House of Representatives

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister stated that existing concessions for small businesses had not changed. He highlighted $312 billion in new budget measures to lower taxes and encourage investment, including keeping the $20,000 instant asset write-off in place permanently, introducing a permanent two-year loss carry-back, and expanding venture capital incentives. He cited support from the Council of Small Business Organisations, the National Farmers' Federation, and the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, noting these groups welcomed the stability and planning opportunities provided by the reforms.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister described homeownership as a fundamental aspiration that has become harder to achieve since 1999 due to wage stagnation and competition from investors. He explained that the budget reforms aim to level the playing field by removing unfair tax advantages for investors, thereby helping first-home buyers. He cited a recent example of a young couple in Sydney who successfully purchased their first home at auction without facing investor competition, illustrating the practical impact of the reforms.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister reiterated that the budget includes $312 billion in support for small business, including five tax cuts. He listed measures such as the instant asset write-off, loss carry-back, and venture capital incentives, citing support from the Housing Industry Association and Business NSW. He argued that these measures lower taxes and support aspiration for all, contrasting this with the opposition's support for the status quo.

Answer from Jim Chalmers

The Treasurer outlined five tax cuts for workers, including a $1,000 instant deduction and the Working Australians Tax Offset, which could save an average worker up to $2,800. He explained that changes to negative gearing and capital gains tax would fund these cuts while making it easier for first-home buyers to enter the market. He noted the package is broadly revenue neutral over four years and criticized the opposition for previously voting against similar tax cuts and housing measures.

Answer from Matt Keogh

The Minister confirmed that the Defence and Veterans Workshop will remain onsite at Derwent Barracks following community feedback and consultations led by the Assistant Minister for Defence. He noted that the government has implemented 32 of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide recommendations and aims to implement two-thirds by year-end. He emphasized that the divestment of the site is being managed carefully to ensure the workshop continues to serve the veteran community.

Answer from Clare O'Neil

The Minister stated that experts, economists, and housing advocates support the reforms, which aim to level the playing field for first-home buyers. She cited positive comments from economist Saul Eslake, National Shelter, and former Liberal minister Rob Stokes. She argued that the coalition defends the broken status quo, while the government's plan, including the five per cent deposit program, supports both first-home buyers and new housing supply.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister stated that the budget decreases taxes for small businesses through $312 billion in measures, citing support from various industry groups. He explained that the capital gains tax changes revert to the 1999 system, taxing real gains rather than nominal gains, which produces fairer outcomes. He emphasized that this shift treats income from assets similarly to income from work.

Answer from Tony Burke

The Minister reported that the government exceeded its target of unlocking 26,000 homes by approving 35,120 new homes, with significant numbers in metropolitan and regional areas. He attributed this success to a housing strike team within the environment department, which improved on-time approval rates from six per cent under the previous government to 93 per cent. He linked these approvals to broader housing initiatives like the Housing Australia Future Fund and build-to-rent schemes.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister denied the claim, stating that no such tax was being imposed.

Answer from Chris Bowen

The Minister announced price reductions in all jurisdictions, including a 10.7 per cent drop for residences in Energex and up to 20.9 per cent for small businesses in Essential Energy. He attributed these reductions to increased renewable energy penetration, battery storage displacing expensive gas and hydro generation, and reforms to the default market offer. He contrasted this with opposition policies, such as extending coal life and nuclear energy, which he argued would not help reduce prices.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister stated that the rebate is not being removed and that the premise of the question was incorrect. He highlighted other health measures, including reducing medicine prices to $25 or $7.70 for pensioners, increasing bulk-billing rates, and investing $25 billion in hospitals and health services.

Answer from Catherine King

The Minister reported securing over 100 million litres of jet fuel from China, adding four days to the national reserve, as part of efforts to stabilize relations with China. She noted that total additional jet fuel secured has reached 200 million litres, with 600 million litres of diesel. She also highlighted a $1.1 billion investment in sustainable aviation fuel production using Australian canola and $4.8 million in support for regional airports affected by Rex Airlines' administration.

Answer from Michelle Rowland

The Attorney-General confirmed that the government accepted all 14 recommendations, including the five confidential ones, and would work with state and territory governments for national implementation. She explained that a non-publication direction was issued to protect national security and operational information. She noted that robust oversight exists through the Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security and the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister stated that the existing housing system is broken and causing frustration, necessitating reform. He cited positive reactions from Chris Richardson, CommBank, Ross Gittins, and Saul Eslake, who welcomed the credible path to surplus and tax improvements. He also noted support from the National Housing Supply and Affordability Council and the Property Council for measures targeting new housing supply.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister reiterated that the budget reduces taxes for small business through $312 billion in measures. He explained that capital gains tax changes replace one discount with another based on real gains. He noted that consultations with the Council of Small Business are ongoing and that legislation would be introduced on Thursday.

Answer from Matt Keogh

The Minister highlighted investments in the Department of Veterans' Affairs to clear claim backlogs, with initial liability claims now processed within months. He noted the implementation of 32 Royal Commission recommendations and the establishment of a new wellbeing agency. He also mentioned increased fees for GPs and allied health professionals to improve access for veterans and a review of travel funding for Victoria Cross recipients.

Answer from Chris Bowen

The Minister agreed that the destruction of First Nations culture was unacceptable. He stated he would discuss the matter with the Minister for Indigenous Australians and the New South Wales government and keep the member advised of progress in the investigation.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister expressed contempt for ISIS sympathisers and stated that the government provided no assistance for their return. He emphasized that any breaches of the law would result in legal consequences based on security agency advice.

Answer from Mark Butler

The Minister highlighted the launch of a national information campaign to break the silence around menopause. He noted that a new Medicare item has been used by over 105,000 women and that three new treatments were added to the PBS, saving users up to $580 annually. He also mentioned updated clinical guidelines and increased training for health professionals to improve care.