House of Representatives

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister stated that the Coalition had campaigned on increasing taxes for all 14 million Australian taxpayers, including higher taxes on resources, motorists, students, and power bills. He noted that the Coalition also proposed abolishing the home batteries program, free TAFE, Build to Rent, Help to Buy, and the Housing Australia Future Fund. He ruled out all the tax increases and policy reversals proposed by the Coalition during the election campaign, asserting that Labor had gone to the election with lower taxes.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister pointed to $2 billion allocated in the budget to accelerate approvals and construct linking infrastructure, raising total spending on the Homes for Australia Plan to $47 billion. He outlined initiatives such as free TAFE, $10,000 payments for construction apprenticeships, 100,000 new homes for first-home buyers, and the Housing Australia Future Fund. He observed that more than 240,000 individuals had purchased their first home with a five per cent deposit. He contended that the existing tax regime benefits property investors, excluding younger generations, and that the budget seeks to fix these imbalances.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister stated that Labor is the party of homeownership and wants more Australians to own their first home. He criticized the Coalition for campaigning on higher taxes and opposing tax cuts and housing reforms. He quoted the Shadow Treasurer acknowledging that the current tax system favors established interests over young Australians. He asserted that Labor protects the family home for future generations, contrasting this with the Coalition's shrinking caucus.

Answer from Jim Chalmers

The Treasurer outlined five main budget actions: responding to the global oil shock by halving the fuel excise and securing fuel; providing permanent tax cuts and a $1,000 instant deduction; building more homes; increasing wages and the Medicare levy low-income threshold; and improving productivity by reducing compliance costs by over $10 billion annually. He noted $64 billion in savings, making the budget $44.9 billion stronger than the mid-year update. He contrasted this with the Opposition's plan, which he described as a ploy to stave off One Nation rather than a serious economic plan.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister stated that the government's priority is securing fuel due to global conflicts and inflation impacts. He noted that the budget increased the PRRT revenue estimate by $1.6 billion because the tax is designed to ramp up over time as investments mature. He highlighted the gas reservation plan, which reserves 20 per cent of east coast exports for domestic use, similar to Western Australia. He emphasized the importance of honoring export contracts to maintain international trade relationships and noted that gas prices are currently down.

Answer from Clare O'Neil

The Minister stated that the government has the most ambitious housing agenda in 70 years, aimed at leveling the playing field and building more homes. She cited the five per cent deposit scheme, which has helped 240,000 Australians, and budget reforms to redirect investment toward new supply, supporting another 75,000 households. She criticized the Opposition for opposing these supports and seeking to abolish the five per cent deposit program and recent reforms, arguing that the status quo is not working for Australians.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister withdrew the question, stating the premise was wrong. He clarified that he bought a house in Marrickville, lived in it as his family home, and later sold it. He noted that he and his wife recently bought a home for their future, which was publicly declared. He emphasized that the family home is sacrosanct and criticized the Opposition for focusing on personal wealth rather than legitimate policy criticism.

Answer from Chris Bowen

The Minister stated that the budget builds a sovereign fuel stock and supports households in diversifying energy choices, such as buying electric vehicles and installing home batteries. He noted that 398,123 households had installed cheaper home batteries, with 400,000 expected soon. He criticized the Opposition for opposing these measures and for suggesting they should be paused or means-tested. He highlighted high take-up rates in regional areas like Mallee, contradicting claims of low regional uptake.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister stated that existing negative gearing arrangements remain in place for all investors, including nurses, teachers, and police. He clarified that negative gearing is still available for new homes, encouraging investment in new supply rather than existing homes. He argued that this levels the playing field for young buyers competing with investors and aligns with the Shadow Treasurer's previous comments about the system favoring established interests.

Answer from Mark Butler

The Minister reported that 11 people had contracted hantavirus, with three deaths, all from the ship. He stated that human-to-human transmission is rare. Six passengers were being repatriated to Australia, with a flight landing in the Netherlands before heading to RAAF Base Pearce in Perth. The passengers were symptom-free and tested negative. They would be quarantined at the Centre for National Resilience in Bullsbrook for at least three weeks under strict conditions developed by the CDC.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister stated that the government aimed to deliver 1.2 million dwellings before the decade ended, using tools such as the Housing Australia Future Fund, shared equity schemes, and the five per cent deposit scheme. He noted an extra $2 billion for local infrastructure to support housing. He highlighted legislation requiring universities to provide housing for foreign students if they increase places, which the Opposition opposed. He argued that changing capital gains and negative gearing rules would boost supply by directing investment to new builds.

Answer from Tony Burke

The Minister stated that net overseas migration was 45 per cent lower than its peak, which was set by the former government. He outlined three budget changes: shifting 70 per cent of the permanent intake to onshore applicants; introducing a ballot system for working holiday-maker visas; and reducing international student numbers. He criticized the Opposition for opposing legislation to link student numbers to housing availability and for ruling out changes to backpacker visas before the election.

Answer from Mark Butler

The Minister disputed the $1,600 figure, stating the average impact would be between $230 and $250 per year. He explained that the government does not see a rationale for providing different levels of support based on age for households on the same income. He stated that the $3 billion in savings would be invested in aged care services, including more beds and better care, to address rising demand.

Answer from Richard Marles

The Minister highlighted the Ghost Bat and Ghost Shark autonomous systems, part of a $12 billion to $15 billion investment in drones and autonomous systems. He contrasted this with the Coalition's decision to cut the SkyGuardian program and their frequent changes in defence ministers. He stated that the Albanese government had increased defence spending by $117 billion over the next 10 years, compared to just $10 billion by the Liberals in nine years.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister stated that the budget helps with the cost of living and backs aspiration by fixing the housing system. He clarified that negative gearing remains available for new builds, which boosts supply. He argued that the budget papers show more houses will be built, not fewer, and highlighted other measures like Medicare reforms and tax cuts. He criticized the Opposition for opposing tax cuts and real wage increases.

Answer from Jim Chalmers

The Treasurer stated that the tax reform package levels the playing field between workers and asset owners, helping younger Australians enter the property market. He cited support from economists and institutions like Westpac and the Grattan Institute. He quoted the Shadow Treasurer's past comments criticizing the current system for entrenching privilege, arguing that the Opposition's current stance contradicts their previous views.

Answer from Jim Chalmers

The Treasurer acknowledged the member's contributions to tax reform discussions. He stated that the budget aligns tax treatment for workers and asset owners. He noted that the government had already cut income taxes five times in four years through various measures. He explained that savings in the budget outweigh tax changes in the medium term, but the government would look to return bracket creep when affordable and responsible.

Answer from Catherine King

The Minister stated that the budget fixes the road funding anomaly for South Australian councils permanently. She highlighted $3.6 billion in untied funding for local governments, with $2.9 billion brought forward for cost pressures. She noted $2 billion for the Local Infrastructure Fund to support housing development, $50 million annually for active transport, and $750 million for Growing Regions and Thriving Suburbs programs. She also mentioned $4.4 billion for Roads to Recovery and increased funding for black spot programs.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister criticized the Opposition's leadership instability and past performance, noting that they campaigned on opposing tax cuts and reversing policies. He stated that the Coalition had no policy going forward and sought to divide Australians. He argued that Australians want their children to get ahead, which the budget supports, contrasting this with the Opposition's lack of a coherent plan.

Answer from Clare O'Neil

The Minister stated that new housing commencements had risen 26 per cent in the last year. She highlighted $2 billion in the budget for enabling infrastructure, bringing total housing infrastructure investment to $6.3 billion. She claimed this was 50 times more than the previous government spent on housing infrastructure. She criticized the Opposition for not having a housing minister and for opposing previous housing measures.

Answer from Jim Chalmers

The Treasurer stated that the measure was not rushed and aimed to ensure foreign residents pay a fair share of tax. He highlighted transitional arrangements to protect clean energy investments and noted $500 million to accelerate environmental approvals. He explained that the changes clarify longstanding legal ambiguities regarding state and Commonwealth tax arrangements. He assured the member that the government was focused on unlocking investment in the energy system.

Answer from Amanda Rishworth

The Minister highlighted tax cuts for working Australians and the same job, same pay laws, which have delivered pay increases to over 8,000 workers. She cited a recent Fair Work Commission decision that upheld these principles for coalmine workers in Central Queensland, resulting in higher pay for hundreds of labour hire employees. She emphasized that Labor is the only party backing workers' rights.

Answer from Anika Wells

The Minister stated that she had provided a full account to the Integrity Commissioner and that a report was available online. She asserted that the trip was considered completely within the rules.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister stated that the budget helps with the cost of living and backs aspiration, citing support from Homelessness Australia, Westpac, St Vincent de Paul, and the Property Council of Australia. He criticized the Opposition for lacking a clear platform, quoting the Deputy Leader of the Opposition as saying they were against Labor's policies but had no positive stance. He looked forward to seeing the Opposition's fully costed policies.