Senate

Answer from Katy Gallagher

The minister stated that the government was paying down debt and lowering interest payments while delivering necessary services. She criticised the opposition for opposing savings measures, noting they had committed to nearly $580 billion in spending without explaining how to fund it. The minister argued that the opposition's decision to discharge private health insurance savings legislation added $3 billion to their unfunded commitments. She concluded that the government would continue to find sensible savings and manage the budget responsibly, contrasting this with the opposition's approach of spending more and worrying about funding later.

Answer from Penny Wong

The minister confirmed that the minister responsible had directed the department to work with all parties to move the matter forward in accordance with the law. She stated that the government recognised the need for certainty for both industry and First Nations communities. Regarding the specific legal findings, she noted she had not read the judgement but understood it related to procedural fairness. She declined to provide further indications on appeals or costs, stating the government was examining the judgement and engaging with relevant parties.

Answer from Katy Gallagher

The minister stated she had not read the cited report and could not comment on the numbers. She highlighted that the government had created 1.3 million jobs and increased JobSeeker payments by $182 per fortnight to $833. She noted additional increases to youth allowance, Austudy, and other payments. The minister rejected the proposition that the government was keeping people in poverty, stating that job creation and wage increases were key strategies. She also criticised the Greens for conflating resource taxes with other commitments and for inconsistent voting on private health insurance savings.

Answer from Jenny McAllister

The minister stated that the government was investing in Medicare to support primary care and keeping PBS script costs at $25. She highlighted that aged-care funding had increased by over 80 per cent since the government took office. The minister criticised the opposition for blocking measures to fund aged care through private health insurance savings. She argued that the government had a clear plan to deliver care now and into the future, contrasting this with the opposition's lack of clarity and the Greens' inconsistent voting record on public service funding.

Answer from Penny Wong

The minister confirmed that farm income was exempt from the changes. She stated that about 90 per cent of small businesses would not be affected in any given year. She noted that only five per cent of tax filers received discretionary trust distributions, averaging 810,000 people in 2022-23. The minister directed the member to estimates for detailed revenue breakdowns and reiterated that the reforms aimed to align asset and labour income taxation, benefiting the majority of Australians with tax cuts.

Answer from Don Farrell

The minister stated that the agreement would give Australian businesses access to 27 markets, with nearly 98 per cent of exports entering tariff-free. He highlighted benefits for specific industries such as fishers, pineapple growers, and sheep farmers. The minister noted that Australian families would benefit from cheaper European products. He warned that opposition attempts to impose tariffs or erect barriers would jeopardise the deal, leading to higher costs and fewer opportunities. He cited support from various industry bodies for the agreement.

Answer from Don Farrell

The minister stated that the digital duty of care would set safety standards and give Australians agency over their algorithms. He argued that the legislation allowed people to choose what content they saw, contrasting this with foreign companies making choices without asking. In response to questions about covert powers and surveillance, the minister simply stated 'Nothing' and 'No', rejecting the characterisation that the bill enabled spying or censorship.

Answer from Malarndirri McCarthy

The minister stated there were more than 13,000 First Nations businesses generating over $16 billion in revenue and employing 116,000 people. She highlighted the strengthened Indigenous Procurement Policy and a new business coaching program for First Nations women. The minister noted that $20.5 million had been invested in business hubs in six cities, which had supported 3,000 businesses. She criticised the opposition for lacking substantive policy offerings for First Nations people, contrasting this with the government's active investment and support.

Answer from Penny Wong

The minister reminded the member that she had voted against energy bill relief. She stated that 90 per cent of small businesses were not affected by the trust tax changes and highlighted $3.8 billion in new support measures, including a permanent $20,000 instant asset write-off. The minister criticised the opposition for racking up unfunded commitments and leading the country towards higher deficits or taxes. She noted that the number of small businesses had increased since the government took office and that many sole traders would benefit from tax cuts.