House of Representatives

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister stated that the government supports small business growth through permanent measures such as the $20,000 instant asset write-off and loss carry-back tax offsets. He noted that the number of small businesses has increased to 2.7 million, a rise of 265,000 since 2022. He cited ASIC data showing insolvency rates averaged 0.32 per cent under the current government, compared to 0.5 per cent under the Howard government. He added that new company registrations are at record highs, with an average of 900 companies created daily.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister explained that the government is legislating Australian standards for AI and consulting with nations and companies to harness the technology for economic growth. He highlighted the establishment of a bipartisan AI committee led by the member for Maribyrnong and Senator Duniam. He referenced a recent breach by a frontier AI agent into government websites as evidence of real risks, stating that strong action was taken. He emphasized the need to shape AI development to mitigate risks while capturing benefits, noting engagements at the United Nations General Assembly and with major tech firms.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister did not address the specific request to scrap the ban. Instead, he criticized the opposition frontbench, referencing comments by former Treasurer Josh Frydenberg about their competence and spending during the COVID crisis. He noted that opposition members attended CPAC to receive lessons from Liz Truss, whom he compared unfavorably to Tony Abbott. He concluded by dismissing the opposition's focus on frontbench comments rather than policy.

Answer from Jim Chalmers

The Treasurer stated that Fitch reaffirmed Australia's AAA credit rating, joining two other agencies in doing so recently. He claimed the budget is $230 billion stronger than when the government took office, with gross debt lower than inherited levels. He highlighted $880 billion in savings and upcoming trust tax reforms starting in mid-2028, which affect less than 10 per cent of small businesses. He criticized the opposition for voting against tax cuts and making $110 billion in unfunded commitments, and mentioned Josh Frydenberg's call for a 20 per cent GST increase.

Answer from Richard Marles

The Minister acknowledged the reclassification of Rifle Company Butterworth service from peacetime to non-warlike activities based on the Recognising their sacrifice report. He stated that the Defence Honours and Awards Appeals Tribunal has jurisdiction to consider other historical deployments on an ongoing basis. He affirmed that the government would continue to work through this process to ensure historical accuracy in service recognition.

Answer from Daniel Mulino

The Minister listed reforms including payday super, super on paid parental leave, and a strengthened low-income super tax offset benefiting 1.3 million Australians. He identified risks from opposition policies, citing criticism of superannuation by shadow ministers and One Nation proposals to divert contributions. He noted that One Nation's policy could cost taxpayers $190 billion and increase taxes for young people. He criticized the opposition for advocating higher GST rates and failing to provide clarity on their tax agenda.

Answer from Anne Aly

The Minister did not directly answer when she was informed. She described recent meetings with small businesses in regional Queensland and Darwin. She highlighted government support including $3.8 billion in budget assistance, the permanent $20,000 instant asset write-off, and loss carry-back provisions. She noted that access to workers is a key concern for businesses, addressed by free TAFE and apprenticeship schemes. She repeated statistics on new business registrations.

Answer from Amanda Rishworth

The Minister highlighted same-job same-pay laws, which she stated have led to pay increases of up to $60,000 annually for some workers in mining, aviation, and transport. She cited the example of a flight attendant earning $20,000 more per year. She identified the opposition as the primary risk to wage growth, noting their opposition to the laws and calls for repeal. She mentioned Senator Hanson's continued opposition and Senator Hume's endorsement of repealing the laws.

Answer from Anne Aly

The Minister stated that the Reserve Bank of Australia made the decision to ban surcharges. She claimed she became aware of the decision, as did everyone else, when the RBA made it public.

Answer from Julie Collins

The Minister outlined the introduction of the national initiative titled 'H5 bird flu. Know what to do.' across multiple media platforms. She reported that more than 3,000 H5 vaccines had been given to key wildlife, such as little penguins and regent honeyeaters. She indicated this formed part of a $270 million effort. She confirmed no cases in poultry or farming sectors and that human health risks stayed low. She also noted that specialists were observing mammalian vaccine tests in the United States.

Answer from Anne Aly

The Minister stated that the RBA decided to ban surcharges and the ATO responded to that decision.

Answer from Anika Wells

The Minister highlighted the delay of social media access until age 16. She called for the legislation of a digital duty of care, citing support from the National Mental Health Commission, Headspace, and the Butterfly Foundation. She referenced a survey by the Alannah & Madeline Foundation showing primary school students desire a safe and respectful internet. She urged all sides of parliament to support the digital duty of care to hold platforms responsible for harm.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister did not agree to draft a report. He joked about the idea of a premier Katter and the impact on the Queensland State of Origin team. He highlighted federal infrastructure investments in Far North Queensland, including the Einasleigh River Bridge and Karumba Airport upgrades. He stated that the Olympics would benefit regional Queensland with events and economic activity. He mentioned working with Greg Norman on the Olympics committee.

Answer from Jason Clare

The Minister cited statistics showing one in four students have been bullied at school and one in two online. He announced new rules requiring schools to begin addressing bullying reports within two school days. He highlighted the Digital Duty of Care Bill, which would halve the time for removal notices for harmful content, including 'nudify' apps. He emphasized the need to protect children from online harm and reduce the time harmful content remains visible.

Answer from Anne Aly

The Minister stated that the RBA announced the ban on surcharges on 31 March, effective 1 October. She claimed she found out about the ATO's decision not to accept credit cards on 1 October when it was announced.