Senate

Answer from Penny Wong

The minister expressed respect for veterans and noted that Minister Keogh had started talks after publishing a consultation paper. She stated that the $5,000 threshold for health services would not apply to those on special rate disability pension, totally and permanently incapacitated pension, or those determined to be catastrophically injured. The minister highlighted a $169.7 million investment in allied health provider fees, the largest in over a decade, responding to Royal Commission recommendation 71. She also criticized the opposition for not addressing a backlog of 42,000 veteran compensation claims during their time in government.

Answer from Jenny McAllister

The minister outlined a $792 million women's health package aimed at providing affordable care. She noted that over one million women had reduced costs for contraceptives, IVF, and medicines for endometriosis and menopause. New oral contraceptive pills, including Yaz and Slinda, were listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme for the first time in 30 years. Additionally, 33 endometriosis and pelvic pain clinics were established across Australia to facilitate earlier diagnosis and treatment, alongside perimenopause and menopause care.

Answer from Penny Wong

The minister defended the government's focus on increasing supply through a $47 billion Homes for Australia plan. She stated that tax arrangements were changed to favor first-home buyers over investors. The minister cited data showing building approvals were 8.9 per cent higher than the previous year and commencements were 15.2 per cent higher, the highest levels since 2021. She rejected the premise that tax changes were causing a decline in construction, attributing improvements in approvals and commencements to government interventions.

Answer from Penny Wong

The minister acknowledged the seriousness of climate change and the El Nino event. She criticized the Greens for voting with Tony Abbott and others against climate action in the past. The minister stated that 146 renewable energy projects had been approved as of 7 September 2026. Regarding the Saraji mine, she clarified it was not a new mine and was covered by the safeguard mechanism with a baseline declining to zero by 2050. She emphasized the government's commitment to transitioning the economy to lower emissions through thoughtful policy.

Answer from Don Farrell

The minister stated that over 20 countries were looking to Australia's lead on social media minimum-age laws. He noted that laws introduced in June strengthened the eSafety Commissioner's investigative powers and doubled fines for noncompliance to over $109 million. The Commissioner could request more information from social media and age-verification companies. The minister argued that delaying social media access for under-16s allowed them to build resilience and digital literacy, and called on other parties to pass the strengthening legislation.

Answer from Penny Wong

The minister affirmed that the US alliance contributed to Australian sovereignty and provided access to capabilities Australia would not otherwise have. She stated that all facilities remained under Australian command and that US access occurred in rotation, by mutual agreement, and at Australia's request. The minister rejected the view that the alliance compromised sovereignty, emphasizing that the government's actions were aimed at deterring conflict in the region.

Answer from Penny Wong

The minister acknowledged illicit tobacco as a serious organized crime crisis. She stated the government had allocated over $365 million to improve border detection and joint enforcement activities. The Illicit Tobacco National Disruption Group was established to target criminals. The minister emphasized the need for cooperation between states and the federal government, noting that states regulate tobacco sales. She rejected opposition proposals to reduce excise, citing concerns about increasing smoking rates and the rise in vaping.

Answer from Katy Gallagher

The minister stated the government would not support the policy, arguing it weakened the superannuation system built by Labor. She emphasized that superannuation was a long-term investment for dignified retirement. The minister noted that debt was forecast to be $977 billion when the government took office. She criticized One Nation for not supporting wage increases, tax cuts, or housing affordability measures. The minister acknowledged that allowing seven million Australians to withdraw funds could be inflationary, a point raised in a press conference.

Answer from Katy Gallagher

The minister stated that over a million jobs had been created and unemployment remained low, with participation rates at record highs. She noted that net overseas migration had fallen by roughly 45 per cent from the post-COVID high. The minister defended jobs in the non-market economy, such as health, aged care, and education, as legitimate and valuable. She criticized One Nation for opposing wage increases and argued that the government supported better wages and conditions for workers.

Answer from Penny Wong

The minister acknowledged cost-of-living pressures and stated the government was focused on delivering relief through tax cuts and other measures. She noted that five rounds of tax cuts had been implemented, which the Nationals had opposed. The minister criticized the Nationals for chasing One Nation's voter base and advocating for policies such as cutting wages and superannuation. She argued that the Nationals were not capable of managing the economy due to their focus on higher taxes and deficits.