House of Representatives

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister cited comments from the Japanese ambassador, who described a recent dinner as relaxed and conducive to building trust. He highlighted the strong relationship with Japan and expressed a desire to continue collaborating on economic and security matters in the region.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister noted that the government had consulted on the second National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children, including a roundtable with 14 frontline organisations. He referenced a recent tragic death of a First Nations woman in Queensland and stated that 80 per cent of the $4.4 billion investment focused on response and recovery. He emphasised the need to address prevention, listen to children, and tackle issues like online harms and the normalisation of violence among young men.

Answer from The Prime Minister (Anthony Albanese)

The Prime Minister did not provide a substantive answer to this statement, as it was an indulgence rather than a direct question requiring a policy response.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister again referenced the Japanese ambassador's positive comments about the recent visit. He described the dinner at the Lodge as warm and personal, and reiterated the success of the diplomatic engagement with Japan.

Answer from Tanya Plibersek

The Minister highlighted insights from frontline organisations, noting that children are experiencing violence and need support. She cited statistics that almost 40 per cent of sexual assault victims are aged 10 to 17 and discussed online harms like stalking apps and AI glasses. She mentioned a $308 million investment for safe homes helping 22,000 people and the broader $4.4 billion investment assisting nearly half a million people through 1,400 organisations.

Answer from Michelle Rowland

The Minister stated that implementing the report's recommendations would take time, but the recent budget included initial steps. She noted $2 billion in new R&D spending, bringing total government spend to over $39.1 billion. She mentioned the establishment of the National Resilience and Science Council, $1.5 billion for science capability, and $589 million for clinical trials. She also highlighted treaty negotiations with Horizon Europe, worth $155 billion, to be accessed in 2027.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister highlighted the agreement with New South Wales to secure the Tomago Aluminium smelter, protecting over 1,000 direct jobs and 5,000 additional jobs in the Hunter region. He emphasised the importance of backing sovereign industrial capability and renewable energy, rejecting the idea that jobs should be offshored. He listed other key industries like Boyne smelter, Whyalla steelworks, and critical minerals as part of the national interest.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister listed government measures including tax cuts, increased bulk-billing to 84 per cent, 800,000 free TAFE enrolments, wage justice for educators, and gig worker protections. He mentioned cheaper medicines and the new Fair Work Court. He contrasted this with the opposition's past policies, citing a report by the current Leader of the Opposition that suggested offshoring aluminium production to China.

Answer from Pat Conroy

The Minister stated the joint package with New South Wales would keep the smelter open, preserving more than 1,000 direct positions and 5,000 indirect roles. He noted Tomago has operated continuously since 1983 and that Rio Tinto is investing $1.1 billion. He contrasted this with the opposition's past approach, which he claimed involved closing Tomago and offshoring industries.

Answer from Clare O'Neil

The Minister defended the housing tax reforms, stating they level the playing field for first-home buyers. She claimed the reforms would reverse declining home ownership rates and help 75,000 households escape the rent trap. She highlighted the five per cent deposit scheme, which has helped 260,000 Australians into homes.

Answer from Jim Chalmers

The Treasurer reported that average weekly full-time earnings had risen by more than $300 since the government was elected, and the gender pay gap had fallen to 11.3 per cent. He stated real wages growth was expected to return as inflation subsided. He criticised the opposition for wanting to end compulsory superannuation, citing comments from Senator Bragg and the shadow Treasurer.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister cited RBA data showing less than one per cent of mortgage holders were in negative equity, compared to over two per cent in 2019. He contrasted this with the previous government's record and criticised the shadow housing minister's comments on superannuation and housing standards.

Answer from Clare O'Neil

The Minister outlined the $47 billion housing agenda, including the five per cent deposit scheme and tax reforms. She criticised the opposition for suggesting low-income Australians should accept substandard housing, citing comments from the shadow housing minister. She emphasised the government's commitment to safe, decent homes for all Australians.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister noted that pending legislation would remove betting sponsorship from NRL jumpers and stadium names, impacting about 15 clubs. He acknowledged the positive role of sports in social cohesion and community engagement, particularly for young people and women in AFLW and NRLW.

Answer from Amanda Rishworth

The Minister highlighted new minimum pay of $31.30 per hour for food delivery drivers and enterprise bargaining benefits for 2.6 million workers. She noted the gender pay gap had reached a record low of 11.3 per cent and that average weekly earnings had increased by $300. She criticised the opposition for opposing these reforms.

Answer from Mark Butler

The Minister disputed the $1,000 figure, stating the average impact would be $220 to $250 per year. He explained the changes were necessary to fund aged-care services, including more beds and Support at Home packages. He noted the reforms returned the rebate to its original design, ensuring equal subsidies for households on the same income regardless of age.

Answer from Julie Collins

The Minister reported a vaccination trial for black cockatoos in Western Australia and upcoming vaccinations for little penguins in Victoria. She noted a positive test for H5 in a brown skua in Tasmania, which would be the first confirmed case there if verified. She reassured the public that there was no evidence of H5 in farming or livestock operations and that the danger to people's health remained low.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister stated he had met with gambling industry representatives zero times. He emphasised his willingness to engage with parliamentarians and crossbenchers on the issue. He rejected the notion that sporting codes were evil and highlighted their role in community cohesion.

Answer from Kristy McBain; Anthony Albanese

The Minister reported that the AusAlert test on 27 July was successful, with over 94 per cent of cell towers broadcasting the alert. She noted the system would be ready in October. She highlighted investments in the National Emergency Management Agency, the Disaster Ready Fund with 449 projects, and $100 million for aerial firefighting. She also mentioned Australian firefighters deployed to Canada, the US, and France to assist with wildfires.

Answer from The Prime Minister (Anthony Albanese)

The Prime Minister joined in praising the firefighters and wished them a safe return, noting they did the nation proud.