Summary
The House introduced the Regulatory Reform Omnibus Bill 2026, the Defence Force Discipline Amendment (RCDVS Implementation and Related Measures No. 1) Bill 2026, the Treasury Laws Amendment (The Survivors Law) Bill 2026, the Competition and Consumer Amendment (Unfair Trading Practices) Bill 2026, the Telecommunications Amendment (Enhancing Consumer Safeguards) Bill 2025, and paired bills on secrecy provisions reform. The Public and Educational Lending Rights (Better Income for Authors) Bill 2026 and its consequential amendments bill passed their third readings. No divisions were held. During question time, Treasurer Jim Chalmers was asked about a proposed 30 per cent investment tax and its effect on lower-income earners, and separately outlined the government's tax reform package as targeting alignment of income tax treatment, housing affordability, and productivity. Prime Minister Albanese was questioned about negative gearing policy in light of his personal use of the concession and responded that negative gearing and the 50 per cent capital gains tax discount remain available for new home purchases. Housing Minister Clare O'Neil was asked about assistance for first homebuyers and referenced declining homeownership rates among younger Australians. Health Minister Mark Butler outlined Medicare budget investments including $25 billion in additional hospital funding and the permanent establishment of Medicare Urgent Care Clinics.
Questions
Taxation
Tim Wilson questioned the Prime Minister about a proposed 30 per cent investment tax that would impose additional tax on lower-income earners' capital gains, arguing it unfairly targets first-home buyers. Jim Chalmers responded by explaining the tax reform is intended to address distortions in the tax system that disadvantage young people in the housing market and level the playing field between wage and investment income, while criticizing the opposition for planning to repeal the government's tax package.
Housing: Taxation
Simon Kennedy asked why the Prime Minister was restricting negative gearing and capital gains tax discounts when he had personally benefited from these tax concessions. Anthony Albanese responded that the government's changes actually preserve these benefits for those buying new homes rather than existing properties, arguing this approach helps both individual aspiration and national housing supply.
National Disability Insurance Scheme
Le asked how much of the government's $200 million Inclusive Communities Fund would be quarantined specifically for culturally and linguistically appropriate disability care. Butler did not directly answer this question, instead discussing hospital funding in Fowler, bulk-billing investments, and the need for financial controls in the NDIS due to its rapid growth and fraud concerns.
Budget
Michael McCormack questioned the Prime Minister about Labor's budget priorities, alleging $18 billion in net zero spending while cutting $600 million from veteran health services and the Invictus Games. Matt Keogh responded by defending the budget changes as improvements to the veteran health system, arguing that new allied health fee caps remove overservicing while a $169 million increase in allied health fees improves veteran access to care and implements royal commission recommendations.
NDIS CALD Community Funding
The member for Fowler asked how much of the $200 million Inclusive Communities Fund would be specifically quarantined for culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities affected by NDIS support cuts. Minister Butler did not directly answer the question, instead pivoting to discuss other budget investments in the Fowler electorate (hospital upgrades, bulk billing) and general NDIS reform rationale without specifying CALD funding allocations.
Veterans funding cuts
The Member for Riverina questioned the Prime Minister about alleged $600 million cuts to veteran health services while the government prioritises net zero spending. The Prime Minister responded by highlighting additional budget investment in veterans' mental health following a royal commission, addressing processing backlogs, and increased public service staffing, though they did not directly address the specific $600 million cut allegation.
Taxation
Member Kate Chaney asked Treasurer Jim Chalmers about potential carve-outs for early-stage businesses in the capital gains tax reform and requested details on the consultation process. Chalmers acknowledged concerns from the startup and venture capital sector, confirmed ongoing consultations both before and after the budget announcement, and committed to continued engagement on the issue, but did not outline specific consultation details or directly address whether a carve-out would be considered.
Taxation
Kevin Hogan questioned why the government was offering a 50 per cent capital gains tax discount to foreign multinationals in renewable energy while increasing tax on Australian investors. Treasurer Jim Chalmers responded that the arrangement was actually equalising treatment by reducing what he characterised as overly generous previous terms for foreign investors, bringing them more in line with Australian tax arrangements, with transitional periods phasing in the changes.
Medical Research Future Fund
Monique Ryan asked when the government would release the long-overdue national health and medical research strategy, noting that the budget's additional $508 million for medical research funding was contingent on its release. Minister Butler acknowledged the increased MRFF funding and praised Australia's research standing, but did not directly answer when the strategy would be released, instead focusing on the funding announcement and broader research achievements.