House of Representatives

Answer from Sam Rae

The minister expressed condolences to the family and stated that no one in parliament wants older Australians to die waiting for care. He highlighted that wait times have decreased significantly, with standard priority cases waiting three months less and urgent cases receiving funding within a month. The minister firmly denied the use of artificial intelligence in the assessment system, clarifying that qualified human assessors conduct clinical evaluations which are then processed by an integrated tool to apply rules fairly. He noted that the government has made significant investments to overhaul the aged care system since 2022.

Answer from Anika Wells

The minister explained that the government introduced a four-page bill to enable the eSafety Commissioner to require documents from tech firms and increase penalties for failing to comply, raising the maximum from $49.5 million to $99 million. She criticised the opposition for supporting a two-month Senate inquiry, stating this pause lets tech firms destroy evidence and persist in not complying. The minister cited the personal tragedy of Wayne Holdsworth, whose son died by suicide because of online sexual extortion, to stress the need to hold platforms accountable.

Answer from Anthony Albanese; Sam Rae

The Prime Minister stated that the premise of the question was incorrect as human oversight already exists, and criticized the opposition for hypocrisy given their past record. The Minister for Aged Care clarified that assessments are conducted by qualified humans and that the government shares the intent of the private senator's bill but fears it would lead to inconsistent decisions and longer wait times. The minister announced a new legislated escalation pathway allowing the department secretary to adjust assessments in extenuating circumstances, with consultations planned during the parliamentary break.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister highlighted that the reforms have fostered conversations between parents and children about online safety. He emphasized that the legislation responds to calls from parents and the eSafety Commissioner for powers to access documents from tech giants and increase fines. He criticized the coalition's deal to refer the bill to a Senate inquiry, arguing it gives companies time to remove evidence and resist changes, and urged senators to vote for the legislation before the parliament rises.

Answer from Jason Clare

The minister acknowledged that the Job-Ready Graduates scheme has failed and that work on fixing it is unfinished, noting that the ATSC is finalizing cost data next year. He highlighted that the government cut the debt of three million Australians by 20 per cent, wiping out $16 billion. He also pointed to legislation investing an extra $312 billion into the education system to help students from disadvantaged backgrounds access university.

Answer from Tony Burke

The minister reported that Operation BROADSTAFF in Weipa had successfully intercepted illegal fishing vessels, some of which were burnt. He stated that all individuals attempting to enter Australia without visas were removed by the following morning, and those assisting them were arrested. The minister criticized the opposition for voting with the Greens to release surveillance information, arguing this aids people smugglers by providing them with operational details.

Answer from Tony Burke

The minister expressed pride in Border Force for successfully intercepting drugs and handling aggressive situations, noting that no people smuggling operation has succeeded in over a decade. He refuted the claim of weakness by stating that all recent illegal arrivals were removed. He criticized the opposition leader for supporting the release of surveillance information, arguing this provides people smugglers with the intelligence they seek.

Answer from Jim Chalmers

The Treasurer listed measures including tax cuts, pay rises, fuel assistance, paid parental leave, super on payday, and an instant asset write-off for small businesses. He highlighted that the government has delivered smaller deficits and the lowest average unemployment in half a century. He criticized the opposition for voting against measures that would help Australians, arguing their agenda exacerbates economic pressures.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister quoted the shadow housing minister acknowledging price growth and short-term hiccups. He shared anecdotes from constituents and real estate agents in various electorates indicating that young families were successfully purchasing their first homes, often moving from rentals or units. He argued that the government's policies were reducing investor bidding and creating opportunities for first home buyers.

Answer from Tanya Plibersek

The minister stated that families now receive around $30,000 in paid parental leave, more than double the amount when the government took office, with higher rates and longer durations for subsequent children. She highlighted increases in family tax benefits, higher wages, lower taxes, and free power. She criticized the opposition and One Nation for opposing these measures and advocating for lower wages.

Answer from Mark Butler

The minister explained that the change addressed inequities where households with the same income received different support based on age. He stated that modelling indicated approximately 44,000 people, or 0.4 per cent of health insurance membership, would change their status. He noted that overall health insurance membership has been growing by two per cent annually and would continue to do so.

Answer from Pat Conroy

The minister stated that the government is undertaking the biggest peacetime increase in defence spending in history to ensure capability and self-reliance. He highlighted reforms to fix a broken project management system, citing past failures under the previous government. He emphasized that these reforms ensure multibillion-dollar projects are delivered on time and on budget, protecting national interests.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister stated that the government had introduced legislation restricting gambling advertising, including on jerseys and grounds, and allowing opt-outs. He emphasized that the government had worked constructively with the anti-gambling sector, broadcasters, and sporting organizations to ensure reforms were practical. He described the legislation as the strongest action taken by any government in history.

Answer from Mark Butler

The minister highlighted that Tasmania's public hospitals received an additional $160 million, a 20 per cent increase, freeing them from previous funding caps. He noted that bulk-billing rates had increased significantly, reaching over 93 per cent for pensioners and 97 per cent for those without concession cards. He criticized the opposition for attempting to rebrand themselves as the party of Medicare despite their history of cuts.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister dismissed the question, focusing on the charity auction context. He stated that if forced to choose between wealthy individuals and first home buyers, he would support the latter. He argued that the government's policies provide security for hardworking people and criticized the opposition for defending the interests of the wealthy.

Answer from Clare O'Neil

The minister cited the success of the five per cent deposit scheme, which has helped 260,000 Australians buy homes, and the Help to Buy program assisting 10,000 people annually. She shared an anecdote about a family in Tasmania who purchased a home through the scheme. She criticized the opposition for opposing these measures and defending investor subsidies.

Answer from Matt Keogh

The minister explained that the cap replaces the previous system requiring veterans to return to GPs after 12 referrals, benefiting nine in 10 veterans. He stated that for the remaining one in 10, the government is engaging to ensure appropriate care while maintaining system integrity. He also highlighted significant increases in fees paid to allied health professionals to ensure continued service provision.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister listed recent achievements including minimum wage increases, tax cuts, paid parental leave support, and super on payday. He contrasted the government's focus on progress and outcomes with the opposition's focus on grievance and division. He stated that the government is committed to delivering real change for all Australians.