Senate

Answer from Penny Wong

The minister confirmed the government is consulting on implementation details, including arrangements for donations to charities and tax-exempt entities. She stated that the overarching purpose of the tax reforms is to make the system fairer by aligning the treatment of income from work with income from assets. In response to supplementary questions, she clarified that deductible gifts and donations reduce capital gains subject to the minimum tax, and that the minimum tax does not apply to charitable trusts. She noted that donations to deductible gift recipient organisations remain tax-deductible for discretionary trusts, and highlighted government measures to streamline the process for organisations to gain deductible gift recipient status.

Answer from Katy Gallagher

The minister attributed the ability to provide relief to budget savings that repair the budget and lower debt interest. She noted that the Reserve Bank held interest rates steady at 4.35 per cent as headline inflation fell for the third consecutive month. She listed measures including tax cuts, cheaper medicines, record hospital and education funding, and support for first home buyers. Regarding wages, she highlighted a 4.75 per cent increase in the national minimum wage, resulting in full-time minimum wage earners receiving over $1,000 per week. She also detailed the expansion of paid parental leave to 26 weeks at a rate of more than $1,000 per week, with superannuation contributions and higher income eligibility limits.

Answer from Katy Gallagher

The minister declined to engage with the premise of the question, stating she was proud to work for a leader who prioritises women's economic security and respects women. She highlighted that the government has achieved a 50 per cent female cabinet and caucus, and has invested in women's safety, housing, and health issues such as endometriosis and menopause. She asserted that the Prime Minister's comments had been misinterpreted and weaponised by opponents, and reiterated that the government's record on women's policy was unprecedented.

Answer from Tim Ayres

The minister stated that 270,000 Australians, mostly young people, had accessed homes through the scheme, and dismissed claims about flipping as hyperbolic. He cited individual success stories of first home buyers. In response to questions about social housing, he noted that over 660,000 homes had been constructed since the government was elected, with more than 7,000 completed with Commonwealth investment. He highlighted a $47 billion program for social and affordable housing and provided another example of a first home buyer in Melbourne who used the scheme to purchase a unit.

Answer from Jess Walsh

The minister detailed a 15 per cent pay rise for educators, which adds $255 per week for a typical full-time worker, and noted that 20,000 more workers had joined the sector since the announcement. She stated that job vacancies had fallen by 31 per cent. Regarding training, she reported that over 65,000 Australians had enrolled in free TAFE early childhood courses since 2023. She criticised opposition parties for opposing pay rises and highlighted the government's commitment to fair pay and workforce stability.

Answer from Malarndirri McCarthy

The minister stated that the National Indigenous Australians Agency had provided 800 pages of information to the senator's office. She confirmed that the Office of Indigenous Corporations was investigating the matter and had placed fines on the corporation. She noted that she had met with the families and was working with the council, but the council refused to revisit the debt issue. She emphasised her efforts to assist families, including those with terminal illnesses or long-term residency, and stated she was doing her utmost to ensure they were okay.

Answer from Penny Wong

The minister stated that the government does not tolerate corruption and has taken action through an administrator with over 100 active investigations. She noted that the government would work with the Victorian government as royal commission details emerged. She declined to answer questions about private discussions between the Prime Minister and the former Premier or Mr Watson. She stated that the government would await the royal commission's findings and take appropriate action, but refused to speculate on outcomes before the commission commenced its work.

Answer from Malarndirri McCarthy

The minister explained that funding release depends on the Northern Territory meeting certain criteria and receiving reports from Aboriginal peak organisations. She stated that the joint steering committee, which includes Aboriginal land councils and housing organisations, provides oversight. She noted that the Northern Territory government was seeking to renegotiate the agreement to reduce the target from 2,700 homes to fewer, and that the Commonwealth was withholding funding until the agreement was adhered to. She emphasised that First Nations organisations now have a strong voice at the table to ensure accountability.

Answer from Jenny McAllister

The minister reported that the bulk-billing rate rose to 84.1 per cent in the last June quarter, with over 85 per cent of GP visits in Victoria being bulk-billed. She attributed this to historic investments in Medicare. Regarding after-hours care, she highlighted the 1800MEDICARE service, which provides free health advice 24 hours a day and can connect patients with free telehealth appointments. She noted that bulk-billing rates were rising in every state and territory, including a 13 per cent increase in the Northern Territory.

Answer from Katy Gallagher

The minister stated that the government had adopted more realistic Treasury advice on productivity assumptions, rejecting the previous government's higher assumptions. She highlighted regulatory reform bills aimed at reducing red tape and improving productivity, which she claimed the opposition had voted against. She listed budget measures including building homes, modernising energy markets, and unlocking data and AI. She rejected the proposition that tax increases were lowering productivity, citing Treasury advice that budget decisions supported productivity assumptions, and criticised the opposition for constraining wages in the past.