House of Representatives

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister stated that the government had foreshadowed Treasury's discussion paper and would continue consulting. He noted that all four existing small business capital gains tax concessions were retained and the turnover threshold for the 50 per cent discount was increased from $2 million to $10 million, covering 98 per cent of active businesses. He highlighted $3.8 billion in budget measures supporting small businesses, including permanently allowing the $20,000 instant asset write-off. The Prime Minister asserted that the government was making the tax system fairer and supporting young Australians.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister described housing as key to better life outcomes and outlined the Homes for Australia plan, including the Housing Australia Future Fund, Build to Rent, and Help to Buy. He noted that 55,000 social and affordable homes were being built, with 57 under construction in Jacka, Canberra. He cited an example of a family in Clifton Springs who purchased a home using a five per cent deposit. The Prime Minister stated that reforms to negative gearing and capital gains tax were designed to help hardworking Australians and first home buyers.

Answer from Jim Chalmers

The Treasurer announced an extension of fuel excise relief for one month, saving Australians approximately $11 per tank. He highlighted five tax cuts for 13.3 million workers and a six per cent increase in the national minimum wage, effective the following week. He noted that tax cuts for over 14 million Australians would begin rolling out. The Treasurer contrasted these measures with the opposition's voting record, claiming they opposed higher wages and lower taxes.

Answer from Matt Keogh

The Minister acknowledged the business case provided by the member and noted that hubs were being delivered as committed in the 2022 and 2025 elections. He stated that from 1 July, changes to veterans entitlement legislation would simplify the system from three complex systems to one. A new veteran and family wellbeing agency would also be established from 1 July to coordinate support. The Minister indicated that submissions for further hubs, including the Bathurst proposal, would be reviewed after the new agency was operational.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister disputed the claim, stating that the Howard government was the highest-taxing. He argued that the opposition had campaigned for $75 billion in higher personal income taxes and $14 billion in higher taxes on resources and manufacturing. He listed opposition plans to abolish production tax credits, EV concessions, and build-to-rent incentives, and to cancel student debt cuts. The Prime Minister asserted that the current government had delivered five tax cuts, including one starting the following week for 14 million Australians.

Answer from Chris Bowen

The Minister stated that Australia held greater fuel reserves than at any point since the minimum stock obligation began, with 44 days of petrol, 39 days of diesel, and 32 days of jet fuel. He noted that 51 ships were en route with fuel and 3.9 billion litres were contracted for delivery over the next four weeks. The Minister criticized opposition members for predicting shortages and rationing, asserting that the government's calm approach had ensured supply security. He thanked the private sector and trading partners for their cooperation.

Answer from Jim Chalmers

The Treasurer clarified that a discount for capital gains would remain, reflecting real gains rather than an arbitrary figure. He stated that 98 per cent of all active businesses would access concessions and carve-outs, with 100 per cent of active small businesses accessing the higher turnover threshold. He criticized the shadow treasurer for running a scare campaign against changes he had previously called for. The Treasurer asserted that the opposition voted against measures to help first home buyers and workers.

Answer from Clare O'Neil

The Minister noted that the average period required to accumulate a 20 per cent deposit in Sydney had risen to 17 years. She highlighted the Help to Buy scheme, which assists 10,000 families, and the five per cent deposit program, which has helped 260,000 Australians. She stated that budget measures would help another 75,000 Australians enter homeownership. The Minister cited examples of first home buyers winning at auctions with government support, arguing that the government was creating opportunities for young people.

Answer from Jim Chalmers

The Treasurer stated that most such businesses would be included in the new higher threshold for small-business turnover. He noted that 99 per cent of agricultural businesses would qualify for the revised 50 per cent active asset reduction. He mentioned that a consultation paper on startups had been released to address questions about defining innovation and holding periods. The Treasurer emphasized that 98 per cent of all active businesses would access concessions and carve-outs.

Answer from Julie Collins

The Minister confirmed that H5 bird flu was detected in a brown skua and a northern giant petrel in Western Australia. She stated there was no evidence of mass mortalities or infection in poultry or agricultural systems, and the risk to humans was low. The Minister noted that national biosecurity response arrangements were enacted, with Western Australia managing the on-ground response. She highlighted over $113 million invested in preparedness and more than $2 billion in additional biosecurity resourcing since taking office. The Minister advised the public to avoid contact with sick or dead birds and report sightings.

Answer from Julie Collins (Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry)

The Minister acknowledged the member's comments and the coalition's willingness to support the response. She reiterated the importance of keeping the $8 billion poultry industry and its 60,000 workers informed. The Minister thanked the member for his cooperation and updates.

Answer from Jim Chalmers

The Treasurer stated that the government had taken substantial action since the report, including negotiating a moratorium on branch closures for major banks until 27 July. He noted that 700 regional branches closed between 2017 and 2022, but the rate of closures had plummeted under the current government. He mentioned increased investment in Bank@Post, the cash acceptance mandate, and draft legislation on cash distribution. The Treasurer acknowledged that more work was needed and that discussions with banks and regulators were ongoing.

Answer from Richard Marles

The Minister stated that the $2.5 billion deal for over-the-horizon radar was the largest defence export in Australian history, surpassing the $1 billion Boxer sale to Germany. He noted that the Canadian deal would support 1,000 direct and indirect jobs, primarily in South Australia and Victoria. The Minister highlighted that the radar technology, developed since 1986, was the best in the world for long-range surveillance. He emphasized that the deal strengthened the strategic partnership with Canada and supported Australian industry.

Answer from Anthony Albanese (Prime Minister)

The Prime Minister did not answer the question directly, instead criticizing the opposition's tactics and interjections. He withdrew the question after interjections from honourable members.

Answer from Amanda Rishworth

The Minister stated that reforms had reinvigorated enterprise bargaining and protected penalty and overtime rates. She noted that the national minimum wage would increase by more than $12,000 over the course of the government's term, benefiting 2.7 million workers from the following week. She cited examples of workers in supermarkets, fast food, and retail who would benefit. The Minister identified the opposition parties as the biggest risk to higher wages, claiming they refused to back pay increases when in government.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister did not directly answer the question, instead criticizing the member for making allegations without specifics. He stated that the government followed proper ERC processes and consultation protocols. He then listed benefits delivered to the electorate of Fowler, including WATO benefits for 65,000 taxpayers, student debt relief for 24,000 people, and 3.4 million cheaper scripts. He also mentioned the opening of an Assyrian community hall in south-west Sydney.

Answer from Jason Clare

The Minister stated that a 15 per cent pay rise for childcare workers had reduced job vacancies by 31 per cent and increased applications by 30 per cent, adding 20,000 workers to the sector. He noted that childcare centres receiving extra funding were required to cap fees, saving the average family about $1,500 over two years. The Minister also announced a new condition requiring centres to meet the national safety standard to receive funding, aiming for 100 per cent compliance.