House of Representatives

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister stated that the previous government had more than doubled the debt before the pandemic and left a $78 billion deficit with no surplus projected until 2060-61. He noted that the current government had delivered back-to-back surpluses and reduced debt by $173 billion compared to 2022 election forecasts, saving approximately $70 billion in interest costs. He cited positive assessments from S&P Global and Moody's regarding Australia's fiscal performance and low debt ratios. The Prime Minister also claimed the opposition had pledged over $500 billion without funding.

Answer from Mark Butler

The Minister highlighted the opening of the Torquay Medicare Urgent Care Clinic, which provides seven-day-a-week bulk-billed urgent care. He reported that bulk-billing rates in Corangamite had risen from 65 per cent to over 80 per cent following government investments. He thanked the member for her work on the NDIS joint standing committee, which informed recent reforms to tighten controls on fraud and integrity. The Minister affirmed that despite these changes, the NDIS would continue to grow as a major social program.

Answer from Jim Chalmers

The Treasurer stated that Australia's debt ratios were low compared to peer nations, citing reaffirmations of the AAA credit rating by Moody's and S&P Global. He argued that most of the current gross debt was accumulated between 2013 and 2022 by the previous government. He noted that gross debt was $200 billion lower than the inherited trajectory, resulting in $7 billion less interest paid this year compared to the previous budget. The Treasurer claimed the opposition's policies would have led to higher debt and deficits.

Answer from Anika Wells

The Minister stated that the government had passed significant gambling reforms, including strengthening BetStop, the national self-exclusion register, which had over 67,000 registrations. She noted that costs for strengthening BetStop would be recovered from gambling companies. The reforms included new restrictions on inducements, requirements for companies to monitor vulnerable people, and bans on gambling advertising on jerseys, in stadiums, and during live sporting coverage between 5 am and 8:30 pm. The Minister also mentioned bans on online keno pocket pokies and foreign match lotteries.

Answer from Jim Chalmers

The Treasurer argued that One Nation, the Liberals, and the Nationals did not support first home buyers or wage increases. He stated that budget assumptions cover multi-year periods, not just initial months. He cautioned against using recent rent figures selectively and noted that house price fluctuations had occurred multiple times in the previous decade. The Treasurer attributed market softening to various factors present before the budget was released.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister stated that AI is changing how society functions and that Australia must shape its rollout in the national interest. He referenced Pope Leo's encyclical on AI, emphasizing that technology is not neutral and that human dignity must be preserved. He noted that social cohesion could be undermined if AI makes it difficult to distinguish reality from fabrication. The Prime Minister announced the establishment of a parliamentary joint select committee on AI, chaired by the member for Maribyrnong, to further discuss these issues.

Answer from Matt Keogh

The Minister stated that the government had engaged extensively with RSL and other veteran organisations. He explained that the measures were designed to increase access by removing treatment cycles and ensuring continuity of care. He claimed to have received support for the program from the veteran community and ex-service organisations. The Minister affirmed his commitment to continuing engagement to ensure the program delivers improved access.

Answer from Daniel Mulino

The Minister explained that the news bargaining incentive encourages digital platforms to make fair commercial deals with Australian news publishers. He noted that the legislation had passed the Senate and included incentives for small and medium publishers. Funds collected from platforms that do not make deals would be distributed to news organisations based on the number of journalists employed, with a 20 per cent bonus for small and diverse publishers. The Minister thanked the opposition and crossbench for their support.

Answer from Matt Keogh

The Minister stated that the government was committed to implementing the Royal Commission's recommendations, including establishing the Defence and Veterans' Service Commission. He argued that the current measures increased fees for allied health professionals, addressing recommendation 71. The Minister framed the changes as improving access for the veteran community rather than cutting support.

Answer from Amanda Rishworth

The Minister highlighted annual minimum wage increases, same job same pay reforms, and new standards for gig workers. She noted that over 1.3 million jobs had been added since the government was elected and that unemployment remained low. The Minister identified the potential formation of a government by the Liberal, National, and One Nation parties as the biggest threat to wages and jobs, citing their opposition to wage increases and worker protections.

Answer from Matt Keogh

The Minister acknowledged concerns from women veterans about gaps in support within a system designed primarily for male members. He stated that the Department of Veterans' Affairs and Defence were conducting complex consultations to develop the strategy. The Minister emphasized the importance of getting the strategy right and thanked those engaged in the work.

Answer from Jim Chalmers

The Treasurer cited wage growth above three per cent, low unemployment, a record-low gender pay gap, and a decrease in insolvency rates. He noted that Moody's had reaffirmed Australia's AAA credit rating due to low debt ratios and conservative budgeting. He claimed that gross debt was $200 billion lower than the inherited trajectory, resulting in $70 billion less in interest payments. The Treasurer argued that the opposition's policies would have increased debt and deficits.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister stated that every woman and girl has the right to feel safe and that there must be zero tolerance for sexual violence. He noted that rates of reported sexual violence had risen significantly between 2010 and 2024. He announced that he would convene National Cabinet to discuss progress on the second National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children. The Prime Minister highlighted the funding of 500 additional workers for community services and pledged to hold state governments accountable for funding withdrawals.

Answer from Michelle Rowland

The Minister stated that Western Australia had passed legislation to implement national reforms, ensuring that a ban in one jurisdiction applies across all jurisdictions. She noted that the Standing Council of Attorneys-General had agreed to nationally consistent baseline offences and criteria for assessing applications. The Minister highlighted a $37 million commitment to develop the National Continuous Checking Capability, which would monitor criminal history changes in near-real time. She affirmed that keeping children safe was a top priority.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister stated that he was honoured to meet with veterans and that the government was committed to stepping up for them. He highlighted an additional $16 billion allocated to address the delay in veterans' compensation and rehabilitation claims. He noted that the government had responded constructively to the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide recommendations. The Prime Minister affirmed his support for the minister and the government's approach to veterans' services.

Answer from Julie Collins

The Minister stated that the government was working with industry, wildlife experts, and states to prepare for and respond to H5 bird flu spread. She advised Australians to avoid touching sick or dead birds and to report sightings via the national bird flu hotline. The Minister noted that over 23,000 calls had been received and 270 events recorded. She highlighted efforts to strengthen biosecurity in wildlife facilities and support for vaccine testing by the CSIRO. The Minister assured that there were no detections in poultry or agricultural systems and that the risk to human health remained low.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister stated that Israel's decision to close its investigation without criminal proceedings was an outrage and fell short of expected accountability. He noted that the government had made numerous representations to the Israeli government, including direct conversations with Prime Minister Netanyahu and President Herzog. The Minister for Foreign Affairs had called in the Israeli ambassador to register strong views. The Prime Minister affirmed that the government would consult with Ms Frankcom's family before announcing further steps and would continue to press for justice.

Answer from Clare O'Neil

The Minister highlighted the construction of 19 new social homes in the member's electorate and the recent announcement of $600 million for approximately 1,000 new crisis homes. She noted that the funding was split between supporting women and children fleeing family violence and young people at risk of homelessness. The Minister emphasized the importance of stable housing for safety and stability. She affirmed that the government was making progress in delivering real change to the housing situation.