Senate

Answer from Penny Wong

The minister stated that the budget would reflect Australian values of fairness and opportunity, particularly for young people seeking housing and jobs. She argued that the opposition had consistently opposed government efforts to increase housing supply and ensure fuel security. In response to the supplementary questions, she reiterated that the government prioritizes giving young people a fair go and criticized the opposition for lacking vision and aligning with One Nation.

Answer from Penny Wong

The minister described the budget as ambitious and responsible, aimed at helping Australians through global economic uncertainty. She highlighted that the budget would include additional investment in fuel security, Medicare, and public hospitals, with $25 billion allocated to hospitals and $3 billion to aged care. She noted that the budget bottom line would be $44.9 billion stronger than forecast, aided by $64 billion in savings and reprioritizations, which would help pay down inherited debt.

Answer from Penny Wong

The minister stated that the government was committed to supporting Australians with cost-of-living pressures, which she described as significant due to global events like the conflict in the Middle East. She argued that the budget was responsible and contained more savings than the previous government. She cited the Reserve Bank governor's comments on global interest rate expectations and inflation drivers, asserting that the government understood the need for responsibility while providing necessary support.

Answer from Jenny McAllister

The minister explained that reforms were necessary because the scheme was growing too fast, costing more than anticipated, and distorting the care economy. She stated that changes to eligibility aimed to return the scheme to its original intent of supporting those with significant and permanent disabilities. Regarding fraud, she emphasized the need to stamp out exploitation and harm. She argued that sustainability measures were essential to ensure the scheme existed for future generations, noting that other supports like Thriving Kids would assist those no longer eligible for the NDIS.

Answer from Tim Ayres

The minister detailed a $10 billion investment in fuel and fertiliser security, including a $7.5 billion facility for Export Finance Australia to derisk shipments. He announced a $3.2 billion Australian fuel security reserve for long-term diesel and aviation fuel, and an increase in minimum stockholding obligations to 50 days. Regarding gas reservation, he stated it would deliver cheaper gas, shield the economy from shocks, and preserve export relationships. He contrasted this with the previous government's record, citing poor energy infrastructure and high gas prices.

Answer from Don Farrell

The minister confirmed that upholding international agreements was a federal responsibility. He stated that the government was committed to reducing First Nations incarceration rates through community-led solutions. He highlighted record funding for justice reinvestment, including $69 million for national initiatives and $3.9 billion through the National Access to Justice Partnership, with $800 million specifically for frontline legal assistance for First Nations people.

Answer from Tim Ayres

The minister referred to a publicly released report from Jobs and Skills Australia and the National AI Plan, which aimed to spread benefits across regions. He mentioned data centre expectations and commitments from proponents regarding energy additionality. In response to the supplementary questions, he stated he had not heard the specific figure of 600,000 job losses. He emphasized the importance of securing sovereign AI capacity and ensuring Australia remained competitive, rather than focusing on specific tax modelling for tech companies.

Answer from Penny Wong

The minister stated that figures on contingent liabilities would be updated in the budget. She criticized One Nation for voting against the Help to Buy Bill and the Housing Australia Future Fund Bill, arguing their voting record did not demonstrate care for young home buyers. In response to supplementary questions, she asserted that the government was focused on increasing housing supply and enabling home ownership, while criticizing One Nation for consistently opposing government housing policies.

Answer from Jenny McAllister

The minister explained that reforms were necessary because the scheme was growing too fast and costing more than anticipated, with spending blown out by $13 billion over four years. She stated that new laws would end cost blowouts, reset social and community participation costs, and reduce spending on intermediaries by 30 per cent. A new digital payment system would be introduced to combat fraud. She argued that these measures would reduce annual growth from 22 per cent to 10 per cent, ensuring the scheme's sustainability for future generations.

Answer from Penny Wong

The minister stated that details would be available in the budget, but emphasized that the government was committed to fairness and aspiration. She criticized the opposition for opposing housing supply measures and argued that the federal government had a role in facilitating home ownership. She asserted that the opposition did not believe the government should have a role in housing supply, contrasting this with the government's proactive approach.

Answer from Murray Watt

The minister announced $500 million in new funding to streamline environmental approvals, including $250 million to establish a national EPA. He stated that the housing strike team had assessed more than 20,000 homes and given the green light to 28 projects, with a goal of assessing 26,000 homes by July. He noted that the funding announcement was welcomed by various organizations, while criticizing the opposition for lacking ideas and relying on outdated policies.