House of Representatives

Answer from Clare O'Neil

The minister rejected the premise, stating that Ray White had explicitly clarified they were not forecasting a 30 per cent rent rise. She noted that the opposition had previously misquoted the National Australia Bank on similar issues. The minister argued that the government had decades of advocacy for renters and was implementing comprehensive reforms to support them, including building more homes and improving rental standards, while accusing the opposition of defending a broken system.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister highlighted recent legislative successes, including NDIS reforms passed by the Senate, gambling harm legislation passed by the House, and journalism protection reforms. He described these as difficult but necessary actions to safeguard institutions and protect democracy. He emphasized that the government was taking action in areas where progress had previously been slow, aiming to deliver real change for Australians.

Answer from Matt Keogh

The minister affirmed the importance of the covenant and acknowledged past failings in the system across multiple governments. He stated that the government was working to implement recommendations from the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide and improve support systems. He noted that rebuilding trust in the Department of Veterans' Affairs was an ongoing process requiring continued investment and collaboration with the veteran community.

Answer from Mark Butler

The minister stated that the Senate had passed reforms to make the NDIS sustainable, addressing issues of cost and fraud. He assured participants that the scheme would remain the largest social program outside the aged pension. He highlighted that new eligibility tests were being developed to focus on significant and permanent disability, while state governments were rebuilding support systems for lower-needs individuals. He noted that all states except Queensland had finalized plans for the Thriving Kids program, with rollout expected by the end of next year ahead of eligibility changes in January 2028.

Answer from Anika Wells

The minister explained that the UOMO would provide baseline outdoor mobile connectivity for the first time, aiding safety in remote areas. She stated that the bill had not yet passed the House due to other legislative priorities but expected it to return for consideration in detail soon. She noted that the default start date was 1 December 2027, contingent on the development of the direct-to-device market and industry readiness.

Answer from Anika Wells

The minister highlighted a $153 million investment in the News Media Assistance Program and the progression of News Bargaining Incentive legislation to ensure digital platforms contribute to journalism. She noted that gambling advertising reforms had passed, including amendments to protect children from ads on streaming services. She emphasized that these reforms were part of a broader agenda to deliver real change for Australians.

Answer from Matt Keogh

The minister stated he had had many engagements with the CEO and her organization. He clarified that while he had not had a direct conversation with her specifically about the discussion paper, the government had announced it would consult with the veteran community to ensure no gaps in service provision. He expressed anticipation for receiving feedback from her and other ex-service organizations.

Answer from Amanda Rishworth

The minister highlighted world-leading minimum standards for gig workers, resulting in 25 per cent higher earnings for some delivery drivers, and reinvigorated enterprise bargaining. She cited ABS data showing nominal wage growth above three per cent for four years and real wage growth in the June quarter. She identified the opposition parties as the primary risk, arguing they had historically opposed wage increases and would cut wages if elected.

Answer from Matt Keogh

The minister acknowledged the tragic circumstances faced by the veteran and expressed understanding of his feelings. He stated that the Navy had apologized for past conduct. He expressed regret that the veteran held a negative view of him but reiterated his commitment to improving the support system for serving personnel and veterans.

Answer from Jim Chalmers

The Treasurer highlighted real wage growth in the June quarter and nominal growth above three per cent for four years. He noted the strengthening of the superannuation system, including raising the rate to 12 per cent. He cited Moody's reaffirmation of Australia's AAA credit rating as evidence of responsible budget management, with gross debt reduced by $200 billion. He contrasted this with the opposition's $110 billion in forward estimates commitments, arguing they posed a risk to wages and super.

Answer from Matt Keogh

The minister stated that he respected the positions put to him by veterans but did not repeat the content or detail of private conversations in parliament. He maintained that his previous answer stood and declined to elaborate further on the specific meeting.

Answer from Catherine King

The minister announced a joint $200 million commitment with the NSW government to fully fund and deliver the reconstruction of Mitchell's Causeway. The project includes building a new bridge deck above the existing structure and adding an eastbound passing lane. Work was already underway, with the highway expected to reopen by mid-2027.

Answer from Jim Chalmers

The Treasurer identified Katy Gallagher as the Minister for Better Regulation and highlighted the government's broader economic reform agenda. He stated that the budget aimed to cut compliance costs by more than $10 billion a year through various measures, including regulatory reform bills and streamlined approvals. He acknowledged that ongoing work was needed to improve productivity but emphasized the progress made since the Economic Reform Roundtable.

Answer from Daniel Mulino

The Assistant Treasurer announced a package of reforms to strengthen the super system, including banning unlicensed real-time communications about super and tightening anti-hawking laws. He highlighted new accountability measures allowing ASIC to direct trustees to remediate failures and giving APRA powers to ensure trustees have financial capability. He also noted progress on financial advice reforms to improve access to safe advice.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister stated he had every confidence in the Minister for Veterans' Affairs. He emphasized the importance of respecting those who serve in the Defence Force and noted that the minister had inherited a system with issues from previous administrations. He did not address the specific allegations of incompetence directly.

Answer from Clare O'Neil

The minister stated that reforms aimed to help first home buyers and encourage new home building. She cited data showing a 27 per cent increase in investor lending for new dwellings and a 15 per cent drop in lending for existing homes. She quoted banking executives supporting the reforms and argued that the opposition's policies would defend a broken system, whereas the government was addressing housing insecurity for young people.

Answer from Clare O'Neil

The minister clarified that only citizens and permanent residents were eligible, not temporary residents. She argued that permanent residents were valuable contributors to the workforce and community. She criticized the Leader of the Opposition for making false claims about eligibility and stated that 260,000 people had accessed the scheme, emphasizing the government's commitment to housing affordability.

Answer from Anne Aly

The minister announced that the $20,000 instant asset write-off had been made permanent. She noted that around 300,000 businesses had claimed the write-off in the 2024-25 financial year. She explained that the measure allowed businesses to write off multiple assets throughout the year, providing confidence for long-term planning and investment.