House debates
Wednesday, 27 August 2025
- Statements on Significant Matters (0 speeches)
- National Skills Week (4 speeches)
I rise today to mark National Skills Week, an important occasion to celebrate vocational education and training in our country and, with it, the incredible diversity of pathways that it offers to...
- Committees (0 speeches)
- Selection Committee; Report (1 speech)
I present report No. 2 of the Selection Committee, relating to the consideration of committee and delegation business and private members' business on Monday 1 September 2025. The report will be...
- Bills (0 speeches)
- Committees (0 speeches)
- Bills (0 speeches)
- Ministerial Statements (0 speeches)
- Housing (3 speeches)
I ask leave of the House to make a ministerial statement relating to five per cent deposits for all first home buyers. Leave granted. I begin by acknowledging the Ngunnawal people as the...
- Business (0 speeches)
- Rearrangement (1 speech)
I move: That so much of the standing and sessional orders be suspended as would remove the time limit for the whole debate on the motion to take note of the Housing Australia Investment Mandate...
- Bills (0 speeches)
- Statements by Members (0 speeches)
- Fairfax Electorate: Nambour (1 speech)
Lying at the foot of the Blackall Range on the Sunshine Coast is the beautiful town of Nambour. I can tell you that Nambour has it all. It has the most extraordinarily beautiful local environment...
- Housing (1 speech)
Many Australians are working hard, doing the best things for their families and putting money aside each week for a housing deposit. But, too often, the dream of homeownership feels like it's...
- Richardson, Lt Col. Eric Alexander, OAM (Retired) (1 speech)
I rise to recognise the late Lieutenant Colonel Eric Richardson, OAM, a man of family, community and country. Eric was born in Wingham on 15 December 1932, a sixth-generation Wingham local. At...
- Housing (1 speech)
Millennials like me have been told for years that, if we stopped buying smashed avo on toast and oat iced lattes, we could all afford a house. Well, I've done the maths: it doesn't add up, when...
- Disability Services (1 speech)
Across Australia, supported independent living providers are withdrawing from specialist disability accommodation settings. They're leaving families scrambling to secure care for their loved...
- Beggs, Mrs Pamela Anne (1 speech)
I rise to recognise Pam Beggs, local legend, Labor stalwart and a woman whose service shaped Perth's north. Pam served in the WA parliament from 1983 to 1993 as the member for Whitford. Among the...
- Fowler Electorate: Community Events (1 speech)
It is a privilege to be in this House and to shine a light on the young people in my community of Fowler. In July, I attended a look-and-learn barbering workshop at St Johns Park High School,...
- Housing (1 speech)
For too long the dream of homeownership has felt like 'a cruel summer' for young people in Melbourne—working hard, saving what they can, but never quite getting there. That's why Labor's...
- Drought (1 speech)
I rise to inform the House that much of the agricultural districts of South Australia remain in the grip of a desperate drought—not that those opposite care much about that. I just received...
- Housing (1 speech)
I am proud to be part of a government that is building, not blocking. We are backing renters; we're not flipping or flopping. We believe that renters shouldn't have to rent forever. That's why...
- Bowman Electorate: Public Transport (1 speech)
Half of those employed in my Redlands community leave the city to commute to their workplace. For many, it means burning long hours every day sitting in traffic, crawling into Brisbane, into...
- Housing (1 speech)
Owning a home—a place to raise a family, put down roots and be part of the community—has always been at the heart of the Australian dream. This is despite Australians enduring a...
- Renewable Energy: Human Trafficking (1 speech)
I rise today to call out growing concerns about the presence of forced labour in the supply chains of solar panel manufacturing, particularly in relation to the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region...
- Youth Leadership (1 speech)
Policies such as the five per cent housing deposit are about assisting Australians into homeownership. It's just one example of everything that we're doing, along with fee-free TAFE and HECS debt...
- Veterans (1 speech)
I recently had the privilege of joining veterans, their families and our community at the Currumbin RSL to mark Victory in the Pacific Day. It was a moving ceremony, a moment to reflect on the...
- Housing (1 speech)
Labor's new housing policy is a real game changer. From 1 October, first home buyers can get into the market with just a five per cent deposit and no mortgage insurance. This is real help,...
- Trade with the United States of America (1 speech)
The tariff dispute our nation finds itself in with the United States keeps getting worse. Yesterday Australia Post announced it would immediately stop some postal services to the United States...
- Housing (1 speech)
One of the greatest challenges for young people in Aston is that, despite their hard work and saving efforts, many still struggle to buy their first home. For these young people in my community,...
- Electorate of Wannon: Infrastructure (2 speeches)
The Prime Minister's going to be going to the Bush Summit in Ballarat on Friday. Just so I can help him with his talking points, I say to his advisors, 'Listen up, these are the issues that the...
- Housing (2 speeches)
The member for Wannon is still going. Take a seat man; have an aspirin. It was the good old days when the Liberal Party used to support first home buyers. In 2019, the previous member for Deakin...
- Questions without Notice (0 speeches)
- International Relations: Australia and Iran (5 speeches)
My question is to the Prime Minister. The coalition welcomes the expulsion of the Iranian ambassador and stands ready to pass laws today to list the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a...
- Housing (2 speeches)
My question is to the Minister for Housing, Minister for Homelessness and Minister for Cities. How is the Albanese Labor government helping Australians into homeownership and delivering new...
- National Security (9 speeches)
My question is to the Prime Minister. For over two years the government has ignored warnings from the Persian community, the Jewish community and the coalition about Iran. Firebombings and terror...
- Distinguished Visitors (0 speeches)
- Vietnamese Community in Australia, Youth Steering Committee, Northern Councils Alliance, Spellar, Rt Hon. The Lord, PC (1 speech)
Before I call the member for Reid, I'd like to do some acknowledgements for the House. I'm very pleased to inform the House that present in the Special Visitors Gallery today, in the front row of...
- Housing (2 speeches)
My question is to the Treasurer. What do today's monthly inflation numbers say about the housing market? Why is the government's housing plan so important, and how does it contrast with other...
- Workplace Relations (4 speeches)
My question is to the Prime Minister. The Australian Council of Trade Unions recently called on the government to implement a four-day working week. Studies have shown that this improves the...
- Housing (2 speeches)
My question is to the Prime Minister. How is the Albanese Labor government delivering on its commitment to help Australians in cities and regions into secure housing, and are there any risks?
- Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (2 speeches)
My question is to the Prime Minister. In 2023, the Senate Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade References Committee recommended that the Australian government list the Islamic Revolutionary Guard...
- Regional Australia: Housing (2 speeches)
My question is to the Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories. How is the Albanese Labor government improving access to housing for people in regional communities, and...
- Taxation (5 speeches)
My question is to the Assistant Treasurer. Will the Assistant Treasurer rule out changes to the fuel tax credit scheme?
- Veterans (4 speeches)
My question is to the Minister for Veterans' Affairs and Defence Personnel. What support is the Albanese Labor government providing to our veterans when it comes to housing, and did anyone seek...
- Energy (12 speeches)
My question goes to the Treasurer. Can the Treasurer explain to the House why electricity prices have jumped an extraordinary 13 per cent over the past 12 months?
- Tertiary Education (2 speeches)
My question is to the Minister for Education. How is the Albanese Labor government helping Australians with a HECS debt into homeownership? What has been the response?
- Mining and Energy Industry (3 speeches)
My question is to the Prime Minister. Glencore's announced closure of Mount Isa's copper smelter and the Townsville refinery takes down 30 supply mines and Australia's giant fertiliser plant....
- National Disability Insurance Scheme (2 speeches)
My question is to the Minister for Health and Ageing and Minister for Disability and the National Disability Insurance Scheme. How is the Albanese Labor government securing the future of the NDIS?
- Taxation (2 speeches)
My question is to the Assistant Treasurer. Can the Assistant Treasurer rule out any changes to the tax treatment of the family home?
- Gender Equality (2 speeches)
My question is to the Minister representing the Minister for Women. What progress has the Albanese Labor government made in closing the gender pay gap, and what keeps standing in the way of...
- Universities (2 speeches)
My question is for the Minister for Education. Universities are facing chronic underfunding, resulting in drastic cuts to staff and degrees. I've heard from distraught students whose degrees are...
- Workplace Relations (6 speeches)
My question is to the Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations. What action is the Albanese Labor government taking to help low-paid workers earn more and keep more of what they earn, and...
- Biosecurity (3 speeches)
My question is to the Assistant Treasurer. During Labor's first term, we saw the debacle of the government's attempts to impose a biosecurity protection levy which would have forced Australian...
- Energy (4 speeches)
My question is to the Minister for Climate Change and Energy. How are Australians acting to save on energy costs and reduce emissions? What policy proposals would block action?
- Diabetes (2 speeches)
My question is to the Minister for Health and Ageing. I like science and I like facts! It's been over a year since the Standing Committee on Health, Aged Care and Sport made 23 recommendations...
- Cost of Living (2 speeches)
My question is to the Prime Minister. What measures have the government introduced to assist with the cost of living, and what obstacles has the government overcome to implement its agenda?
- Parliamentary Office Holders (0 speeches)
- Speaker's Panel (1 speech)
Pursuant to standing order 17(a), I lay on the table my warrant nominating the honourable members for Forrest, Groom, Holt and Monash to be members of the Speaker's panel to assist the chair when...
- Documents (0 speeches)
- Presentation (1 speech)
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.
- Matters of Public Importance (0 speeches)
- Antisemitism (12 speeches)
I have received a letter from the honourable member for Berowra proposing that a definite matter of public importance be submitted to the House for discussion, namely: The Government's continued...
- Committees (0 speeches)
- Human Rights Joint Committee; Report (1 speech)
On behalf of the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Human Rights, I present the committee's report entitled Human rights scrutiny report: report 4 of 2025. Report made a parliamentary paper in...
- Corporations and Financial Services Joint Committee; Report (1 speech)
by leave—I present a corrigendum to the report of the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Corporations and Financial Services of the 47th Parliament, entitled Wholesale investor and wholesale...
- Bills (0 speeches)
- Adjournment (0 speeches)
- New South Wales: Floods (1 speech)
Again I must stand in this place, to stand up for my communities affected by the devastating, record-breaking floods in the New South Wales Mid North Coast and Hunter regions—to stand up...
- National Disability Insurance Scheme (1 speech)
The NDIS is dignity, opportunity and independence. It is a promise to take care of people with significant and permanent disability. However, we all know the NDIS needs structural change. Change...
- Albanese Government (3 speeches)
When it comes to incompetence, the Albanese Labor government is certainly reaching new heights of incompetence right across the policy spectrum.
- Housing Affordability (1 speech)
As a renter, I can tell you there's nothing quite like that feeling when your lease renewal arrives in your in box. You cross your fingers and you hope the rent hasn't gone up again. That one...
- Aged Care (1 speech)
Yesterday, in this place, a question was put to the Minister for Aged Care and Seniors by the member for Mayo. It was a straightforward question, and it's a question that tens of thousands of...
- Blair Electorate: Economy (1 speech)
Earlier this month, I was delighted to host a Blair economic reform roundtable at Jets Leagues Club in Ipswich to workshop ideas on how to boost productivity and economic resilience in the...
- Constituency Statements (0 speeches)
- Hielscher, Sir Leo, AC (1 speech)
I rise to ask the House to take note of the death of Sir Leo Hielscher and the Queensland economic miracle. Queensland was a Cinderella state. It had virtually no coalmining, very little mineral...
- Meredith, Mr Bill, Trandos, Mr Nicholas, OAM (1 speech)
It is with profound sadness that I rise today to honour two extraordinary men whose passing has left an indelible void in our community, Mr Nick Trandos and Mr Bill Meredith. Nick Trandos was not...
- Porepunkah: Attack (2 speeches)
I rise today in solidarity and sadness with my community in Indi, particularly in Porepunkah and with emergency services personnel from across the Alpine Shire and Wangaratta. We are shocked and...
- Swan Electorate: Parliamentary Representation (1 speech)
MASCARENHAS () (): To the member for Indi: thank you so much for your comments today, and, from the people of Swan, our hearts and thoughts are with you. It highlights to me how important this...
- Gippsland Electorate: Roads (1 speech)
I take this opportunity to update the House on efforts to build a better and safer Princes Highway through the electorate of Gippsland. These are efforts which, sadly, for much of the journey...
- Eden-Monaro Electorate: Community Events (1 speech)
I rise today to speak about some of the amazing contributions individuals make across the mighty Eden-Monaro. Today I'm thrilled to acknowledge the truly exceptional work of Chenoa, a proud...
- Lismore Business Awards, Richmond Valley Business Awards (1 speech)
I'd like to congratulate all the winners of this year's Lismore Business Awards. Congratulations firstly to Natasha and Brendon from PJs Fruit & Veg, who were named Business of the Year....
- Dobell Electorate: Grants (1 speech)
I am proud to have supported local community groups and their volunteers through grants for improved infrastructure, new equipment and boosted funding. In total, more than $1.2 million has been...
- Labor Government (1 speech)
It was once said by a prime minister in this chamber that if it's free it just means that somebody else is paying for it. Too many times we see this government failing Australians by giving away...
- Baker, Mr John, AM, ESM (1 speech)
I rise to honour the life of the late John Baker AM ESM. Known to all as JB, he joined the Brighton Surf Lifesaving Club in 1977 as a nipper, and I'm sure he wouldn't have minded me saying he...
- Parliament in Schools Program (1 speech)
Earlier this month, the students of Sarina State School had an experience that they'll never forget—an opportunity to connect with our democracy in a way that was both tangible and...
- McEwen Electorate: Stronger Communities Program, McEwen Electorate: Fishing for Mental Health (1 speech)
It'd be interesting to know which way the member for Capricornia went on that pineapple stuff! Over the last few weeks, it's been a pleasure to go to some of the recipients of the Stronger...
- Tobacco Regulation (1 speech)
Congratulations on your appointment, Deputy Speaker Lawrence. Last week, I went and visited a small corner-store business in one of my small towns in the electorate of Cowper. The business owner...
- Gut Feelings Community Art Project, Loftus Public School (1 speech)
Science plays such an important role in our modern world, but it's not an area everyone feels confident to speak about or to explore their curiosity for. That's why I was so proud to open the Gut...
- Jamestrong Packaging, Energy (1 speech)
There are many manufacturing business success stories in regional Australia. Blessed with stable, reliable and committed workforces, land for expansion and a resilient can-do community attitude,...
- Fraser Electorate: Medicare, Fraser Electorate: Stronger Communities Program (1 speech)
It was terrific to be joined in Sunshine recently by the Prime Minister and the Minister for Health and Ageing for the opening of Australia's 90th Medicare urgent care clinic. The Albanese...
- Cook Electorate: C Care, Cook Electorate: Vietnam Veterans' Day (1 speech)
(): Recently I met three locals who've had enough of watching our coastline waste away. Paul, Ben and Freddie call themselves C Care. They're not lobbyists. They're not activists for...
- Menzies Electorate: Community Groups (1 speech)
Recently I was out doorknocking in Warrandyte, a beautiful, bushy part of the electorate that I'm fortunate to represent. It's a community that understands the importance of preserving our...
- Canning Electorate: Canning Shakespeare Competition (1 speech)
Last Saturday we hosted the 10th annual Canning Shakespeare Competition, which is a competition I run every year. For 10 years now we have had more than 120 kids step up onto the stage and bring...
- Veterans Hubs (2 speeches)
On 12 August I was delighted to announce a location for the new Ipswich veterans and families hub in my electorate together with the Minister for Veterans' Affairs and Defence personnel. Operated...
- Governor-General's Speech (0 speeches)
- Address-in-Reply (23 speeches)
It is a great honour to return to this place for a fifth term as the duly elected member of Durack. The responsibility of representing the largest electorate in the country is not lost on me....
