House Question Time - 12 May 2026

Added: 2026-05-13

[00:00:00]We shall move to questions without notice. Are there any questions? And I give the call to the honorable the leader of the opposition.

[00:00:07]>> My question is to the prime minister.

[00:00:09]The prime minister has said, quote, "My word is my bond. I've always been a man of my word and I believe that when you go to an election and you make commitments, you should stick to them."

[00:00:21]Yet reports in all major newspapers confirm that government the government is about to impose new taxes on housings housing savings, small businesses and farmers. Why should Australians ever trust another commitment this Labor government makes?

[00:00:38]>> Call to the Prime Minister. Well, I thank the leader of the opposition for his question and indeed in May last year, uh we did promise to cut income taxes for every taxpayer this year and next. And tonight's budget will confirm indeed that we're cutting taxes this year and next. We promised a $1,000 instant tax deduction and tonight's budget will fulfill that, helping low and middle inome earners.

[00:01:12]>> We promise to strengthen Medicare and tonight's budget will provide an additional $25 billion for hospitals.

[00:01:22]>> It will provide for support for urgent care clinics to be made permanent a part of Medicare. It will pro provide for the cheaper medicines. It will provide the funding for the endo clinics that are up and running assisting with women's health. It will provide support for Medicare mental health clinics as well.

[00:01:45]Uh we also are committed to improve age care giving a Australians dignity and security in later years. in contrast with what we inherited which was summed up in one word of neglect and tonight's budget will provide additional funding for age care as well. Our commitment of course was also to make the economy more resilient through our future made in Australia plan and tonight's budget >> will do that will do that as well.

[00:02:19]Uh now the budget will also show that we've harved the fuel excise. Something that we didn't say we would do before the election but something that we've done in response to the circumstances which are there >> leader of the nationals in the house of representatives.

[00:02:44]I I I think the joke was on you on uh on Saturday >> on Saturday and >> and it went well for you.

[00:02:59]>> And it went well for you.

[00:03:01]>> Order members members on my left, the member for parks, the member for Kalpa.

[00:03:07]We're just going to take the temperature down. Prime Minister is answering the question. He was asked a question. He's giving information to the House. I'd like to hear what he'd like to say.

[00:03:18]Prime Minister, >> Mr. Speaker, the worse they're going, the louder they get. That is something that we know is the case. Now, tonight's budget >> tonight's budget will deliver reform, >> will deliver resilience, >> will be the budget that Australia needs in 2026.

[00:03:38]>> We have been working through the global fuel crisis that has been imposed on us and we've been working on that, delivering for Australians and tonight's budget will do just that. Again, >> the call to the honorable member for Gilmore.

[00:03:57]>> My question is to the prime minister. As the conflict in the Middle East continues to disrupt global fuel supplies, how is the Albany Labor government taking action to shield Australians from the worst of the crisis and bolster our national fuel security and supply?

[00:04:15]>> Call to the honorable the prime minister. I thank the member for her question and indeed from the outset of February 28, we said that the longer that the war goes on, the more serious the economic impact will be. We've continued to call for a deescalation. We want to see peace in the region. We want to see the straight of Hormuz opened up to normal traffic. We can see though that that is having an impact here at home even though this is a war in which Australia is not a protagonist. But we are shielding Australians from the worst. And so far we have made a positive difference. The fuel excise cut is easing pressure and the release of some fuel reserves has helped distribution especially in the regions.

[00:05:02]We're constantly engaging with our trading partners in the region. I traveled to Malaysia, to Brunai, and Singapore. Minister Wong has traveled to Japan, Korea, and China. I've hosted the Prime Minister of Japan and spoke with Premier Lee of China. This is all making a difference, something that was actually criticized by those opposite.

[00:05:26]through Export Finance Australia, extra cargos of ship loads of fuel and fertilizer, hundreds of millions of liters of diesel are coming to Australia and that shows why our reputation internationally as a stable, reliable partner is really important for us and tonight's budget will focus on making Australia's economy even more resilient as we go forward. Central to that will be our $10 billion Australian fuel security and resilience package. A government-owned fuel reserve of1 billion liters, the first since World War II, lifting our national fuel reserves to 50 days, establishing a fuel and fertilizer security facility, increasing supply and storage, getting Australia through this crisis, but doing it in a way, Mr. speaker, so that we're stronger on the other side of it. That is our aim. Now, we do live in very turbulent times. There is a great deal of uncertainty about when this conflict will end, about what the impact will be.

[00:06:37]All we can do is to put in place every measure at our disposal to protect Australia's national interest. That's what I've been doing. That's what the Minister for Energy has been doing.

[00:06:50]That's what the Minister for Trade who has responsibility for EFA has been doing as well and it is making a positive difference. The fact that there is more fuel in Australia today than there was on February 28th uh says uh that we have got these measures right, but of course we're not through what is a global crisis going forward.

[00:07:17]Call to the honorable the leader of the opposition.

[00:07:20]>> Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question is to the prime minister. The prime minister said, quote, for the 50th time that he would not impose new taxes on Australian homes and savings.

[00:07:34]>> All major newspapers report that the prime minister is about to do the exact opposite.

[00:07:41]>> Why should Australians ever trust another commitment? this Labor government makes.

[00:07:50]>> Give the call to the Prime Minister.

[00:07:54]>> Thanks very much, Mr. Speaker. Well, our budget tonight will build on everything that Australia is doing to shield Australia from the worst of the global fuel crisis, but also to ensure that we come out the other side a stronger, fairer, and more resilient economy. Now our budget will be true to Labor values and Australian values, fairness and aspiration as we go forward. uh those opposite uh the leader of the opposition raises the issue of uh of housing taxes and of course there was a committee report commissioned indeed by the Greens, the Liberals and the Nationals in the Senate who asked for there to be a full public inquiry into uh capital gains taxation.

[00:08:44]That is something that was initiated by those opposite and something that we voted against, Mr. Speaker. Something that we voted against. And indeed, and indeed so many of those opposite have uh said uh including uh the member for Canning had to say, I'm asked about quotes. If that includes negative gearing, then we should make changes.

[00:09:09]That was the member for Canning. The shadow treasurer said, "It's time to be honest.

[00:09:15]>> The tax system is screwing over young Australians in screwing over."

[00:09:24]>> Order.

[00:09:26]Order. Members on my right, the manager on a point of order.

[00:09:32]>> Thanks, Speaker. And standing order 104 says this. An answer must be directly relevant to the question. The question was just to remind you why should Australian >> yeah the qu so when you are order I'll just deal with this uh I will yeah I'll hear from the leader of the nationals in the house of representatives >> point of order speaker have I got the call >> I got >> I just said the prime minister standing I'm just not sure I've got the call point my point of order >> what's your point of order >> my point of order is Big man.

[00:10:09]>> Mr. Speaker, >> as the leader of opposition business was making his point of order, his microphone was turned off before you called to order. I did and the prime minister had already stood before.

[00:10:20]>> I did.

[00:10:21]>> I did. And I have the power to do that.

[00:10:23]But the house has given me that power because order I have been crystal clear about taking points of order. That is not the time to then restate the question. It's not the time to restate the question. you raised the point of order on relevance which the manager did. So that's not an opportunity to have a second go, a third go and we're getting into those bad habits and I'm starting this just you you've raised your point of order. So the question was about should Australians ever trust another commitment of government? I think everyone could agree that's a pretty broad >> a pretty broad question. So you're going to get a broad answer.

[00:11:03]>> Yeah.

[00:11:05]Further to the point of order, I haven't finished, but I'll listen out of respect.

[00:11:08]>> Further to the point of order, it's it says that Labor governments make not what the opposition is doing. It's what Labor government makes. And that's the point I was trying to point out to the prime minister.

[00:11:24]>> Yeah, >> I thank the manager. The the relevance here is that it is a broad question that you've asked about policy. What just leader of the opposition if we're going to just have broad questions about trust and you know policy announcements you're going to get a broad answer. If it was about a fact or a figure or a yes or a no. Sure. So the prime minister will continue.

[00:11:51]>> Thanks very much Mr. Speaker. Uh the shadow treasurer uh had this to say.

[00:11:57]It's time to be honest. The tax system is screwing over young Australians.

[00:12:01]Instead, it favors welloff established interests against those trying to get ahead. In short, if we work hard to get ahead, you get hit hard. If you live off assets, you don't. And it's not just ancient history, Mr. Speaker. The member for Groom said this. I think there are some real issues we need to address. I'm open to a discussion on CGT.

[00:12:29]The former member for menses >> said this.

[00:12:33]>> Housing supply matters most. Listen to the former member for menses cuz he's not here anymore. He's not here anymore.

[00:12:41]So he can't speak for himself, but I can speak on his behalf. But Ben along will see >> because he said this >> housing supply matters most but supply alone will not solve the problem.

[00:12:56]Current tax settings tilt incentives toward investors particularly in existing stock. They reward bidding rather than building. The Liberal Party should lead with this cap negative gearing for established dwellings at one property per investor while allowing the deduction for up to five newly constructed homes. Mr. Speaker, those opposite had a committee to look at these issues.

[00:13:24]>> Australians will see a budget tonight that acts in their interest.

[00:13:30]>> Give a call to the honorable member for Boner.

[00:13:34]My question is to the Minister for Climate Change and Energy. How has the Albanese Labor government acted to secure additional fuel for Australia?

[00:13:44]What actions will the government take in this budget to ensure we are better placed for any future uncertainty.

[00:13:52]>> The call to the Minister for Climate Change and Energy.

[00:13:55]>> Well, thanks very much, Mr. Speaker. And I thank my honorable friend for her question and more importantly thank her for the representation she gives to the workers at the Linton refinery in her electorate which she's very proud of and we're very proud of too. And Mr. Speaker, the situation in the Middle East has led to what the executive director of the International Energy Agency has said is an impact on world energy supply as big as all the 1970s energy shocks and the Ukraine war combined and worse than that all put together. And that of course has had an impact right around the world, including in Australia. And in fact, Mr. Mr. Speaker, in Australia, we've also dealt with a very badly timed fire at the Jalong refinery. We're very pleased no one was hurt, but there's no doubt it came at the worst time possible. But despite all that, Mr. Speaker, I am in a position to tell the House that Australia has more fuel today than we did on the 28th of February. Here in our country, Mr. Speaker, we have 40 42 days worth of petrol, 35 days worth of diesel, and 29 days worth of jet fuel.

[00:14:59]Now, Mr. Speaker, that is more petrol and diesel than on the 28th of February.

[00:15:03]And in fact, in relation to diesel, it is the second highest result we have had since the minimum stock obligation came into force in 2023.

[00:15:12]>> Now, Mr. Speaker, that is a result of government and industry working together. As a result of the prime minister working with our Southeast Asian trading partners so closely and ensuring that those trading relationships and our foreign affairs relationships are in good working order and ensuring that our friends and trading partners are aware of the importance for Australia. It's a result of decisions the government's made in relation to sulfur and the flash point of diesel and so much more. Mr. speaker, but also the honorable member asked me what further steps we will take because the government has been focused on the short term, ensuring that fuel supply, but also importantly building our resilience for the future because these international shocks are likely to get more frequent, not less. Mr. Speaker, that's the international environment in which we work. And as a result, the Albanesei government's made a decision to build a governmentowned strategic reserve. It comes at considerable cost, Mr. Speaker. comes at considerable cost, but it's a a an investment worthwhile. A billion lers, Mr. Speaker, owned by the government, kept in reserve to be used and deployed to areas of regional shortage when that emerges as as it can often do and as we saw in the early days of this situation, Mr. Speaker, that is building for the future. That is using the government for good purpose. Mr. Speaker, the private sector holdings are important and we've increased the obligation on them as well. But that alone is not enough. 22 out of the 32 International Energy Agency governments hold a strategic reserve. Until today, that has not been the case for Australia. That changes tonight as the Albanesei government ensures that the Australian people will own a fuel reserve to be used for the Australian people at the behest of the government for the best interest of the Australian people.

[00:16:59]>> Call to the honorable member for Kair >> to the prime minister. The Great Western Highway at Victoria Pass has now been closed for two months. Our businesses are desperate. They're going broke because of the negligence of successive governments. It's a debacle and the response by state and federal governments has not been good enough.

[00:17:18]You announced plans for a tunnel under Victoria Pass in 2010. Will you now put some serious money down for a business support package and also a high-speed road access to the central west? Call to the Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Redevelopment, and Local Government.

[00:17:34]>> Thanks very much. And I thank the member for Kair. I know that his community is highly concerned about this, and I respect that that's the spirit in which you've raised it. Um, as you're aware, the Great Western Highway does remain closed at Mitchell's Causeway following what has been a major geotechnical failure. I remain in contact uh with Minister Hinson's office, the New South Wales roads minister who has and I continue to seek the latest update about the situation. I continue to be advised by the New South Wales government that the road is simply not safe and cannot reopen until it is so. Uh there can't be any shortcuts on that. The New South Wales road minister has made it clear there is currently no firm timetable for reopening with the closure expected to extend beyond the 3month uh estimate that was originally given. It does reflect the seriousness and the complexity uh of the failure and the need to get the solution right. Signific significant cracking and movement have been detected in the substructure of the Mitchell's causeway. uh and detailed geotechnical investigations have confirmed that the underlying fill has deteriorated creating voids and instability within that structure.

[00:18:49]Transport for New South Wales has now completed extensive testing and is now moving into the next phase working with industry to identify and finalize an engineering solution to safely reopen the road. Yeah, a competitive process is underway with multiple engineering proposals shortlisted and a final solution expected to be selected shortly. Uh I don't underestimate that this is a very serious situation and it is not a quick or simple fix. The work required will involve substantial reconstruction to modern standards.

[00:19:21]There's a number of actions the New South Wales government has already taken in response to the closure. as you're aware, establishing the Great Western Highway Community Coordination Task Force, delivering extra public transport services to support connectivity, boosting maintenance and resilience works on key detour routes, including Bell's line of road, Darling Causeway, and Chiffley Road, committing $50 million to strengthen and upgrade all of the detour routes as well. And transport for New South Wales continues to engage the Commonwealth.

[00:19:51]>> Minister, we'll just pause for a moment.

[00:19:52]I'll hear from the member for Kair on the point of order. I'd be grateful, Mr. Speaker, if the answer could address the the questions which were raised. It's >> the issue on relevance. The minister was asked some specific questions as part of the broad um issue. So, I'm listening carefully to make sure she's updating the house on actions taken by both governments, but I'll listen carefully.

[00:20:15]Um, the Commonwealth will continue to engage with New South Wales and we have made it very clear that we stand ready if New South Wales does have a request uh for funding to assist that we will consider that very seriously. But let's be really clear about this. When we came to office, there was $2 billion allocated for works along the Great Western Highway for either end with some idea, no funding, no planning that there would be an 11 kilometer tunnel dug underneath the Blue Mountains. Now, nobody nobody was serious about that.

[00:20:51]So, there was no solution. Uh it was a false promise again uh given uh pretty often by the those opposite. We'll do the work to try and get this road open as soon as possible and I'll update you when we've got news about that.

[00:21:06]>> Uh we'll give the call to the honorable member for Spence.

[00:21:10]>> Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question is to the deputy prime minister. How is the Albani government delivering historic investments in our defense force?

[00:21:19]>> Call to the deputy prime minister and minister for defense. Well, can I thank the member for his question and acknowledge his service in the Australian Army. Four weeks ago, the government released the National Defense Strategy 2026 and the accompanying update of the Integrated Investment Program, Defense's 10-year procurement plan. In 2023, the Defense Strategic Review uh recommended doing away with the old system of intermittent haphazard defense white papers, replacing it with a consistent two-yearly drum beat of updated strategy and procurement. An NDS-26 is the second iteration of this.

[00:22:05]And as a result, the defense force now operates against contemporary strategy and refreshed procurement plans. NDS26 observed that over the last two years, the world has become a much more difficult place. And I think we can all see that, not just in the war in the Middle East, in ongoing conflict in Ukraine and other parts of the world, but continued great power contest, China's continued massive military buildup, and the global rules-based order being placed under acute pressure.

[00:22:41]As a result, NDS26 provided for yet another significant major increase in the defense spend 14.5 billion over the forward estimates, $53 billion over the decade. And this will be reflected in tonight's budget. And what that means is that since coming to office, the Albani government has increased defense spending over the next four years by $30 billion relative to what we inherited and $17 billion over the decade. Two years ago, we rep prioritized $70 billion of defense spending. This time, we rep prioritized just 10 billion. And I think that reflects a continuity since 2023 in the type of defense force which we are seeking to build. One that can fundamentally project. But what has changed over the last two years is the rise of autonomous systems, the rise of drones. And so NDS has a provision of 12 to 15 billion over the next decade to ensure that we are investing in this critical capability such that it is at the heart of our modern defense force.

[00:23:59]NDS 26 is another step that the Albanesei government has taken in building up a much more capable defense force which in a troubled world can keep Australia safe.

[00:24:15]>> To the leader of the Nationals in the House of Representatives.

[00:24:19]>> Thank you speaker. My question is to the prime minister. Before the last election, the prime minister promised Australians he would not impose any new taxes on farmers and small businesses.

[00:24:30]The prime minister has said, and I quote, "I'm a prime minister who when I make a commitment and when I say I'll do something, I do it." And I think the Australian people understand that. Prime Minister, why should Australians ever trust another commitment this Labor government makes?

[00:24:52]Call to the prime minister.

[00:24:54]>> Thanks uh Mr. Speaker. um asked about tax policy and about whether changes should be made to tax policy and indeed uh the not sure of all their titles whatever the title is of the member of the national party opposite the member for Gibsland is that uh his party was a part of having the review that was called for and voted for and conducted uh by the Senate along with uh their partners in the in the sometimes partners in the Liberal Party and also the Greenwich political party.

[00:25:38]>> Order the leader of the opposition >> and indeed one of their senators opposite as well, Senator Kovichic said this uh we should not be afraid to consider tax changes whether they be capping the number of properties that can be negatively geared.

[00:25:55]A serious plan by this parliament has to deal with the housing crisis and would go a long way to restoring the electorate's faith in political leadership, solving big problems and delivering reform. That is what they had to say. Now until 1985 of course the prime minister will will pause.

[00:26:18]>> He's concluded his answer.

[00:26:20]>> We'll move to the next question. Give a call to the member for Bullwinkle.

[00:26:26]Order.

[00:26:27]>> Order. Members on my left. We're going to regain order in the house.

[00:26:33]>> So the member for B wink will be shown some courtesy and I'll now hear her question.

[00:26:37]>> Thank you speaker. My question is to the minister for agriculture, fisheries and forestry. How is the Albani Labor government helping our farmers, fishes and producers to manage the impacts and the conf of the conflict in the Middle East and to keep our food production strong. and further what has been the responses to these measures >> call to the minister for agriculture fisheries and forestry.

[00:27:04]>> Thanks Mr. speaker and I want to thank our terrific member for Bullwinkle. It's terrific to be with her in WA's wheat belt talking to farmers on the ground about how they're actually dealing with what is a global conflict and how it's impacting them on the ground particularly in relation to fuel and fertilizer. availability and price of course was concerning them in the conversations that we had and we do know that the impacts of this war are being felt globally right here in Australia as well which is why of course I've been holding weekly roundts with the agriculture industry and why we have been working as a government day and night as you've heard from the prime minister and the minister for energy to help Australians but particularly also our farmers manage these impacts and to keep Australia moving because we recognize the critical role of our farmers, our fishes, and our producers play in supporting our food security, our economy, and our regional communities.

[00:27:56]>> We've been focused on easing the immediate pressures and securing more fuel and fertilizer to provide farmers with confidence for the future. Mr. Speaker, we've amended fuel and diesel standards. We've released 20% of our strategic fuel stockpile to help get more fuel into our regions and to our farmers and our fishes. We of course have passed the legislation to underride additional shipments of fuel and fertilizer with over 450 million lers of additional diesel secured to date. We've worked with industry and with the Indonesian government to help secure an additional 250,000 tons of ura supply from Indonesia with the president of Institech Pivot Scott Bowman saying and I quote, "This additional volume will go a long way to shoring up critical supplies for Australian farmers." Mr. Speaker, We're streamlining, but we're not compromising on our biocurity processes to help get fertilizer and feed inputs to our farmers faster. We're also deferring the implementation of changes to agricultural export services for an additional year. And of course, we've made our announcement in relation to tonight's budget, which will include an Australian fuel security and resilience package. This includes $7.5 billion for the establishment of a fuel and fertilizer security facility to increase supply and storage of fuel and fertilizer right here in Australia, as we've heard, and over $3 billion to establish a government-owned Australian fuel security reserve of around a billion liters. This is about doing more in our own backyard. It's about minimizing the impacts of global disruptions, and it's about keeping our food production system strong. These are critical investments that have been welcomed right across the agriculture industry, including by the president of the National Farmers Federation, Haish McIntyre, who said last week, and I quote, "It is a welcome step toward building the sovereign capability we need to protect our food system, Mr. Speaker, while those opposite are focused on whether or not they should do a deal with One Nation, we're focused on deals for the nation."

[00:29:57]>> Call to the order. Give the call to the deputy leader of the opposition in the House of Representatives.

[00:30:05]>> Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question is to the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister told Australians, quote, "I'm a prime minister who will promise to do things and then go and do them. I think that's how you restore faith in politics." End quote. Given reports in all major newspapers that the prime minister is about to impose new taxes on small businesses, when did the prime minister promise these changes?

[00:30:28]question.

[00:30:29]>> Give the call to the prime minister.

[00:30:32]>> Thanks, Mr. Speaker. I'm I'm asked about taxation policy and when it comes to investment and when commitments are made uh from someone who's made a commitment to stand by his leader, >> but who undermines him at every single opportunity.

[00:30:51]>> That's right.

[00:30:52]>> And that is right. When it comes to pause, >> prime minister will pause and we'll hear from members on my right.

[00:31:02]>> We'll hear the prime minister is about 20 seconds in, but we'll hear from the >> Oh, the prime minister's concluded his answer. We'll move to the next question.

[00:31:12]Give the call.

[00:31:16]Does the leader the Oh, no. No. No. The manager is seeking leave to table a document. I seek leave to table a document, the Labour Party talking points from this morning saying, "Have you broken a promise?" Right. I'd like to table them.

[00:31:36]>> Good call to the order.

[00:31:39]>> Order.

[00:31:40]>> When the House comes to order, >> we'll hear from the honorable member for Patterson.

[00:31:46]>> Thanks, Speaker. My question is to the Minister for Resources. How's the Albany Labor government securing affordable gas for Australian households and businesses? And are there any alternative approaches? Minister, >> call to the Minister for Northern Australia and the Minister for Resources.

[00:32:05]>> Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and I want to thank the member for her question. as chair of the standing committee on primary industry, she knows more than anyone the importance of gas uh in Australian manufacturing and that labor is the true party of the Australian resources sector. Mr. Speaker, as you know, as we all know, gas is a vital Australian resource and it should work for all Australians. It should work for households, for businesses, for our manufacturing industry, and really importantly to firm renewable energy sources. That is why this Albanesei Labor government will implement a 20% domestic gas reservation scheme. This government will ensure that Australians get more of the gas that we produce here and at an affordable price. We will implement this domestic gas reservation in a responsible way. We have been very clear that existing export contracts will be respected. Australia takes very seriously its role in supporting regional energy security. We will remain a reliable energy partner for our region, including for our friends and partners in Japan, the Republic of Korea, Singapore, and other partners as well. Implementing a domestic gas reservation scheme is a major structural reform. It will mean more Australian gas is made available for Australian households, Australian manufacturers, and Australian industry. It will drive a wedge between the domestic gas prices and high international gas prices and really very importantly Mr. Speaker, it will shield Australian gas users from the volatility we see in global markets.

[00:33:46]I am asked about alternative approaches.

[00:33:49]Now, one approach we have seen that was actually delivered by those officers opposite was to deliver to the Australian people a gas price of $31 a gigle as they were leaving office and they even hid that uh at the time.

[00:34:02]Today, today that price is under $10.

[00:34:05]Those opposite had a decade to act on gas supply and prices and did absolutely nothing. They negligently left the Australian domestic gas security mechanism to expire, leaving us to urgently fix it in 2022. Those opposite voted against lower gas prices. They voted against the gas market code of conduct, which secured new gas for more Australians and more ga gas, enough gas to power the state of Queensland for two years. Another approach they had was to cut government department, slow down approvals processes for new projects.

[00:34:40]Those opposite also voted against energy price relief for all Australians. Just like they voted against tax cuts for all taxpayers, they voted against the price cap on Australian gas for Australian people. And if the last budget is anything to go, the last budget and reply speech is anything to go. We expect the coalition to still be drafting uh their gas policy down the corridor. Uh while we are reserving gas, Mr. Speaker, they are just so much hot air. concluded the call to the order.

[00:35:11]The member for line and we will wait when the house comes to order so I can hear from the leader of the opposition.

[00:35:19]>> Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question is to the prime minister. The prime minister said his word is his bond. Will the prime minister raise taxes on houses, savings, small businesses and farmers?

[00:35:36]Give a call to the prime minister.

[00:35:39]>> I thank the leader of the opposition for his question. I encourage him to turn up here at 7:30 and to hear the budget speech because what budget speeches do is to they outline uh the direction that a government wants to do. And then on Thursday night, we'll get to see maybe the direction that the opposition want to do. his predecessor.

[00:36:04]>> But he has of course uh he has the opportunity to give a budget reply unlike the former member for Farah.

[00:36:12]That's right >> who was not allowed the opportunity to even last to even last to give one budget reply. Not one. Not one. and who they sat down the boys and plotted prior to a funeral of one of their former colleagues on how they would replace the member for Farah. Now when it comes to budgets also and taxation measures uh there will be consideration of course as there always is on investment. Well I tell you what has got a very low rate of return. a very low rate of return. That is the investment made in knocking off the member for Farah and putting this bloke in.

[00:37:02]>> We give the call to member for Lingiari.

[00:37:06]>> Thank you speaker. My question is to the prime minister.

[00:37:13]>> Following the tragedy >> know we're going to do this properly.

[00:37:16]The same rules will apply to both sides.

[00:37:19]The member for Lingiari is going to be shown the same respect as I shame as members on on my left. The member will begin her question again.

[00:37:27]Order. Order. We're going to reset.

[00:37:30]Members are entitled to be heard in silence. That's for everyone now. The leader of the opposition. We're just going to reset all members. So we can hear out of respect to the member for Lingiari.

[00:37:42]>> Thank you speaker. My question is to the prime minister.

[00:37:46]Prime Minister, following the tragic death of Kumajay little baby in my community of Embatwa in Alice Springs, how is the parliament and the government standing in solidarity with the family and our community at this sad time during the business or during sorry business.

[00:38:10]>> The call to the prime minister.

[00:38:12]>> I thank the member for Lingari for her question.

[00:38:16]and for her leadership along with the Minister for Indigenous Australians on what is an extraordinarily difficult period. On behalf of the government and the parliament, I extend my deepest condolences to the family of Kumja little baby.

[00:38:36]They are trying to bear what must be unbearable.

[00:38:40]Amid their devastation, they have asked for the space to allow sorry business to occur so the memory of their beautiful child can be cherished and honored.

[00:38:51]Kumjai, a little baby, was just 5 years old. A bright young soul who loved the world in the joyful, curious, uncomplicated way that 5-year-olds do.

[00:39:02]She loved puppies and Bluey and the color pink. She loved going to KI and she loved her family because they so so profoundly and deeply loved her. Our hearts go out to the community in Alice Springs. Over days, hundreds of people, volunteers from all walks of life, join law enforcement in their search for Kumja, a little baby in a spirit of unity. They now come together in their grief. Mr. Speaker, this tragedy has shattered a family and shaken a community. We know that amidst the pain, there is also anger and that is understandable. The simple truth is that all governments of all persuasions over generations have not done enough to deal with what are generational challenges.

[00:39:50]Because every Australian child has the right to grow up safe and loved with the security of a roof over their head with the opportunity of a great education to be empowered to make the most of their potential and their life. Kumjaya little baby deserved all of that.

[00:40:09]For all those around the nation devastated by her loss, we look to the words of her mom who has asked all Australians to, and I quote her, "Look up to the night sky and find the brightest star where Kumja, our little baby, is now in heaven." Together, let us reflect on that wish as we mourn the loss of a bright young life in an extraordinarily sad tragedy.

[00:40:36]>> Court member for Indai. Thank you, speaker. My question is to the Minister for Age Care. Leslie and Bernice from Wonga in my electorate are 90 and 85.

[00:40:47]They've been approved for home support services, but have been told it will take at least 9 months for the funding to come through. Pamela and her husband from Alexandra have been trying to access home supports since 2024. They're in their 80s. I've written to you about all of them. Minister, are these delays acceptable? and if not, how will you fix them?

[00:41:09]>> Call to the Minister for Hare and the Minister for Seniors.

[00:41:18]>> Uh thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the member for Indai for her question. I acknowledge that she engages uh very regularly and very constructively with me about ensuring that all the people in her community can access the very best uh aged care services. and I appreciate that engagement very much. Uh I'm aware of the correspondence that she has uh provided to me and my office uh some of which uh we have discussed. Um as we know demand for aged care services have increased extraordinarily rapidly with an aging population. Today we have more than 350,000 Australians receiving care under our support at home program. That's more than double the number of places uh compared to the home care packages program that it replaced just 5 years ago. We also have 830,000 Australians receiving care under the Commonwealth Home Support Program. Uh we are in the process of finalizing the allocation of add an additional 83,000 support at home places this financial year to help with wait times and to get more Australians such as those that the member's question refers to the care that they need. And these extra allocations are taking pressure off the national priority system and making sure that more people are getting the compassionate and dignified care that they need faster.

[00:42:42]Mr. Speaker, it's worth uh the House understanding that 99% of the people more broadly that are on the national priority system are already eligible for some form of home support while they wait for their approved level package and that every single person assessed as urgent priority is allocated their full funding within a single month. On the 31st of December 2025, the weight list under the support at home program was 94,963 people. That was a drop of more than 25,000 people uh from the 30th of September, 2025.

[00:43:21]Mr. Speaker, older Australians do deserve a system that works for them, and this government is getting on with building one. This evening's budget will be one that proves this Labor government's commitment to continuously investing to build an aged care system that Australians can be proud of. We've already announced our commitment to remove co-contributions for personal care services such as showering, dressing, and continents care. And we've stepped out the foundations of our plan to make residential care sustainable, affordable, and prepared to keep up with the demands of an aging population. Mr. Speaker, our government is uh working tremendously hard and with great focus on ensuring that every Australian across our community can get the age care services that they require and are more than happy to continue to uh meet and discuss those issues in your local community or rather in the members local community and work uh to resolve those for the people that you've spoken about today.

[00:44:15]>> Call to the honorable member for Solomon.

[00:44:18]>> Thanks speaker. My question is to the minister for health. Uh what action is the Albanesei Labor government taking to protect Australians and to support the quarantine of passengers that have been affected by the hand virus outbreak. The >> call to the Minister for Health and Aging, the Minister for Disability and the National Disability Insurance Scheme.

[00:44:38]>> Yeah, thank you speaker and to the member for Solomon. I know how proud he is of his beautiful community in the top end in the Northern Territory, but I also know how particularly proud he is of the National Critical Care and Trauma Response Center that has been headquartered in Darwin for almost quarter of a century. Most recently, he's talked with Pride about their deployment of a field hospital to East Katherine to help that community during the recent floods. Just one example of almost 25 years of service from those terrific personnel. And Mr. speaker will be relying on their services to help deal with the hand virus outbreak as well. Uh hand virus is a very very rare virus for humans and even rarer still is the transmission from human to human.

[00:45:26]But where it does happen we know it can be a very serious even deadly disease.

[00:45:32]There has, as I think all members of the house uh understand, been an outbreak of this virus on a cruise ship Hondas in the northern hemisphere. There have been five Australians, four uh Australian citizens and one permanent resident, as well as a New Zealander impacted by that outbreak as passengers on the cruise ship. Yesterday I reported there had been uh eight reported cases of this uh from cruise ship passengers uh and three deaths. Very sadly overnight that number has increased and there has been a report of a French national being hospitalized after returning to France uh and is currently in a critical condition. Mr. Speaker, uh now those five Australians and that New Zealander are in the process of being repatriated to Australia overnight. They were flown from Tenneref to the Netherlands. They are in good health. They are being kept informed about the arrangements that we are putting in place and foreign affairs is in the process of finalizing a flight to repatriate them to Australia. Now, our government, Mr. speaker has a very clear view that quarantine arrangements for people arriving in Australia are a national responsibility not something to be left potentially to different state governments putting in place different arrangements across state borders so these travelers will be subject to arrangements that have been determined by our government Mr. Speaker, now hand virus over the last 24 hours has been listed as a human disease under the biocurity act which means we it can be now be subject to quarantine orders that will be made. Uh these passengers will be flown into RAF Base Pierce uh northeast of Perth and they will be immediately transferred to the National Resilience Center or Quarantine Center at Bullsbrook which is effectively next door and will be staffed by staff from the NCC TRC uh deployed from Darwin. Mr. Speaker, they will be quarantined there for 3 weeks, which is the strongest quarantine arrangement by any government that is receiving repatriated passengers from this cruise ship. Uh, and after those three weeks, we'll be taking further advice from public health officials. Mr. Speaker, >> to the honorable member for ME.

[00:47:54]>> Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question is to the minister for communications.

[00:47:59]Does the minister stand by her declaration to the independent inquiry into her travel that on the evening of Saturday the 7th of June last year, she held an official ministerial meeting with South Australian Labour Minister Chris Pikton at Mrs. Pikton's 40th birthday party which was held at a live music venue.

[00:48:23]>> Call to the Minister for Communications and the Minister for Sport.

[00:48:27]Thank you very much for the question.

[00:48:28]Yes, I stand by everything that I have said to the independent parliamentary expenses authority. Um they have reviewed all the documents that I have contributed um on that matter. I also note Minister Pikton has confirmed that series of events in a series of media outlets. Thank you.

[00:48:44]>> A call to the honorable member for McNamara.

[00:48:48]>> Uh thank you. Thank you speaker.

[00:48:53]>> My question is to the attorney general.

[00:48:55]Can the attorney general please update the house on the work of the Royal Commission into anti-semitism and social cohesion, including its recently published interim report?

[00:49:04]>> Call to the attorney general.

[00:49:09]>> Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and I thank the member for his question. I acknowledge this issue is one that is deeply personal to him and to others in this place. We will never forget that on the 14th of December last year, the deadliest terrorist attack on Australian soil occurred, taking the lives of 15 innocent people and wounding dozens more. This must never happen again. It was an attack not only on Jewish Australians, but on all Australians, and people in this country should not feel unsafe simply because of their identity.

[00:49:45]Mr. Speaker, in the aftermath of this horrific attack, the government acted to address abhorrent incidents of hatred and ensure that our laws are effective against evolving threats. And on the 8th of January, the government also established the Royal Commission on Anti-Semitism and Social Cohesion led by former High Court Justice, the Honorable Virginia Bell. This Royal Commission, Mr. speaker is an important opportunity for Australians, particularly Jewish Australians, to have their voices heard.

[00:50:15]Mr. Speaker, I've been moved by the evidence given by individuals since the hearings commenced on the 4th of May, and I'm heartened to hear of the safe and respectful environment the commission has enabled for its witnesses. Appearing before a raw commission and sharing these deeply personal, often confronting experiences is significant and we should acknowledge that as a parliament. And I'm sure I speak for all members in this place when I thank those who've shown such bravery in appearing before the commission and note that more than 10,000 submissions have been made so far. I continue to encourage members of the public with experience or knowledge relevant to the Royal Commission to make a submission and to follow the proceedings. On the 30th of April, the Royal Commission delivered its interim report which has been widely welcomed by peak Jewish groups including the New South Wales Jewish Board of Deputies and the Australia is Israel and Jewish Affairs Council. While Commissioner Bell found no gaps in existing legal or regulatory frameworks impeded the ability of law enforcement and security agencies to prevent or respond to the Bondi attack.

[00:51:22]The commission did make 14 recommendations including with respect to enhancing our national counterterrorism arrangements and capabilities. The government will adopt and implement all recommendations of the interim report as they relate to the Commonwealth. I thank Commissioner Bell and the Royal Commission for its work to date and note that a final report will be delivered by the 14th of December. As the prime minister has said, this Royal Commission is not the start or the end of what Australia must do to eradicate anti-semitism.

[00:51:52]We'll continue to support the work of our special envoy for combating anti-semitism, Julian Seagull, and work with states and territories to implement Australia's counterterrorism and violent extremism strategy. We've taken action against hate crimes and we're delivering tougher gun laws. This Royal Commission strengthens our collective actions to help keep all Australians safe and ensure this tragedy never happens again.

[00:52:16]>> A call to the honorable member for New England.

[00:52:18]>> Well, thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question is to the Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, and Local Government. The Minister has claimed that there is a $31 billion blowout in the cost of the construction of the inland rail. Um to give confidence to the validity of these numbers as it seems rather incredible, can the minister nominate the five largest cost items and the amount that is associated with them that is part of the $ 31 billion amount? And if he can't nominate one of the five largest ones, can you nominate one and the costly item that is associated with it?

[00:52:53]>> Call to the Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, and Local Government. Well, I can nominate who's responsible for this debacle of a project and that might be the person who asked me this question and some of his National Party colleagues. The Inland Rail, frankly, is a absolute and utter perfect example of why the National Party and their One Nation colleagues should never ever ever again be allowed near the Treasury coffers. This is the worst project in the country in the way in which it was developed. And I'm going to talk you through this. In 2013, we provisioned a billion dollars to do the planning work for inland rail. The planning work. It was never done. The pre the government went and went out and announced a $9 billion program for inland rail, funded by debt, not funded off cash balance, but funded off debt to build inland rail without any planning, without any idea about how it was going to get into the port of Melbourne or into the port of Brisbane. Uh, no idea about that at all. Instead, they announced $9.3 billion to fund the whole thing. to fund the whole thing. I'm giving you a history lesson here.

[00:54:16]>> The minister will pause. The >> member for New England point of order.

[00:54:23]>> Uh thank you very much, Mr. Speaker.

[00:54:25]Look, I think I've been very fair. I've asked her to nominate items that make up it's make up the $31 billion. We haven't heard one as yet. I even offered that she just nominate one item and the amount that's associated with it. So, most definitely on relevance. If we can't be relevant, can you please ask the minister to sit down?

[00:54:44]>> I'm going to ask the minister to be directly relevant about the claims of the construction blowouts on the inland cost. She was asked specifics regarding that. So far, she's explaining to the house about the costs that have been incurred. So, she does have another 1 minute 40 to get to the rest of the question. So, I'll make sure she is being directly relevant, but she's giving cost breakdowns already. I don't know sure where she's going, but I'll listen carefully. And by 2020, the cost estimate would then risen to $16.4 billion, again funded uh from debt. Of course, when we came to office in 2022, we inherited this project. And the first thing that I was told by the Australian Rail Track Corporation, who all of the figures come from, the ARTC, we were told that the project would need substantially more funding to finish it.

[00:55:37]But the ARTC could not tell us how much.

[00:55:40]They did not know. They did not know how much it would cost. So we commissioned an independent expert to review the project. And Dr. Shot when she released her review and the figures were based on those from the ARTC itself, she said it looked like it was going to cost an additional $31.4 billion, but she couldn't be sure. So what we did is we then got ARTC and then Inland Rail having accepted all of those recommendations to have a look at it again and they then said to us very clearly that it is now a $45 billion project a $45 billion project. Now the summary of the ASIL Allen work if you care to go and have a look is on my department's website and it will show to you that all of those uh all of the ARTC estimates say that it is now a $45 billion project. Now frankly every single one of the people who've been involved in this project should hang their heads in shame. It is a project that frankly we will now get to parks which will see us begin to get a return finally on our investment. We will never get the money back for inland rail. And frankly, as I'd say in Victoria, you've got more front than miles to ask that question.

[00:57:09]Give the call to the member for Dixon.

[00:57:12]>> Thank you, speaker. My question is to the Minister for Health. How is the Albany Labor government making it easier for Australians to see a doctor when they need urgent care? How are urgent care clinics helping to strengthen Medicare after a decade of cuts and neglect? call to the Minister for Health and Aging, the Minister for Disability, and the National Disability Insurance Scheme.

[00:57:36]>> Well, thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, you could not find a better advocate for Medicare than the member for Dixon. Mr. Speaker, she understands better than most just how important a highquality universal health insurance system is for Australia and its people.

[00:57:51]And that's why she campaigned so hard for more bulk billing, for more doctors and nurses, for cheaper medicines, and of course for more urgent care options, Mr. Speaker. And last week, yet again, she hosted the prime minister at the Mora Downs Medicare Urgent Care Clinic, Mr. Speaker. He loves it up there. I'm not quite sure how many times he's been.

[00:58:12]It's a lot. Three times, Mr. Speaker.

[00:58:14]And what's not to love? This is a general practice, a big general practice, busy general practice that since our investment on the 1st of November is now 100% bog billing, Mr. Speaker, and it's colllocated with this terrific urgent care clinic, which has now seen almost 35,000 patients from the member for Dixon's community, taking pressure off the emergency department at the Redcliffe Hospital, delivering really high quality urgent care. And of course, Mr. Speaker, I go to Google review to just get some sense of that quality service people are getting. Sam, for example, said that he came here, that's the Mora Downs, after waiting for help in the emergency room for more than 4 hours, either Red Cliff or Kabul, I suspect, and he was seen and taken care of at this urgent care clinic. The staff are lovely, the doctor was amazing, and made me feel comfortable the whole time.

[00:59:12]And he'd recommend it 100%. Mr. Speaker, this is just one of 135 Medicare urgent care clinics that are now open and operating. Mr. Speaker, two more will be open in coming weeks. Colandra in the Sunshine Coast, and Darwin's due to open in the next couple of weeks, Mr. Speaker, rounding out our network of 137. They've already seen about 3 million Australian patients. Uh, and when they're fully up and running, they'll see 2 million a year. Half of whom tell us would otherwise have gone to the local hospital emergency department. So, taking that pressure off our busy hospital system. They're open 7 days a week. They're available extended hours. They're seeing lots of kids who are suffering sports injuries or getting sick quickly. And importantly for us, Mr. Speaker, they are fully bulk build.

[01:00:04]Now, this is still a new model for Australia. Mr. Mr. Speaker, after we introduced it, it's only been up and running 3 years, Mr. Speaker, but we know it is making a huge difference to patients and to our hospital system. And that's why the budget delivered tonight locks in urgent care as part of Australia's Medicare system forever. Mr. Speaker, as the prime minister has said, $1.8 billion over 5 years to lock this thing into our Medicare system. just another investment in our commitment to deliver a stronger >> Medicare time as give a call to the honorable member for Monese.

[01:00:41]>> Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question is to the Minister for Communications. I refer to your previous answer. Were any ministerial staff or departmental officials present at the meeting? And were any notes taken?

[01:00:57]>> Call to the Minister for Communications and the Minister for Sport.

[01:01:02]I thank the member for her question. Um, this has been the subject of a full audit uh of the independent parliamentary expenses authority. I voluntarily referred myself to IPIA to review all of my travel across 22 to 25.

[01:01:17]IPIA reviewed nearly 2,000 line items and 243 different trips during that time. During this trip, IPIA has deemed this trip to be the dominant purpose for parliamentary purposes. It encompassed four different matters across two days, a de a announcement of sporting schools funding and three other appointments across the two days. IPIA has viewed this to be entirely within the rules and if you are if you have further questions I can refer you to the report which is publicly available and 256 pages long.

[01:01:49]>> Order. The member for Mchuan is warned.

[01:01:58]Order. Call to the honorable member for Boothby.

[01:02:04]>> Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question is to the prime minister. How is the Albani Labor government delivering meaningful action on gambling harm? Why are these reforms important?

[01:02:14]>> Call to the Prime Minister.

[01:02:17]I thank the member for Boothby for her question and for her and other caucus members who worked tirelessly on this issue over a long period of time. At the National Press Club in April, I announced that we'll build on the reforms we've already delivered to combat gambling harm. working to one minimize children's exposure to wagering advertising, two break the connection between wagering and sport and three reduce the saturation and targeted nature of wagering advertising. This package forms our response to the social policy and legal affairs committee inquiry into this issue which will be tabled later today. These reforms get the balance right.

[01:03:03]>> So children don't grow up thinking sport and gambling are inextricably linked, but letting adults have a pun if they want to. Our changes will empower all Australians to opt out of all gambling advertising on all streaming services and digital platforms. They will ban all gambling ads during live sports broadcast between 6:00 a.m. and 8:30 p.m. and ban all gambling ads on radio during school pickup and drop off time.

[01:03:31]Celebrities and sports players will not be able to appear in gambling ads and will you ban the use of oddstyle ads that target sporting fans. Gambling ads in sports venues and on players jumpers and uniforms will be banned. And we're cracking down on online lotteryies products and banning online kino pocket pokies. We will make match fixing a criminal offense across Australia and boost enforcement against illegal offshore gambling providers. We will strengthen bet stop further, expand financial can counseling support and increase public awareness of online gambling harms. These build on our previous reforms. They will make a meaningful difference and I encourage all members of the parliament to support them. And on that notice, Mr. Speaker asked that further questions be placed on the notice