Portfolio — 6 June 2026

Amanda Rishworth used a media release on 7 June 2026 to mount a broad defence of the 2026–27 Budget, with the minimum-wage decision and tax reform as her primary policy anchors. On wages, Rishworth backed the Fair Work Commission's determination of a 4.75 percent award increase and a 6 percent increase for the lowest-paid workers, characterising the outcome as a responsible real-wage rise.

She noted that the government had submitted to the Commission advocating for those levels, and argued the increase is real in the short term given current inflation, with Treasury projecting inflation to return within band by year-end [TA-260607-dewr-e91464baa306]. The Commission's handling of allegations against Commissioner Jennifer Hunt also surfaced: Rishworth confirmed an inquiry found no actionable findings and said she is seeking further advice on new complaints — a governance matter that sits squarely within her employment portfolio.

On the Budget's tax architecture, Rishworth framed the package as rebalancing rather than raising taxes, with the Working Australian Tax Offset delivering additional cuts to workers and any extra revenue redirected to them rather than consolidated revenue. She defended the government's capital gains tax reforms as targeted at fairness, explicitly rejecting the characterisation that changes would act as a 'wrecking ball'.

To reinforce the comparative framing, she referenced New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon's comments on CGT, drawing a distinction between the two countries' tax regimes. The $47 billion housing allocation was cited as evidence of the Budget's affordability focus [TA-260607-dewr-e91464baa306].

Rishworth directed criticism at One Nation, describing its policy proposals as chaotic and saying the crossbench party identifies problems without offering costed solutions. She expressed direct disappointment with Senator Pauline Hanson's opposition to the minimum-wage increase.

Two cross-portfolio matters appeared in the release. On AUKUS, Rishworth — as a South Australian minister — affirmed the submarine project as critical for both national and state interests, acknowledged Ed Husic's publicly stated reservations, and said the government would not alter course. On ministerial conduct, she defended Sports Minister Anika Wells over a travel-cost issue, stating Wells had sought independent review and acted transparently.

Neither cross-portfolio item was the centrepiece of the release, but both reflect the breadth of ground a senior cabinet minister covers in defending government positions publicly [TA-260607-dewr-e91464baa306].