Senate

Answer from Penny Wong

The minister stated that the government maintains transparency regarding debt levels and noted that under the previous coalition government, debt would have exceeded $1.2 trillion. She cited Budget Statement 1, which projected gross debt at $1,051.0 billion by 30 June 2027, a figure $18.0 billion lower than the May Economic and Fiscal Outlook and $173.0 billion below the 2022 Pre-Election Economic and Fiscal Outlook. She emphasized that the government has delivered two budget surpluses and that the current debt trajectory is lower than what was inherited. Regarding the specific peak projection, she directed the senator to the budget papers and reiterated that the debt position is better than it would have been under the opposition.

Answer from Murray Watt

The minister reported that the labour market remains resilient, with over 1.3 million jobs added since the election. He noted that while employment decreased by 15,800 in July, there was a net increase of over 190,000 jobs over the year, with full-time employment reaching a record 10.2 million. The unemployment rate remained low by historical standards, and the underemployment rate fell slightly. He highlighted that annual nominal wages have grown above three per cent for four years. Regarding cost-of-living pressures, he cited higher wages and tax cuts. On women's workforce participation, he mentioned tackling the gender pay gap through minimum wage rises, expanded paid parental leave with superannuation, and wage boosts in care sectors.

Answer from Penny Wong

The minister affirmed the government's respect for veterans and noted that the Veterans Affairs Minister had acknowledged the error in not holding an initial meeting and has since engaged with the community. She highlighted that the current administration has spent more on veterans affairs than any prior government, including $2 billion in funding following the royal commission. She confirmed that the Prime Minister retains confidence in the minister and stated that no resignation had been requested or offered.

Answer from Penny Wong

The minister described the Israeli decision not to investigate as outrageous and insulting to the victims' families and the Australian public. She confirmed that she had conveyed this view privately to the Israeli ambassador and stated that the government would continue to advocate for answers. She clarified that maintaining diplomatic relations allows Australia to advance its interests and convey its views directly, rather than serving as an endorsement of the Israeli government's actions. She did not agree with assertions that the aid workers were responsible for their own deaths.

Answer from Jess Walsh

The minister reported that over 95 per cent of First Nations children are now enrolled in preschool, meeting Closing the Gap target 3 for the first time. She highlighted the three-day childcare guarantee, which allows First Nations children access to five days of subsidised care. She cited an investment of $9 million from the Building Early Education Fund for a community-led service in Derby operated by the Nganga women. She contrasted this with the previous government's activity test, which restricted access based on parental employment, stating that the current policy ensures access is based on the child's needs.

Answer from Penny Wong

The minister denied that there would be additional costs, stating that the consultation paper on fuel security and low-carbon liquid fuels was welcomed by the National Farmers' Federation and GrainCorp. She emphasized that the policy aims to diversify supply chains and improve fuel resilience, particularly in light of global disruptions. She clarified that the allowable level of ethanol in petrol is already established under fuel quality standards and that the government does not plan to change or increase these limits. She characterized the opposition's concerns as a scare campaign not supported by industry feedback.

Answer from Jenny McAllister

The minister reported that bulk-billing rates had risen to 84 per cent and that 137 Medicare urgent care clinics were now permanent, with four out of five Australians living within a 20-minute drive of one. She stated that PBS medicines were the cheapest in 20 years, saving Australians more than $2.9 billion since July 2022, and noted the listing of a new treatment for rare brain cancer. Regarding obstacles, she criticized the opposition for attempting to dismantle safety nets like Medicare and the PBS, contrasting this with their protection of tax concessions for the wealthy.

Answer from Murray Watt

The minister stated he did not have precise numbers but confirmed that the government takes strong action to cancel visas for serious offenders. He explained that when the tribunal sets aside a cancellation, the matter returns to the minister for reconsideration, and in many cases, the visa is cancelled again. Regarding the specific Federal Court case, he confirmed it was being examined and that appropriate action would be taken. He noted that the government had already strengthened ministerial directions to the tribunal in its first term and reminded the senator that One Nation had previously voted against legislation to deport hate preachers.

Answer from Jess Walsh

The minister reported that wages had risen by 3.2 per cent during the year and that the minimum wage had increased by more than $12,000 annually, reaching $1,000 a week. She highlighted the abolition of junior rates for workers aged 18 to 20 in retail, fast food, and pharmacy sectors, and the legislative protection of penalty rates. She cited a campaign by young workers from the SDA as an example of successful advocacy for fair pay. She identified the opposition parties as the primary obstacle, accusing them of deliberately keeping wages low and opposing protections for casual and gig workers.

Answer from Katy Gallagher

The minister argued that the current debt burden is lower than it would have been under the previous government, which had doubled debt before the pandemic. She stated that the government had delivered two budget surpluses and that interest payments were lower than projected. She did not provide the specific per-minute or total interest figures requested. Instead, she questioned how the opposition would fund its proposed tax cuts, defence spending, and infrastructure projects, suggesting their policies would lead to higher debt.

Answer from Tim Ayres

The minister outlined a $47 billion housing package, including five per cent home deposits and the construction of social and affordable homes. He emphasized that decent housing standards include safety features such as swimming pool barriers, smoke alarms, and protections against bushfires and floods. He criticized the opposition's policy development unit and suggested that their alternative approaches risked lowering standards, referencing international housing disasters. He did not provide specific details on the opposition's proposed policies beyond general criticism.