Senate

Answer from Penny Wong

The minister stated that the Japanese Prime Minister is a friend of Australia and that the bilateral relationship is stronger than ever. She expressed disappointment that the opposition was attempting to create a diplomatic issue for political gain. She highlighted her own close working relationship with the Japanese Foreign Minister and noted that she had visited Japan seven times in her role. She described the Australia-Japan relationship as a special strategic partnership, second only to the alliance with the United States, and affirmed that the government would continue to strengthen this tie in the national interest.

Answer from Penny Wong

The minister described the treaties as comprehensive endeavours grounded in trust and respect. She explained that the Vuvale Union covers security, economies, and people, while the Ocean of Peace Alliance is a mutual defence treaty committing both nations to aid each other in times of need. She stated that these agreements mark milestones in securing Australia's future in the region, noting that Fiji and Papua New Guinea are now considered allies. She emphasised that a stable and prosperous Pacific benefits all Australians and highlighted the government's ongoing work to advance Pacific priorities through sustained engagement.

Answer from Penny Wong

The minister stated she did not know what specific correspondence was being referred to. She reiterated that the Japanese Prime Minister is a friend of Australia and that the Prime Minister was committed to ensuring her comfort during her visit. She accused the opposition of spreading misinformation and confecting a diplomatic issue. She urged bipartisan support for the relationship with Japan, describing it as historically important.

Answer from Penny Wong

The minister stated that the government's focus is on protecting Australians and that negotiation with the opposition is necessary to pass legislation in the Senate. She listed specific measures in the reforms, including bans on gambling advertising during live sports, radio ads during school hours, and stadium and jersey advertising. Regarding the NDIS, she argued that the government's changes are necessary to ensure the scheme's long-term sustainability. She rejected the characterisation of the government's actions as favouring corporations, stating that the government is motivated by delivering real change for Australians facing cost-of-living pressures.

Answer from Katy Gallagher

The minister noted that S&P Global endorsed the government's fiscal management, citing sound fiscal performance and modest public debt. She stated that the government had found savings to meet unmet needs in health, aged care, and defence. She announced an expansion of the Commonwealth Prac Payment to 10 additional frontline health professions to support students. Regarding Medicare, she reported that the bulk-billing rate rose to 84.1 per cent in the June 2026 quarter, an increase of nearly five percentage points, with Tasmania seeing a rise to 80.8 per cent.

Answer from Jenny McAllister

The minister stated she did not have the specific information regarding the number of unpaid invoices or doctors. She noted that the government had made significant investments in improving DVA's claims-handling architecture. She affirmed the government's commitment to paying suppliers within ordinary program requirements, including integrity and record-keeping standards. She offered to return to the chamber if further information became available.

Answer from Penny Wong

The minister stated that the government had certified more than 660 applications from Afghan LEEs, more than all previous foreign ministers combined. As of 27 July 2026, 2,059 Afghan LEEs had been certified and over 5,700 had arrived in Australia. She noted that over 40 per cent of offshore humanitarian visa grants in the last four years were to Afghan nationals. She explained that LEEs are processed under the wider humanitarian program and that the government had acted on recommendations to process the backlog left by the previous administration.

Answer from Murray Watt

The minister stated that the government does not intervene in independent court decisions regarding bail. He argued that the proposed temporary exclusion orders bill was likely unconstitutional and would be struck down by the High Court, thereby increasing risk. He noted that current laws already take steps to the maximum constitutional limit. He accused One Nation of voting against laws to deport hate preachers and of being dishonest about their support for battlers, citing their votes against wage rises and housing measures.

Answer from Murray Watt

The minister stated that aged-care workers have received five wage increases since 2022, with registered nurses seeing pay rise by up to $36,000 per year and enrolled nurses by almost $32,000. He noted that the gender pay gap has reached its lowest recorded level, with women earning more than $250 a week more than before the government took office. He argued that the only barrier to further wage rises is a potential Liberal-One Nation coalition government, citing opposition comments questioning the necessity of pay rises for care workers.

Answer from Penny Wong

The minister reminded the senator that the coalition had campaigned on higher taxes in the previous election. She stated that annual nominal wages had grown above three per cent for 15 consecutive quarters. She highlighted the government's focus on housing affordability through the Housing Australia plan, which aims to build more homes and help first-home buyers. She argued that the government's policies are designed to make home ownership more accessible, particularly for young Australians, and rejected the claim that taxes were damaging confidence.

Answer from Jenny McAllister

The minister stated that the Commonwealth Prac Payment is being expanded to 10 more professions, including psychologists, pharmacists, and podiatrists, providing up to $338.60 a week. She noted that this builds on previous cuts to student debt. Regarding aged care, she confirmed the fifth wage increase for nurses, resulting in a pay rise of more than $36,000 per year for registered nurses since 2022. She argued that these measures help attract and retain staff, improving care quality, and criticised the opposition for complaining about pay increases for unionised workers.