Senate

Answer from Penny Wong

The minister stated that the government viewed illicit tobacco as a serious organized crime issue funding other harms. She noted that enforcement activity had increased by $350 million and border interceptions had tripled. She emphasized that cooperation between federal and state governments was essential, noting that states regulate tobacco sales. The minister highlighted that tobacco excise had increased by over 215 per cent under the previous government and by less than 40 per cent under the current administration, arguing the policy had bipartisan support.

Answer from Don Farrell

The minister stated that over five million accounts of people under 16 had been removed or deactivated under existing laws. He explained that the draft digital duty of care legislation, released for consultation, would require platforms to protect under-18s from harmful content and design features with negative behavioral impacts. The legislation would also introduce an Australian-first 'my feed, my way' initiative, requiring platforms to notify users and offer choices over their default feeds and algorithms.

Answer from Penny Wong

The minister stated that the government had increased fees for allied health professionals and adjusted thresholds based on royal commission recommendations. She noted that the Prime Minister had met with veterans and that consultations were underway. She clarified that support beyond the $5,000 threshold would continue if there was a clinical need. The minister mentioned that 42,000 veteran compensation claims had been unprocessed under the previous government and that the RSL and other organizations were urging participation in consultations.

Answer from Tim Ayres

The minister stated that the government supported the aquaculture industry, which contributed over $1.3 billion to the Tasmanian economy. He noted that state governments held constitutional responsibility for managing aquaculture within three nautical miles, limiting federal intervention. He emphasized the government's commitment to both environmental protection and job delivery, stating that the industry must operate responsibly. He did not commit to ending the industry or reducing stocking levels, citing the need for balanced outcomes.

Answer from Jess Walsh

The minister stated that the reforms protected penalty rates for 2.6 million Australians and that the right to disconnect had improved employee engagement and productivity. She noted that 1.3 million extra jobs had been created and wages had grown above three per cent for 16 quarters. She argued that the government was protecting workers from opposition policies that sought to scrap penalty rates and reduce job security.

Answer from Katy Gallagher

The minister stated that the funds were delivered election commitments, not pork-barrelling. She explained that the grants were administered through a closed, non-competitive round, which is permitted under the Commonwealth Grants Rules and Principles. She asserted that the government had been clear about this process beforehand and that commitments were made across various seat types, not just marginal ones.

Answer from Katy Gallagher

The minister defended the Treasurer's comments, noting that 1.3 million jobs had been created since May 2022, including growth in the care economy. She listed 15 areas of productivity improvement from the budget, including investment, innovation, and regulatory reform. She argued that employment, participation rates, and real wage growth were up, contradicting the member's portrayal of the economy.

Answer from Tim Ayres

The minister stated that house prices had risen by 400 per cent since 1999 and that the government was setting a target of 1.2 million homes. He highlighted reforms including limiting negative gearing to new builds and expanding the five per cent home deposit scheme. He cited support from organizations like ACOSS and National Shelter, and noted that NAB's chief economist predicted owner-occupiers would benefit.

Answer from Jess Walsh

The minister stated that the government had taken stronger action on CFMEU corruption than the previous government, including passing legislation to place the union in administration. She did not provide a specific date of awareness for the cash withdrawals but emphasized that the administrator was investigating. She declined to directly answer whether Labor would support the coalition's legislation, instead reiterating that the current administration had achieved more progress in cleaning up the union.