per year since the government took office. He mentioned workplace reforms, including funding wage increases for aged-care and early childhood workers, and protecting penalty rates. The minister welcomed the Fair Work Commission's ruling to end lower pay scales for employees aged 18 to 20, stating that tens of thousands of young workers would benefit.