Senate

Answer from Penny Wong

The minister stated that the government had indicated on budget night that further legislation would follow the core tax changes, addressing issues such as grandfathering arrangements. She noted that the Treasurer had clarified the government's position on Sunday and that drafting instructions would be prepared well ahead of the 1 July 2027 implementation date. The minister argued that the opposition was not engaging with the policy content and was intent on retaining advantages for investors that priced first-home buyers out of the market.

Answer from Katy Gallagher

The minister outlined that the government was delivering five tax cuts, with two already delivered and more coming in 2026, including the Working Australians Tax Offset. She noted that Paid Parental Leave had been expanded to six months, providing nearly $30,000 to families, double the previous entitlement. The minister highlighted that the national minimum wage had increased by six per cent to over $1,000 per week, and modern award wages by 4.75 per cent, benefiting 2.7 million workers. She stated that full-time women were earning an average of $300 more per week, and that Australia's gender equality ranking had improved from 43rd to 13th, with 650,000 new jobs created for women.

Answer from Penny Wong

The minister stated that over 660,000 homes had been built since Labor was elected, with new home starts up 26 per cent and approvals rising for three consecutive years. She highlighted that more than 40,000 first-home buyers in New South Wales had entered the market through the five per cent deposit scheme. The minister argued that the government had invested in housing supply and tax changes to level the playing field, contrasting this with the opposition's reliance on the private market and opposition to tax reforms.

Answer from Katy Gallagher

The minister stated that the government had not changed its view on the diesel fuel tax credit scheme, which had operated for a long time. She argued that the government was focused on delivering a transformation to a renewable energy future, reducing reliance on fossil fuels, and investing in storage and batteries. Regarding the NDIS, she stated that changes were necessary to slow the growth of the scheme, which had risen from $13 billion to over $50 billion annually and was projected to exceed $70 billion, making it unsustainable without intervention.

Answer from Tim Ayres

The minister stated that the government was providing over $3.8 billion in fresh initiatives, such as making the $20,000 instant asset write-off and two-year loss carry-back permanent from 1 July. He mentioned tax reductions for 1.5 million sole traders, such as the $250 Working Australians Tax Offset, and $8 billion for mental health and financial wellbeing. The minister pointed out that the National Reconstruction Fund had lent hundreds of millions to small businesses in freight and logistics, and that the government was securing fertiliser and fuel supplies for regional agriculture.

Answer from Jess Walsh

The minister explained that the Commonwealth's role was to set national priorities, including sustainability, while states and territories managed curriculum delivery and resources. She stated that the government trusted teachers to use professional discretion. In response to funding concerns, the minister highlighted a $20 billion investment in public schools through the Better and Fairer Schools Agreement, ensuring every student was funded to the full Gonski standard for the first time. She declined to support an inquiry, focusing instead on the government's funding commitments.

Answer from Penny Wong

The minister stated that most participants entered with more than a five per cent deposit, with 70 per cent ahead on repayments and 29 per cent on time. She noted that of the over 200,000 guarantees provided, just 13 had been paid out. Citing evidence from CBA and Westpac, she said the cohort's performance was better than average. She referenced the Reserve Bank of Australia governor's statement that negative equity was minuscule and declining, arguing that the opposition was manufacturing a scare campaign.

Answer from Tim Ayres

The minister stated that the government assessed research infrastructure requirements as part of normal budget processes. He highlighted an additional $387.4 million for the CSIRO in the budget, on top of existing funding. Regarding the Strategic Examination report, he stated that a substantial part had been dealt with in the budget and that the government was delivering substantial funding rather than just talking. He noted the establishment of the National Resilience and Science Council, which would be legislated to direct research and development efforts.

Answer from Jenny McAllister

The minister stated that the government was delivering a record $220 billion to the public health system, including $5.1 billion for Tasmania over five years. She highlighted the permanence of 137 Medicare urgent care clinics, which had served three million Australians. The minister noted the expansion of the pneumococcal vaccine program for those over 65 and the addition of cheaper medicines to the PBS, including long-acting insulin and anaphylaxis treatment, capped at $25. She identified the opposition's history of cuts to Medicare and public hospitals, and One Nation's commitment to abolish the TGA, as threats to public health.

Answer from Katy Gallagher

The minister stated that the government was delivering five income tax cuts, which the opposition had voted against. She argued that the opposition was not genuinely concerned about tax burdens given their voting record against wage increases and cost-of-living relief. The minister highlighted that the government was returning bracket creep through fairer tax cuts and the Working Australians Tax Offset. She stated that the government was focused on easing the cost-of-living burden through a better tax system, wage growth, and budget repair, contrasting this with the opposition's consistent rejection of reforms.