House debates
Monday, 28 July 2025
- Committees (0 speeches)
- Selection Committee; Report (1 speech)
I present the report of the determinations made pursuant to the resolution of the House on 23 July 2025, relating to committee and delegation business and private members' business today, Monday...
- Delegation Reports (0 speeches)
- Bills (0 speeches)
- Private Members' Business (0 speeches)
- Tertiary Education (9 speeches)
I move: That this House: (1) commends the Government for its commitment to reduce student debt by 20 per cent by amending the law relating to: (a) apprenticeship support loans; (b) the Higher...
- Small Business (11 speeches)
I move: That this House: (1) acknowledges 2.5 million small businesses have been abandoned by the Government; (2) notes the Government has: (a) achieved a record number of small business...
- Committees (0 speeches)
- Appointment (1 speech)
The Speaker has received a message from the Senate informing the House that it concurs with the resolutions conveyed by messages Nos 1 to 16 of the House, relating to the appointment of certain...
- Governor-General's Speech (0 speeches)
- Address-in-Reply (13 speeches)
Only a Labor government will protect Medicare and the NDIS. Only a Labor government will fully fund public schooling, because we know a good quality education for all is important to our future...
- Statements by Members (0 speeches)
- Redlands Annual Charity Day (1 speech)
Sunday 13 July marked the 12th Redlands Annual Charity Day at Hogan's Wellington Point, and what a day it was. Each year this event continues to grow in strength and community support, and the...
- Walker, Mr Harris WC (1 speech)
The Hunter has another sporting success story. Harris WC Walker has been selected to play in the Australian men's gridiron team that competed against New Zealand earlier this month. Harris is a...
- Renewable Energy (1 speech)
Today I've been accused of being 'irresponsible' and 'gutless' by Zoe Daniel. She's accused me of that because I stick up for the people who send me here, to Canberra, to represent them. Maybe if...
- Blair Electorate: Kilcoy Show (1 speech)
The show society movement is the biggest volunteer movement in the Commonwealth of Australia, and the show societies contribute about $1 billion to the Australian economy. I am blessed to have...
- Need for Feed (1 speech)
I want to express gratitude for one of our country's most generous and caring organisations, the volunteer-run Lions Club, and their Need for Feed project. I recently attended a dinner with the...
- Tertiary Education (1 speech)
Despite the views of the member for Gippsland, our work in reducing HECS debts is nation-building work. This work is part of our strategy to promote intergenerational fairness while recognising...
- Mackellar Electorate: Tibetan Community (1 speech)
I'm extremely proud that Mackellar on the northern beaches of Sydney is home to the largest community of Tibetan Australians in the country. We are so fortunate to be enriched by this wonderful...
- Menzies Electorate: Parliamentary Representation (1 speech)
During my first speech, I spoke of some of the stalwart rank and file branch members in Menzies. It is because of these true believes that I have the honour of standing in this House today as the...
- Bedford Group (1 speech)
I rise today concerned for families in Barker following the announcement last week that the Bedford Group was forced to enter voluntary administration. Bedford is a vital social enterprise...
- Russell-Clarke, Mr Peter (1 speech)
I rise to acknowledge a great Australian and a constituent of mine, Peter Russell-Clarke. Vale, Peter Russell-Clarke. A pioneer of Australian television, a chef, an artist, an author—Peter...
- Superannuation (1 speech)
I rise today to speak out against Labor's new tax on superannuation, a tax that doesn't just target the wealthy but also hits at the heart of my community on Victoria's Mornington Peninsula....
- People with Disability: Interchange Shoalhaven (1 speech)
People with disability often face barriers to finding and keeping employment, so I was thrilled to see participants getting hands-on, real-life work experience when I visited Interchange...
- Wide Bay Electorate: Hub Food Outlet and Op Shop (1 speech)
Noosa is a great place to live and work, but, like everywhere, the rising cost-of-living crisis continues to have a big impact on the family budget. Housing in Noosa costs almost double the...
- Boothby Electorate: Health Care (1 speech)
I'm really proud that the Albanese Labor government is partnering with Flinders University in my electorate on an exciting new project that will deliver 1,300 new nurses and allied health workers...
- GI Challenge 2025 (1 speech)
This week the 2025 GI Challenge will be launched. Run by Generation Innovation, the GI Challenge unleashes the innovative genius of young Australian entrepreneurs. The younger you are, the harder...
- Labor Government (1 speech)
The start of the 48th Parliament last week was extraordinary, thanks to some incredible and moving speeches from new members of parliament in this place. What was also extraordinary was the...
- Cybersafety (1 speech)
I'm here to remind the government of some of the commitments it made to the Australian people at the election. One of these I was reminded of when a local school came to see me—lovely young...
- Hope Cup (1 speech)
With the Hope Cup 2025 fast approaching and as the premier spinner for the Riverside All-Stars side—some would say the prince of spin—I thought I should do my bit and make sure we...
- Prime Minister (1 speech)
I'm afraid the Prime Minister is rapidly becoming the George Costanza of Australian politics. Everyone remembers George in Seinfeld. Just like Seinfeld, this government has become a show about...
- Liberal-National Coalition (2 speeches)
I love a good headline. Our friends at the Daily Aus had a great one, 'The 20 per cent HECS debt discount has been introduced to parliament' and that was on 23 July. What a fantastic headline by...
- Condolences (0 speeches)
- Distinguished Visitors (0 speeches)
- Koanapo Rasou, Mr Johnny (1 speech)
I inform the House that today we are joined in the distinguished visitors gallery by the Hon. Johnny Koanapo Rasou, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance and Economic Management of...
- Questions without Notice (0 speeches)
- Trade with United States of America (3 speeches)
My question is to the Prime Minister. Australians rely on the government to confidently and competently advocate for our national interest. But, yesterday, the trade minister seemed to be...
- Health Care (2 speeches)
My question is to the Minister for Health and Ageing. How is the Albanese Labor government delivering on its commitment to make medicines cheaper for all Australians?
- Taxation (8 speeches)
My question is to the Prime Minister. Since coming to office, Labor has added $144 billion of debt, and the most recent budget says Australia will be in deficit for at least the next 10 years....
- Medicare (4 speeches)
My question is to the Prime Minister. How is the Albanese Labor government strengthening Medicare while easing the cost of living for Australians?
- Universities Accord (Cutting Student Debt by 20 Per Cent) Bill 2025 (2 speeches)
My question is to the Minister for Education. Minister, the legislation we are set to pass this week will cut HECS debts for 2.9 million Australians, which is fantastic. However, the legislation...
- Cost of Living (2 speeches)
My question is to the Treasurer. How is the Albanese Labor government continuing to help ease the cost of living for Australians while managing the budget in a responsible way?
- Distinguished Visitors (0 speeches)
- Fiji: Parliamentary Delegation, Markus, Mrs Louise (1 speech)
I draw the attention of honourable members the presence in the gallery of a parliamentary delegation of the justice, law and human rights committee of the Parliament of Fiji, and I note in the...
- Questions without Notice (0 speeches)
- Economy (4 speeches)
My question goes to the Treasurer. Under Labor there have been 12 interest rate increases, inflation remains too high, a five per cent productivity collapse, a household recession and the fastest...
- Wages and Salaries (2 speeches)
My question is to the Minister for Workplace Relations. How is the Albanese Labor government supporting workers who rely on the safety net of minimum award wages, and what could place that safety...
- Trade with the United States of America (6 speeches)
My question is to the Minister for Agriculture. Can the minister confirm that the Inspector General of Biosecurity's recommendations that import risk assessments should include the oversight of a...
- Renewable Energy (2 speeches)
My question is to the Minister for Climate Change and Energy. How is the Albanese Labor government delivering on its election commitments, including its commitment for cheaper home batteries? Is...
- Medicare (7 speeches)
My question is to the Minister for Health and Ageing. A short walk from the minister's electorate office is Harbour Medical Services, where a patient notice was issued on 1 July, stating: …...
- Tertiary Education (4 speeches)
My question is to the Minister for Education. How is the Albanese Labor government helping young Australians with student debt, why is delivering on this commitment so important and what has been...
- Middle East (2 speeches)
My question is for the Prime Minister. I have been swamped by Mackellar people writing to me of their horror at the atrocities occurring in Gaza. I share their distress and their calls for...
- Child Care (2 speeches)
My question is to the Attorney-General. What is the Albanese Labor government doing to ensure working-with-children checks are fit for purpose?
- Construction, Forestry and Maritime Employees Union (10 speeches)
My question is to the Prime Minister—or this guy. The Albanese Labor government decided not to deregister—
- Small Business (2 speeches)
My question is for the Minister for Small Business. What is the Albanese Labor government doing to ensure small businesses thrive, as a key driver of jobs and innovation?
- Environment: Great Southern Reef (2 speeches)
My question is to the Minister representing the Minister for the Environment. The Great Southern Reef stretches from Western Australia across the southern states to New South Wales. It has more...
- Resources Sector (9 speeches)
My question is to the Minister for Resources. How is the Albanese Labor government building a future made in Australia by supporting a strong and resilient resources sector?
- Statements (0 speeches)
- Documents (0 speeches)
- Presentation (1 speech)
These documents are tabled in accordance with the list circulated to honourable members earlier today. Full details of the documents will be recorded in the Votes and Proceedings.
- Motions (0 speeches)
- National Archives of Australia Advisory Council (1 speech)
by leave—I move: That, in accordance with the provisions of section 10 of the Archives Act 1983, this House appoints Mr D Smith as a member of the National Archives of Australia Advisory...
- National Library of Australia Council (1 speech)
by leave—I move: That, in accordance with the provisions of the National Library Act 1960, this House elects Ms Claydon to be a member of the Council of the National Library of Australia...
- Committees (0 speeches)
- Privileges and Members' Interests Committee; Membership (2 speeches)
I have received advice from the Chief Government Whip that she has nominated Ms Chesters to be a member of the Committee of Privileges and Members' Interests in place of Mr Laxale.
- Membership (2 speeches)
I have received advice from the Chief Government Whip, nominating members to be members of certain committees.
- Governor-General's Speech (0 speeches)
- Address-in-Reply (12 speeches)
Before question time, I was making the point just how divided Australia has become on city-country lines. The Minister for Education may like to understand why there is so much antipathy towards...
- Committees (0 speeches)
- Selection Committee; Membership (2 speeches)
I have received advice from the Chief Opposition Whip nominating members to be members of the Selection Committee.
- Governor-General's Speech (0 speeches)
- Address-in-Reply (7 speeches)
I say with absolute conviction that in Lalor we are building the Australia of the future, but we are not there yet. There is still work to be done. As Lalor and the city of Wyndham transition...
- Adjournment (0 speeches)
- South Australia: Marine Environment, Koalas (1 speech)
I want to talk tonight about two significant environmental issues. The first one is the failure of the Albanese government on the algal bloom calamity occurring in South Australian waters at the...
- Lingiari Electorate: Community Events (1 speech)
I rise today to share with you some of the exciting events that have taken place in my electorate over the past few weeks. Just the other week my team and I attended the 2025 Barunga Festival on...
- Federal Election (1 speech)
Congratulations to Labor on their victory in May. I warn Labor against the hubris that sometimes come with big majorities. Unfortunately, we saw it with the Prime Minister ripping up 30 years of...
- Menzies Electorate (3 speeches)
It's been around eight weeks since I was elected member for Menzies. I have made it a priority to get out and meet as many people, community groups and local organisations as possible. It has...
- McEwen Electorate: Roads (1 speech)
Tonight I want to speak about something that is very important to our community: Labor's commitment to infrastructure in communities across McEwen. These are essential commitments to our...
- Constituency Statements (0 speeches)
- International Law (1 speech)
We should be alarmed at the federal government having mostly shrugged off breaches of international law in its reaction to Israel's genocide in Palestine, and at it ignoring international law...
- Spence Electorate: SHINE SA (1 speech)
Today, I want to celebrate the triumphant return of a service that our community in Adelaide's north has needed. With a combined effort between the South Australia state and the federal Labor...
- Moncrieff Electorate: Young Australians (1 speech)
Our young people represent the future, and they deserve our attention, our guidance and, of course, our support. It's a great privilege to be going into my second term as the shadow minister for...
- Queensland Government (1 speech)
Before the last Queensland state election, the Crisafulli opposition talked a big game, and, in government, they have failed to deliver for my local community. Their first budget was not a fresh...
- Eggleston, Dr Alan, AM (1 speech)
It is with deep respect and sadness that I speak today to honour the life and legacy of Dr Alan Eggleston AM, or Eggy, as he was affectionately known across Western Australia and beyond. Alan was...
- Dunkley Electorate: National Tree Day (1 speech)
Last Friday was National Schools Tree Day. National Tree Day commenced in 1996 and has grown into the largest community tree planting and nature care event in the country. Since commencement,...
- Beef Industry (1 speech)
Everybody knows that I am very passionate about the Australian beef industry. It's not just because I am a cattle grazier myself but because the red meat and livestock industry makes a...
- Hunter Electorate: 30th Hunter Region Business Excellence Awards (1 speech)
I had the privilege of attending the 30th Hunter Region Business Excellence Awards. What a night it was! Businesses in the Hunter electorate absolutely dominated the stage, taking home loads of...
- Johnson, Desmond (Dezi) (1 speech)
A couple of nights ago, my daughter, Gracie, called me, and she was upset. She called to advise me that Des Johnson had passed away. Des Johnson was a gentleman whom I am proud to have known. Des...
- National Tree Day (2 speeches)
This weekend marked National Tree Day, and I rise to pay tribute to the incredible work of our local communities in Hasluck, in particular Ashfield CAN, Eden Hill CAN and the many volunteers at...
- Private Members' Business (0 speeches)
- National Security (20 speeches)
I move: (1) notes that: (a) the Government prioritised party politics over the protection of Australians by dismantling the Home Affairs portfolio after the 2022 election; (b) only the Opposition...
- Medicare (11 speeches)
I move: That this House: (1) acknowledges the Government's commitment to strengthening Medicare; (2) welcomes that, from 1 July 2025, the following measures to strengthen Medicare began: (a) a...
- Victory in the Pacific Day: 80th Anniversary (9 speeches)
I move: That this House: (1) notes that: (a) 15 August 2025 marks the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Pacific Day (VP Day); (b) VP Day marks the end of the Second World War in the Pacific,...
- Bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki (7 speeches)
I move: That this House: (1)commemorates the 80th anniversaries of the nuclear bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki on 6 and 9 August 1945, which caused the deaths of over 200,000 people and left...
- Job-ready Graduates Package (7 speeches)
I move: That this House: (1) notes that: (a) when the previous Government introduced the Jobs Ready Graduates Scheme, many students, education experts, universities, and members of the then...
- Statements by Members (0 speeches)
- Australia Post (1 speech)
Post offices are the backbone of our communities. This is certainly the case for my electorate of Bradfield, and closures—those that have already occurred and those that are on the...
- DonateLife Week (1 speech)
The last thing you want to be told as a parent is that there are no compatible matches or no available donors for your child to save their life. Despite a worldwide search for a stem cell match...
- National Disability Insurance Scheme (1 speech)
People with disability and their families need a consistent, sustainable and fair system of support. My constituents are concerned that the recently announced new pricing arrangements for allied...
- Hunter Electorate: Singleton Hi-Fi (1 speech)
Small businesses and their owners are the backbone of our communities. We get to know them and they get to know us. One of Singleton's best-known retailers is Singleton Hi-Fi, and it's closing...
- Calare Electorate: Wattle Tree House (1 speech)
I rise to acknowledge the extraordinary work being undertaken by the team at Wattle Tree House, in Bathurst, which supports those in our communities who are homeless or at risk of homelessness....
- Sturt Electorate: North Eastern MetroStars Soccer Club (1 speech)
I take this opportunity to share with this Chamber that the MetroStars soccer club, located in Klemzig in the electorate of Sturt, is taking on the Canberra Croatia Football Club in the Australia...
- Zemek, Mr David Alexander (1 speech)
I rise to remember a titan of the surf lifesaving movement, a member of my community who, sadly, passed after almost a decade in a wheelchair. Dave Zemek was an absolute giant. Unfortunately,...
- Dunkley Electorate: Infrastructure (1 speech)
Since the by-election, I've continued to focus on being a strong local voice committed to delivering for Dunkley. Thanks to the Albanese Labor government, since becoming the federal member for...
- Clarence Valley Business Awards (1 speech)
I'd like to acknowledge the recent winners of the Clarence Valley Business Awards: Grafton Jacaranda Festival, Dimattia & Co, Bridge Knowledge Pty Ltd, Elite Brands, HoneyBee Hives, Lions...
- Dalai Lama: 90th Birthday Celebration (1 speech)
I rise to acknowledge the Dalai Lama's 90th birthday and the celebration and service that was held in my own electorate. I thank the wonderful Atisha Buddhist Centre for inviting me to be...
- National Disability Insurance Scheme (1 speech)
Over the past month, I've been inundated with messages from my constituents describing the negative changes that have recently been announced in relation to the NDIS and what impact they will...
- Bendigo Electorate: Infrastructure (1 speech)
I rise to acknowledge the hardship and the efforts that have gone into our region to support our farmers in time of drought. Whilst we welcome the rain that we have received over the last week,...
- Caravan Industry (1 speech)
As the 48th Parliament resumes, it gives me great pleasure to advise the House that it's straight back to work. It straight back to work representing the caravan industry. Both Senator Helen...
- Swan Electorate (1 speech)
A mother with her three children who cannot wait to get 20 per cent off their HECS debt, a university lecturer whose commute will be 20 minutes shorter thanks to the new Manning Road-Leach...
- Fadden Electorate: Community Events (1 speech)
I rise to honour the North Gold Coast RSL Sub-Branch on the celebration of its 25th anniversary. This incredible milestone reflects a quarter of a century of unwavering service to veterans and...
- DonateLife Week (1 speech)
I think most people here will know that DonateLife started yesterday. It's really important that people register as organ and tissue donors. It's also important to talk to your family about...
- National Disability Insurance Scheme (1 speech)
Labor members will tell you that one of the great legacies of the Gillard government was the National Disability Insurance Scheme, and they'd be right—not that they put any money towards...
- Vocational Education and Training (1 speech)
A couple of months ago, I was in Acacia Ridge and I was standing face to face with the bonnet of a car. The person behind the wheel was the Deputy Prime Minister. He had an excited look in his...
- Australia Post (1 speech)
I rise today to highlight the decline in basic services across rural and regional Australia, and my electorate of Dawson is not immune. Recently, a key Australia Post shop located in the main...
- Harty, Detective Senior Sergeant John (1 speech)
I joined the WA Police Force in 2006. I was not your typical police officer. I was a migrant. I was 45 years old. I didn't have a network or support in the WA Police Force. Detective Sergeant...
- Forrest Electorate: Volunteers (1 speech)
Brunswick Junction hosts WA's oldest Red Cross unit, and recently celebrated some of its longest-standing members. Judy Talbot, Norma Booth and Emma Papalia were all recognised for their decades...
- International Day of Reflection and Commemoration of the 1995 Genocide in Srebrenica (1 speech)
Thirty years ago, on 11 July 1995, 8,372 men and boys were killed. A further 25,000 women, children and old people were displaced. On 23 May 2024 the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution...
- Climate Change (1 speech)
My community has the right to be and is pretty angry about 60 Minutes reporting of the Climate Council of Australia's claims that Shepparton and Mooroopna, in my electorate, will be uninhabitable...
- Education (1 speech)
I'm proud to stand here part of the government that is committed to making education affordable and accessible no matter where you live or your financial circumstances. As I mentioned in my first...
- Renewable Energy (1 speech)
I rise to talk further about the scourge that is intermittent power. The reason that I put forward a bill to repeal is that I don't believe there is a binary outcome. I don't think there's a...
- Werriwa Electorate: Volunteers (1 speech)
No act of kindness no matter how small is ever wasted. In my electorate, I see acts of kindness every day. They change people's lives and change our community for the better. They also shape the...
- Cook Electorate: Sutherland 2 Surf (1 speech)
Nelson Mandela once said, 'Sport has the power to unite people in a way that little else does.' This was clearly on display last weekend in the Sutherland shire, where 8,000 of my constituents...
- Banks Electorate: Holy Spirit Aged Care Centre Revesby, Banks Electorate: Connells Point Rovers Football Club, Banks Electorate: Revesby Rovers Football Club (1 speech)
I recently had the privilege of welcoming the Minister for Aged Care and Seniors to the electorate of Banks. Together we visited the Holy Spirit Aged Care Centre, in Revesby. I would like to take...
- Queensland: Defence Exercises (1 speech)
The world is watching Central Queensland. Right now, Rockhampton and Shoalwater Bay are at the heart of the largest Talisman Sabre military exercise in history, with a record 19 nations and over...
- National Rugby League Women's Premiership (2 speeches)
This weekend, Newcastle will proudly host the NRLW Magic Round at McDonald Jones Stadium, and what a celebration of women's sports it will be. For the first time ever, all the NRLW teams will...
- Motions (0 speeches)
- Artificial Intelligence (11 speeches)
I move: That this House: (1) acknowledges the opportunities generative artificial intelligence (AI) will have on the Australian economy; (2) notes the AI driven productivity and innovation boosts...
- Men's Health (10 speeches)
I move: That this House: (1) acknowledges that: (a) too many Australian men are struggling with their health in silence, with outdated stereotypes stopping them from seeking support; and (b)...
- Local Government (11 speeches)
I move: That this House: (1) notes that: (a) fourteen months ago, the Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government referred the local government...
- Wages and Salaries (7 speeches)
I move: That this House: (1) acknowledges the Government's commitment to Australians earning more and keeping more of what they earn; (2) notes that on 1 July 2025: (a) millions of Australian...
