Senate

Answer from Penny Wong

The minister stated she would refer the member to the Prime Minister's answers in the House of Representatives. She defended the grant as the delivery of a transparent election commitment, noting that the Audit Office supports using properly designed grants programs for such purposes. She emphasized that the process followed Commonwealth Grants Rules and Principles. In response to supplementary questions, she highlighted that the grant included environmental works and compared the process to other election commitments delivered by both parties, including a $1.8 million grant for a park in the Groom electorate.

Answer from Tim Ayres

The minister announced a domestic gas reservation plan reserving up to 20 per cent of gas exports for domestic use to lower prices and fix supply shortages. He noted that gas prices had fallen from around $60 a gigajoule and highlighted support from manufacturers like BlueScope and Manufacturing Australia. He criticized the previous government's lack of action and contrasted the current plan with the opposition's previous proposals. In response to supplementaries, he warned against policies proposed by One Nation that could threaten the Tomago aluminium smelter and rail investments.

Answer from Penny Wong

The minister confirmed the commitment was raised prior to the list being provided, as it was a public election commitment. She stated that the Prime Minister was not the decision-maker, as the grant was delivered through standard departmental processes and Commonwealth grant guidelines. She argued that the commitments were authorized by the Australian people through the election and that the same process would have been used by the coalition if they had won.

Answer from Penny Wong

The minister rejected the assertion that the government was placating Israel, noting Israeli displeasure with Australian actions. She detailed existing sanctions on extremist settlers and entities responsible for violence, which already prohibit trade with them. She explained that Australian law bans importing goods from sanctioned entities. In response to supplementaries, she affirmed that the government is pursuing further targeted measures to deter illegal settlements while avoiding unintended consequences for Palestinian livelihoods, coordinating with the UK and Canada.

Answer from Katy Gallagher

The minister stated that over one million women had accessed cheaper medicines for contraception, endometriosis, and menopause since the $800 million package was introduced. She noted that more than four million cheaper prescriptions had been filled, saving over $150 million. She highlighted the capping of PBS costs at $25, the listing of new contraceptive and menopause treatments, and the expansion of bulk-billing. She also mentioned the opening of 33 endo and pelvic pain clinics and a national menopause awareness campaign.

Answer from Penny Wong

The minister acknowledged inflation remains a challenge but noted it is lower than when the government took office. She highlighted economic progress, including low unemployment and wage growth above three per cent for 16 consecutive quarters. She criticized the opposition for opposing tax cuts, wage increases, and cost-of-living measures. She stated the government is focused on relieving inflationary pressures and cost-of-living costs, without committing to specific fiscal policy changes in response to potential rate hikes.

Answer from Malarndirri McCarthy

The minister announced an $11.4 million investment in the Remote Community Laundries Project, supporting facilities in over a dozen communities across the Northern Territory, Queensland, and Western Australia. She explained that these laundries help reduce infections like trachoma and rheumatic heart disease. She cited research showing a 60 per cent drop in scabies rates in Barunga after a laundry was established. She emphasized that the projects are community-led and create local jobs.

Answer from Don Farrell

The minister confirmed the arrangement existed from the previous coalition government's enterprise bargaining agreements in 2017. He stated that the current government had increased the super guarantee to 12 per cent. He criticized One Nation for opposing wage rises and superannuation increases while suddenly championing workers' rights. He defended the compulsory superannuation system as a world-leading achievement.

Answer from Jenny McAllister

The minister highlighted the National Preparedness Summit and Exercise Nexus as key preparation activities. She noted that over 70 per cent of local government areas had been affected by disasters since 2022 and that El Nino conditions were present. She outlined investments in the National Emergency Management Stockpile, the national aerial firefighting fleet, and the Disaster Ready Fund, which had committed over $1.1 billion to 449 projects. She advised communities to prepare plans and use multiple trusted information sources, including the new AusAlert system.

Answer from Penny Wong

The minister cited Commonwealth Bank and Reserve Bank data showing negative equity had dropped to 0.5 per cent, less than half the rate under the previous government. She argued that the opposition was talking down the market and failing to support young Australians entering the housing market. She highlighted government initiatives like the five per cent deposit scheme and a fairer tax system to support homeownership. She criticized the coalition for not wanting more young people in the housing market.