Senate

Answer from Penny Wong

The minister stated that the grant was part of a specific program to deliver on public election commitments, following proper processes under the Commonwealth Grants Rules and Principles. She noted that the government had also made $2 billion available through open and competitive funding for community infrastructure. In response to supplementary questions, she reiterated that the Prime Minister was not the decision-maker for the grant and that the commitment was transparently made during the election campaign. She referred the matter to the Minister for Infrastructure, who administers the program.

Answer from Penny Wong

The minister explained that the 'My Feed, My Way' initiative gives users choice over their platforms, requiring social media companies to provide tools for genuine control without penalizing users who opt out. She stated that the digital duty of care legislation imposes safety standards on online services, similar to those for cars or food, to protect children from harmful algorithms. In response to supplementary questions, she cited the story of Wayne Holdsworth to highlight the need for action and criticized opposition parties for aligning with One Nation on free speech arguments, claiming they had abandoned previous commitments to stronger safeguards.

Answer from Penny Wong

The minister confirmed that paid social membership at the club costs $5 for two years and stated the Prime Minister is engaged in his local community. She emphasized that the Prime Minister was not the decision-maker for the grant. Regarding conflict of interest declarations, she noted that registers of members' interests generally do not require disclosure for membership in local community or sporting organizations. She reiterated that the grant was a transparent election commitment delivered according to Commonwealth rules.

Answer from Katy Gallagher

The minister stated that the government is undertaking a whole-of-government effort, including consulting on the second action plan for the National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children. She noted that Minister Rowland has been implementing recommendations through the Standing Council of Attorneys-General. Regarding the consent education review, she said the government is keen to see outcomes that ensure support is relevant and useful for young people, which will feed into the second action plan. She highlighted that over $4 billion has been invested in women's safety and the national legal access partnership.

Answer from Katy Gallagher

The minister outlined investments of $4.4 billion in frontline services and preventive programs, the permanent leaving violence payment of over $5,000, and 10 days of paid domestic violence leave. She noted that National Cabinet agreed to a new risk assessment framework. Regarding online safety, she explained that the digital duty of care will require providers to protect under-18s from harmful content. She stated that the 'My Feed, My Way' initiative allows Australians to switch off algorithms and see only content they choose to follow, giving control back to users.

Answer from Penny Wong

The minister explained that Australian law already bans trading with sanctioned individuals and entities, with penalties including imprisonment and fines up to $3.64 million for businesses. She stated that the government is pursuing further targeted measures to deter illegal settlements and settler violence, noting that Israel had revoked visas for Australian diplomats in Ramallah in response. Regarding the ambassador's presence in the dining room, she said she was unaware of it and that facility use is a matter for presiding officers. She emphasized that the government disagrees strongly with the Netanyahu government's position on settlements.

Answer from Penny Wong

The minister stated that the changes are part of a consultation process and not the only way to arrange discretionary trusts. She clarified that a 30 per cent minimum levy on payments from such trusts applies from July 2028, with exemptions for farming income, testamentary trusts, and over 90 per cent of small businesses. She argued that the vast majority of Australians will not be affected because they do not use trusts to minimize tax, and the package includes tax cuts for wage-earning Australians.

Answer from Murray Watt

The minister stated that the government is seeking input regarding the structure and main characteristics of the planned tribunal to enhance dispute resolution for vulnerable workers. He noted that no decision had yet been made specifically on incorporating union standing, but it would be part of the consultation. He expressed confidence that Minister Rishworth would progress the legislation quickly, highlighting that low-paid workers are currently shut out of the legal system. He criticized opposition parties for previously voting against criminalizing wage theft.

Answer from Murray Watt

The minister reported over 850,000 free TAFE enrolments, including 236,000 in care sector courses and 78,000 in construction. He noted that course completions had grown to over 275,000. Regarding retention, he highlighted the Key Apprenticeship Program, which encourages apprentices to complete their training in housing construction. He criticized the coalition for opposing free TAFE and suggested they could benefit from retraining.

Answer from Penny Wong

The minister thanked veterans for their service and stated that the government is listening through consultations and meetings with veteran groups. She clarified that the $5,000 threshold does not prevent access to clinically necessary allied health services. She acknowledged that the process might need careful consideration and that the consultation process would address these issues. She affirmed that the Veterans' Minister has secured additional funding to implement royal commission recommendations.

Answer from Jess Walsh

The minister stated that free TAFE has delivered over 68,000 early learning enrolments, with the Certificate III being the second-most-popular course. She highlighted a historic 15 per cent pay rise, adding $255 a week for typical educators, which has led to 20,000 additional educators joining the sector and a reduction in job vacancies. She noted that the Senate has the opportunity to lock in the pay rise next week. She criticized the coalition and One Nation for voting against free TAFE and describing the pay rise as a 'sugar hit'.