House of Representatives

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister stated that draft legislation had been out for consultation for weeks, with the process concluding on Friday. He noted that the government had always intended to introduce legislation to address the issue and that the opposition had previously complained about a lack of consultation. He explained that the decision to pass the legislation quickly was made in response to a request, facilitated by the opposition's support for NDIS sustainability reforms. He argued that the previous government had delayed necessary reforms, costing taxpayers money.

Answer from Amanda Rishworth

The Minister reported that new minimum standards for platform food delivery drivers had commenced, providing a minimum hourly pay of $31.30 and potential pay boosts of up to 25 per cent. She highlighted that these reforms included accident insurance, dispute resolution processes, and representation rights. She noted that the opposition had voted against these changes, which she described as world-leading protections that ensure workers do not rely on tips to survive.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister stated that the National Australia Bank had clarified that its previous statement was not a forecast of rental yields. He emphasized that the budget made no changes to negative gearing or capital gains tax discounts for existing investment properties, which remained grandfathered. He cited Australian Bureau of Statistics data showing investor lending for new builds rose by 27 per cent and construction loans grew by 20 per cent in the June quarter, arguing that the policy was successfully boosting housing supply.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister highlighted that new minimum standards and wages for gig economy workers had commenced, providing protections such as sick leave and fair pay. He argued that these reforms addressed loopholes that had previously left delivery drivers without basic protections, sometimes leading to dangerous working conditions. He stated that the opposition had voted against the legislation, choosing to ignore the problem rather than support fairness for workers.

Answer from Anthony Albanese; Catherine King

The Prime Minister noted that discussions with the New South Wales Government were ongoing. The Minister for Infrastructure confirmed that the NSW Government had requested Commonwealth funding and that an alliance contract with Seymour Whyte had been announced to deliver a new crossing. She stated that construction had begun and the road was expected to reopen in the second quarter of the following year. The NSW Government had also announced expanded business support, including grants of up to $25,000 for impacted businesses.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister cited reforms to secure the National Disability Insurance Scheme, tackle gambling harm, and ensure fuel supply through Energy Security Taskforce measures. He noted that 500,000 cheaper home batteries had been installed and that minimum standards for gig workers and wage justice for early childhood workers had been introduced. He stated that the gender pay gap was at a record low and that these measures demonstrated the government's commitment to both immediate relief and future stability.

Answer from Clare O'Neil

The Minister described the housing crisis as a result of 40 years of policy failures, noting 400 per cent house price growth over 25 years. She criticized the opposition for not raising Commonwealth Rent Assistance or addressing rental standards during their nine years in office. She argued that the government's policies were designed to help renters achieve homeownership and that the opposition's approach would create an unfair market.

Answer from Anika Wells

The Minister announced additional amendments agreed with the coalition, including banning inducements for 14 days after signing up, for red flag customers, and for three months after deregistering from BetStop. She noted that commissions based on customer activity would be banned. Advertising protections would be enshrined in law, extended to online streaming services, and include a 15-minute blackout before live sport. A wagering advertising opt-out register would also be introduced.

Answer from Clare O'Neil

The Minister referred to the Prime Minister's clarification regarding the National Australia Bank's statement. She stated that Treasury advice indicated a negligible impact on rents because existing landlords were grandfathered. She highlighted that the government had lifted Commonwealth Rent Assistance by 50 per cent, negotiated improved rental standards, and aimed to help 75,000 renters enter homeownership. She quoted an advocacy group stating that investor tax breaks had fueled the housing crisis.

Answer from Mark Butler

The Minister stated that the NDIS had grown too large and costly, becoming a target for fraud. He reported that the Senate would consider legislation to make the scheme sustainable, including 33 additional amendments to clarify protections for high-support-need participants and tighten fraud controls. He thanked the shadow minister for constructive engagement on fraud and integrity amendments, emphasizing that the reforms would ensure the scheme's long-term viability.

Answer from Matt Keogh

The Minister acknowledged he had been wrong to delay the meeting but denied the characterization of disrespectful behavior, stating he had shaken hands with attendees. He emphasized that the government's intention was to ensure no gap in care while improving access and payments to providers. He noted that a consultation process was underway to refine the changes to allied health services, including a $5,000 threshold with alternative approval processes for complex needs.

Answer from Jim Chalmers

The Treasurer stated that the government had boosted the super guarantee to 12 per cent, introduced super on paid parental leave, and increased the Low Income Super Tax Offset for 1.3 million workers. He argued that the opposition did not support universal superannuation, citing historical comments from Liberal Party figures. He framed the upcoming election as a referendum on whether workers would retain universal superannuation or see it undermined.

Answer from Anika Wells

The Minister noted that the federal sports ministry delivered over $500 million in funding and worked with state governments on infrastructure projects. She highlighted the $200 million Play Our Way program as a significant investment in regional sports infrastructure. She stated that while demand for funding was high, the government would continue to advocate for more funding through usual budget processes and that the proposal would remain under consideration.

Answer from Daniel Mulino

The Assistant Treasurer detailed the boost to the Low Income Super Tax Offset, benefiting 1.3 million Australians with an average increase of $410. He mentioned closing loopholes for family violence perpetrators and child sexual abuse offenders. He announced further consumer protection reforms to be released the following day. He contrasted these measures with the opposition's stance, which he claimed undermined universal superannuation.

Answer from Matt Keogh

The Minister explained that the changes were designed to improve access by attracting more practitioners and reducing the need for continual referrals. He stated that the $5,000 threshold would apply to the majority of veterans, with an alternative approval process for those with complex clinical needs. He noted that a discussion paper would be released shortly to facilitate consultation with veterans and service providers.

Answer from Tanya Plibersek

The Minister reported that 200,000 people had benefited from paying super on paid parental leave in the first year, adding an estimated $28.5 billion to superannuation balances. She noted that a woman with a median balance would be around $5,400 better off in retirement. She contrasted this with the opposition's proposal to allow early access to super, which she argued would leave workers significantly worse off. She also highlighted the permanent leaving violence payment and paid domestic violence leave.

Answer from Sam Rae

The Minister defended the integrated assessment tool as a key recommendation of the royal commission, designed to ensure equitable treatment. She announced a new legislated escalation pathway allowing outcomes to be changed in extenuating circumstances. She noted that the median wait time for assessments was under one month and that a rapid review of the prioritization mechanism was underway to ensure urgent cases were fast-tracked.

Answer from Julie Collins; Anthony Albanese

The Minister reported that $113 million had been invested in preparedness and that vaccine rollouts were progressing based on national advice. She noted that states were prioritizing vaccinations for threatened species, including little penguins and cockatoos. A new national reporting dashboard had been launched to track H5 events, with over 250 events recorded. She emphasized that no cases had been found in farming or livestock operations and that danger to people stayed low.

Answer from Anthony Albanese (Prime Minister)

The Prime Minister thanked the Minister for her work and the opposition for their bipartisan cooperation. He described the situation as a national challenge that was being managed effectively under difficult circumstances.