Senate

Answer from Penny Wong

The minister stated that the opposition had opposed energy assistance and tax cuts. She highlighted the Japanese ambassador's statement on personal trust between leaders and accused the opposition of creating a diplomatic issue through media stunts and summoning the ambassador. She emphasized the government's commitment to strengthening the strategic partnership with Japan.

Answer from Penny Wong

The minister confirmed the $2.5 billion investment, shared equally between state and federal governments, would keep the smelter open and support jobs in the Hunter region. She noted the plan enables commercially viable operations after 2028 and increases renewable energy capacity, including almost three gigawatts of new clean energy and stabilisation capacity. She emphasized the importance of domestic aluminium production for economic resilience.

Answer from Penny Wong

The minister criticized the opposition for focusing on press conference awkwardness rather than the announcement of job protections in the Hunter. She stated the Prime Minister was there to announce measures to protect jobs and that the government was proud of this outcome. She reiterated that the focus should be on the economic announcement rather than political point-scoring.

Answer from Murray Watt

The minister acknowledged the controversy and confirmed that the number of submissions was roughly in the order of 70,000. He stated that the decision would be made in accordance with the EPBC Act, focusing on whether the project significantly impacts matters of national environmental significance. He noted that an additional matter of national environmental significance was being considered and that a public announcement would follow the decision.

Answer from Tim Ayres

The minister stated the deal provides certainty for the facility through to 2038-39, supporting 1,000 direct employees and 512,000 related jobs. He highlighted the shared approach with the NSW government to build necessary electricity infrastructure. He emphasized that the investment would deliver hundreds of apprenticeships and strengthen Australia's industrial capability and fairness.

Answer from Penny Wong

The minister reiterated that amendments ensure deductible gifts reduce capital gains subject to minimum tax and that minimum tax does not apply to charitable trusts. She noted that DGR status remains tax deductible for discretionary trusts and that the government is consulting on implementation details, including arrangements for donations. She declined to provide further guarantees beyond the consultation process.

Answer from Katy Gallagher

The minister reported that over 160 roundtables had been held with more than 1,100 people, and nearly 2,000 online submissions received. Key themes included the need for evidence-based prevention, early intervention, and addressing tech-facilitated abuse. She noted that consultations highlighted system abuse by perpetrators, leading to budget investments in child support reforms to reduce weaponization of the system.

Answer from Murray Watt; Tim Ayres

Minister Watt initially deferred to the Treasurer or Climate Change Minister. Minister Ayres then responded, stating the land is classified as Class 5 and 6, not prime agricultural land, and that both agriculture and forestry will continue. He confirmed that Steven Skala recused himself from the Foreign Investment Review Board decision. He noted the project would create around 190 jobs and that the land was previously targeted for forestry by the Liberal government.

Answer from Don Farrell

The minister highlighted the US investment of over half a billion dollars in the Sunrise Energy Metals scandium project near Dubbo, which will create about 100 construction and 60 ongoing jobs. He mentioned the production tax credit starting July 2027 and the Critical Minerals Strategic Reserve, which enabled a final investment decision for the Arafura Rare Earths project. He emphasized collaboration with trusted partners to diversify global supply.

Answer from Penny Wong

The minister affirmed the importance of the relationship with Japan and stated the government was designing the gas reservation policy in consultation with industry and partners. She emphasized objectives of ensuring sufficient domestic gas for jobs and investment certainty. She guaranteed that Australia would remain a reliable long-term supplier while maximizing benefits for the country through domestic manufacturing and energy security.

Answer from Murray Watt

The minister cited ABS data showing average weekly full-time earnings had increased by more than $300 since the government was elected, with an annualized growth of 4.2 per cent versus 2.5 per cent under the previous government. He noted the gender pay gap had fallen to 11.3 per cent. He emphasized the government's unity on raising wages and tax cuts, contrasting it with opposition disunity.