House of Representatives

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister stated that existing arrangements are grandfathered under the proposals. He argued that the government could not accept a broken housing system and required Senate engagement to pass reforms, noting the opposition's refusal to debate. He highlighted that the legislation provides tax cuts for all workers and opportunities for homeownership, contrasting this with the opposition's promise to repeal such measures on day one.

Answer from Jim Chalmers

The Treasurer described the reforms as necessary progress for a fairer tax system, benefiting first home buyers and workers. He noted that small businesses now have access to concessions and that super fund borrowing rules are being strengthened consistent with the Murray review. He criticized the opposition for opposing tax cuts and repealing legislation, which would reduce the small-business concessional threshold from $10 million to $2 million. He added that the government is lowering fuel costs and increasing wages while making housing more accessible.

Answer from Jim Chalmers

The Treasurer explained that the amendment reduces risk to retirement savings and secures passage of fairer tax reforms. He cited the Murray inquiry, which found direct borrowing by super funds inconsistent with retirement savings objectives. He clarified that the change extends the ban on borrowing but grandfathers existing arrangements with a 45-day transition period. Regarding trust, he pointed to falling petrol prices across major cities since March, contradicting the Shadow Treasurer's claims that prices were not falling.

Answer from Julie Collins

The Minister confirmed two cases of H5 bird flu in migratory birds in the Esperance region, noting no mass mortalities or infections in poultry or agricultural systems. She stated that national biosecurity response arrangements were enacted, with Western Australia managing the on-ground response and enhanced surveillance implemented. She highlighted over $2 billion in additional biosecurity resourcing, including $113 million for H5 preparations. She urged the public to report sick birds without touching them and to contact birdflu.gov.au.

Answer from Jim Chalmers

The Treasurer stated that net overseas migration has decreased by 45 per cent from its peak and is at its lowest level in years. He highlighted that the government has achieved the lowest average unemployment in 50 years. He criticized the opposition for aligning with One Nation's rhetoric on monoculturalism and argued that the government's policies support workers, young people, and first home buyers, reflecting core Australian values.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister stated that the government supports aspiration for all through fairer taxes, stronger Medicare, free TAFE, and housing reforms. He cited examples of first home buyers successfully purchasing properties in various electorates, noting that reforms are giving young people a fair chance against investors. He emphasized that the government is addressing a broken housing system to help Australians achieve homeownership.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister confirmed that legislation passed the House and would be carried by the Senate, noting the opposition's refusal to engage. He contrasted the government's construction of 55,000 social and affordable homes with the opposition's record. He clarified that the government supports grandfathering for negative gearing and allows it for new homes, unlike the Greens' position. He stated that the opposition wants to reinstate tax breaks for investors, which would undermine first home buyers.

Answer from Chris Bowen

The Minister announced an extension of fuel excise relief for another month. He reported that 448,342 households have taken up cheaper home batteries, with over 10 per cent uptake in electorates like Greenway, Mitchell, Mayo, and Wright. He highlighted support for electric vehicles through the new vehicle efficiency standard and tax cuts. He warned that the opposition would abolish these measures, thereby increasing costs for Australians.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister criticized the opposition for asking about issues not in the legislation while refusing to engage with the actual bill. He noted the government's cooperation with the Greens to secure Senate support, contrasting this with the opposition's blanket rejection. He defended the government's multicultural values and criticized the Leader of the Opposition for failing to stand up to One Nation on issues of monoculturalism.

Answer from Clare O'Neil

The Minister stated that nearly 270,000 Australians have entered homeownership through the five per cent deposit program, with over 115,000 first home buyers purchasing annually. She criticized the opposition for wanting to cut Help to Buy and roll back the five per cent deposit scheme. She noted that the opposition supports higher capital gains tax discounts for investors, which she argued disadvantages first home buyers. She highlighted that thousands of constituents in opposition electorates have benefited from government programs.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister stated that the government supports homeownership through Help to Buy and the five per cent deposit scheme, which has helped 260,000 Australians. He argued that the opposition opposes measures that increase homeownership and favors investors over first home buyers. He cited examples of first home buyers successfully purchasing homes in various electorates, emphasizing that the government protects the family home while increasing supply.

Answer from Richard Marles

The Minister highlighted the Jindalee Operational Radar Network, noting a $2.5 billion deal with Canada to build similar radar systems, the largest defence export in Australian history. He stated this deal supports 1,000 jobs in South Australia and Victoria. He criticized the opposition and One Nation for lacking detailed defence policy, focusing only on GDP percentages without articulating specific platforms. He emphasized that the government's approach builds high-tech industry and national security.

Answer from Kristy McBain; Tony Burke

The Minister for Emergency Management stated that drought events fall outside her portfolio and handed the question to the Minister for Water. The Minister for Home Affairs, answering on water matters, explained that water security varies by region, affecting crop choices. He noted that the Murray-Darling Basin Plan addresses water allocations during droughts, with high-security areas supporting permanent plantings and low-security areas suited for opportunity crops like rice.

Answer from Amanda Rishworth

The Minister highlighted reforms to enterprise bargaining and same job, same pay, citing a coalminer receiving $40,000 more annually. She announced a 4.75 per cent wage increase for minimum award workers and a six per cent increase for the lowest paid. She noted tax cuts of up to $2,800 for average workers. She identified the opposition parties as the biggest risk, as they voted against these reforms and failed to support wage increases.

Answer from Anthony Albanese (Prime Minister)

The Leader of the Opposition withdrew the question before the Prime Minister could respond.

Answer from Anika Wells

The Minister reported that 90 per cent of the fixed-line network now accesses gigabit speeds, following the upgrade of 1.5 million premises from copper to fibre. She noted that the Fixed Wireless and Satellite Upgrade Program, funded by $480 million, is complete, providing faster speeds. She highlighted an investment of up to $3 billion to upgrade the final 622,000 premises. She emphasized that the government opposes privatization of the NBN, unlike the opposition.

Answer from Sam Rae

The Minister declined to discuss specific case details due to privacy but confirmed familiarity with the situation. She stated that the government has amended aged-care rules to recognize MND as a condition warranting urgent priority under Support at Home. This change applies retrospectively, prioritizing access for those already assessed or waiting. She offered to meet with the member and the family to discuss the specific case further.

Answer from Jason Clare

The Minister outlined five reforms: cheaper childcare laws saving families over $11,000; the 3 Day Guarantee helping tens of thousands of children; building childcare centres in schools; safety reforms including banning mobile phones; and a 15 per cent pay rise for workers, which added 20,000 workers to the sector. He noted that providers must cap fees and meet safety standards to receive funding, resulting in lower costs for parents and better conditions for workers.