House of Representatives

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister stated that recent legislation supports homeownership for young people, citing examples of first-home buyers in Bexley, Maribyrnong, and Maroubra. He argued that tax changes rebalance the market to assist these buyers. Additionally, he highlighted two tax cut measures: an automatic $1,000 tax deduction and the working Australians tax offset, asserting that the government supports lower income taxes while the opposition supports higher ones.

Answer from Amanda Rishworth

The Minister stated that the Fair Work Commission granted a 4.75 per cent pay rise to 2.7 million workers covered by modern awards. She highlighted that those on the national minimum wage saw a six per cent boost, lifting their weekly pay above $1,000. She added that since the government assumed power, the national minimum wage has risen by over $12,000 annually, equating to a 12 per cent real wage gain. The Minister compared this with the opposition's rejection of real wage growth.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister dismissed the question as nonsensical and criticized the opposition for opposing income tax cuts and real wage increases. He highlighted the 4.75 per cent minimum wage increase and the $12,000 annual increase for minimum wage earners since the government took office. He stated that the government supports higher wages and lower taxes, whereas the opposition consistently votes for higher taxes and lower wages.

Answer from Jim Chalmers

The Treasurer welcomed the Fair Work Commission's decision on wage increases and highlighted upcoming national accounts data. He stated that the government is reducing income taxes on five occasions through three distinct methods, which will make the average worker better off by up to $2,800. He criticized the opposition for supporting low wages and voting against tax cuts and first-home buyer assistance.

Answer from Tony Burke

The Minister noted that the consultation period for the first standard on matters of national environmental significance had just closed. He stated that the second standard on offsets was still open for consultation. Regarding the community engagement standard, he advised that work was well progressed and the government anticipated releasing it for consultation in the coming weeks.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister highlighted the 4.75 per cent minimum wage increase, which makes lowest-paid workers $12,000 better off annually compared to 2022. He stated that the government has delivered five income tax cuts and five consecutive minimum wage increases. He contrasted this with the opposition's support for low wages and higher taxes, asserting that Labor supports aspiration for all Australians.

Answer from Jim Chalmers

The Treasurer criticized the opposition for voting against tax cuts for 13 million workers. He stated that the government would vote to return bracket creep through tax cuts, while the opposition would vote to keep it. He noted that the government has returned bracket creep five times using three mechanisms, with another tax cut effective from 1 July. He asserted that the government supports tax cuts while the opposition supports higher taxes.

Answer from Clare O'Neil

The Minister stated that housing reforms aim to create a fairer system for first-home buyers, workers, and taxpayers. She highlighted the five per cent deposit program to level the playing field with investors. She criticized the opposition for supporting the status quo and privilege, asserting that Labor supports aspiration and homeownership for ordinary Australians.

Answer from Jim Chalmers

The Treasurer stated that using legislative instruments to finalize definitions is standard practice in tax law, citing examples from the Howard and Morrison governments. He noted that these instruments can be disallowed by parliament. He clarified that investments in new dwellings that genuinely add to housing supply are exempt from the changes, as outlined in the budget papers.

Answer from Daniel Mulino

The Assistant Treasurer said the reforms feature a permanent $250 yearly tax reduction for 13.3 million employees via the working Australian tax offset. He observed that the typical employee would gain up to $2,800 by 2028. Adjustments to negative gearing and capital gains will help approximately 75,000 Australians buy homes in the coming ten years. He condemned the opposition for resisting tax reductions and wage increases.

Answer from Clare O'Neil

The Minister stated that a new dwelling is defined as one that genuinely adds to housing supply.

Answer from Chris Bowen

The Minister stated that the default market offer indicated energy bill cuts of as much as 10.7 per cent for homes and 20.9 per cent for small businesses. He observed that electricity emissions dropped by four per cent in 2025. He pointed out that 423,717 batteries had been fitted since 1 July, contributing 12 gigawatt hours of storage. He condemned the opposition for rejecting the Cheaper Home Batteries policy and backing the unsuccessful UNGI scheme.

Answer from Sam Rae

The Minister stated that 364,723 older Australians have access to Support at Home places, with 83,000 additional places being delivered this financial year and 32,000 next year. He noted that wait times have decreased across all priorities since the program began, and urgent cases receive funding within a month. He confirmed that additional funding has been allocated to review the prioritisation mechanism to ensure people like the constituent receive care.

Answer from Catherine King

The Minister reported that the ANL Kokoda, the inaugural vessel, was greeted in Townsville. She stated that the fleet will be Australian-flagged and crewed, strengthening economic sovereignty and national security. She noted that the fleet will assist during natural disasters and supply chain disruptions. She also mentioned the establishment of the Maritime Skills and Training Initiative and efforts to secure two more ships for the pilot program.

Answer from Clare O'Neil

The Minister stated that migration has been reduced to almost half its post-COVID high. She argued that the primary issue is a lack of housing construction over 40 years, not migration. She highlighted the government's $47 billion housing policy aimed at building more homes. She criticized the opposition for failing to address the housing crisis during their nine years in government.

Answer from Andrew Giles

The Minister reported that 245,000 free TAFE course completions had occurred in just over three years. He stated that the government has made free TAFE permanent to ensure Australians can access skills training without debt. He criticized the opposition for voting against making the program permanent.

Answer from Anika Wells

The Minister stated that the government's reforms aim to minimize children's exposure to wagering advertising and break the link between sport and gambling. She noted that the exposure draft bill was released for consultation and would start from 1 January next year. She listed other measures including strengthening BetStop, banning online keno, and cracking down on illegal offshore providers, but did not explicitly confirm the banning of inducements.

Answer from Mark Butler

The Minister reported that 450 new or amended PBS listings had been made since the government took office. He highlighted new listings for blood cancer treatments, Blincyto and Calquence, which reduce costs from $230,000 and $7,000 per month respectively to PBS prices. He stated that nearly $3 billion in co-payment savings had been achieved by Australians, and pensioners have received 90 million additional free scripts. The maximum co-pay for concession card holders is frozen at $7.70, and non-concession holders pay no more than $25.