House debates
Monday, 9 February 2026
- Committees (0 speeches)
- Petitions Committee; Report (1 speech)
I present the sixth report of the Petitions Committee for the 48th Parliament. The report read as follows— HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES PETITIONS COMMITTEE REPORT No. 06 Petitions and...
- Petitions (0 speeches)
- Presentation (1 speech)
I present the following 241 e-petitions:
- Responses (1 speech)
I present the following 53 ministerial responses to petitions previously presented.
- Statements (1 speech)
Each bundle of petitions that I present to this House contains both petitions on recurring themes and petitions on new topics. The e-petitions being presented cover a range of topics including...
- Committees (0 speeches)
- Economics Committee; Report (2 speeches)
On behalf of the Standing Committee on Economics, I present the committee's report entitled Review of the Reserve Bank of Australia annual report 2024, together with the minutes of the...
- Bills (0 speeches)
- Private Members' Business (0 speeches)
- Medicare (13 speeches)
I move: That this House: (1) notes: (a) that on 1 January 2026: (i) the pharmaceutical benefits scheme co-payment for general patients was reduced to $25, the lowest price since 2004; (ii) 1800...
- Migration (4 speeches)
I move: That this House: (1) notes that: (a) immigration has been, and continues to be, a fundamental contributor to Australia's economic strength, social fabric, and national resilience; and (b)...
- Government Spending (11 speeches)
I move: That this House: (1) notes that Australia's industrial relations system has become too complex, too rigid and weighted towards big institutional interests at the expense of workers, small...
- Committees (0 speeches)
- Bills (0 speeches)
- Statements by Members (0 speeches)
- Milano Cortina Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (1 speech)
The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina have well and truly kicked off, and I'm incredibly proud to see several athletes from Wentworth competing for Australia on the slopes and the ice. Even...
- Holt Electorate: Australia Day (1 speech)
Last month, Australians across the country came together to celebrate one of our great national days, Australia Day. In Holt, we celebrated this day at my annual Australia Day Community barbecue...
- Roth, Mr Stanley Barry, AM (1 speech)
I want to acknowledge the passing of a great Australian, Stanley Roth. Stanley was a husband, father, lawyer, businessman, philanthropist and tzadik—a righteous man. He was a patriotic...
- World Greek Language Day (1 speech)
Today, 9 February, marks the recognition of World Greek Language Day by UNESCO. This recognition by UNESCO highlights the relationship between the Greek language and all other languages....
- Warringah Electorate: Milano Cortina Olympic Winter Games (1 speech)
The Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games are well underway, and it's an exciting moment for Australia. I want to wish the very best of luck to the whole Australian team and all the athletes...
- Appleby, Austin (1 speech)
I rise today to pay tribute to a young man from my electorate of Bullwinkel who I describe as 'superhuman'. Recently, while on a holiday in our beautiful south-west, the Appleby family found...
- Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix (1 speech)
I rise to speak about the deep and growing concern across Phillip Island about the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix beyond 2026. MotoGP is the economic heartbeat of Phillip Island. Local...
- Melbourne Electorate: The Social Studio (1 speech)
I recently had the opportunity to meet the team at the Social Studio, an organisation that has been quietly transforming lives in Melbourne for 17 years. The Social Studio delivers award-winning...
- Riverina Electorate: Acknowledgements (1 speech)
It's never too soon to fall in love—or back in love, as the case might be. And, with apologies to John Paul Young: Love is in the air everywhere I look around, Love is in the air in every...
- International Women's Day (1 speech)
Last week I joined young women and extraordinary organisations at the UN Women International Women's Day Parliamentary Breakfast. This year's theme, 'Balance the Scales', is very apt. Two things...
- Housing (1 speech)
When we left office there were over 415,000 apprentices and trainees in the system. Today, sadly, there are 100,000-plus fewer. Shame! This is in a time when housing affordability is killing us....
- Lunar New Year (1 speech)
It's the Year of the Fire Horse, so Happy Lunar New Year to everyone. Across the Northern Territory, community organisations are bringing people together to celebrate. I thank Mr Thien Le and the...
- Frey, Mr Robert Douglas (Rob), AFSM (1 speech)
I congratulate my friend, Noosa Fire Station Officer in Charge, Rob Frey, who was awarded with an Australian Fire Service Medal on Australia Day for his decades of service protecting the...
- Lucinda's Unisex Salon (1 speech)
I want to recognise a small business that represents the very best of community spirit in my electorate of Hunter. For the last 40 years, Lucinda's Unisex Salon has been a constant presence in...
- Housing (1 speech)
Sadly, the great Australian dream has become a nightmare under this Labor government. At barbecues across Australia over summer, people were simply asking, 'How are our kids going to get into a...
- Women's Health (1 speech)
Twelve months ago today, the Albanese Labor government announced a record $800 million investment into a women's health package designed to provide more choice, lower costs and better care for...
- Middle East (1 speech)
The world has looked on in horror at the situation in Iran over recent months. Once again, the people of Iran have risen up to protest the brutal oppression and corruption of Iran's leader, the...
- Women's Health (1 speech)
Today, Labor women stood side by side to celebrate the anniversary of this Albanese Labor government's landmark almost $800 million women's health package, and the results are clear. Women in my...
- Baxter, Reverend Colin, OAM (1 speech)
Last Friday, after returning from parliament, it was my honour to attend the funeral service of the Reverend Colin Baxter OAM, who passed away on 23 January 2026, after a couple of falls last...
- Labor Government (2 speeches)
After the greatest public display of chucking the toys out of the cot, the Nats are back with the Libs. The coalition, the 'on-alition', the 'off-alition', the...
- Statements on Indulgence (0 speeches)
- Milano Cortina Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (2 speeches)
Early Saturday morning our time, the Australian team marched proudly in the opening ceremony of the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics. Flagbearers Matt Graham and Jakara Anthony led a team of 53...
- Questions without Notice (0 speeches)
- Economy (4 speeches)
My question is to the Prime Minister. Last week, the Treasurer said that government spending was 'not a factor' in last week's interest rate rise. However, on Friday, when asked, the Reserve Bank...
- International Relations: Indonesia (2 speeches)
My question is to the Prime Minister. What were the outcomes from the Prime Minister's recent visit to Indonesia, and why are our relationships in the region and the world so important for...
- Housing (2 speeches)
My question is to the Prime Minister. Prime Minister, UNSW research shows that Fowler has the highest level of rental stress in the country, with almost half of the renters in housing stress....
- International Relations: Australia and Indonesia (2 speeches)
My question is to the Deputy Prime Minister. What is the importance of the historic treaty between Australia and Indonesia signed last week? How will this strengthen Australia's relationship with...
- Economy (16 speeches)
My question is to the Treasurer. Following last week's interest rate rise, respected TV—
- Critical and Strategic Minerals Industry (4 speeches)
My question is to the Minister for Resources. How is the Albanese Labor government working with our global trading partners, strengthening the global supply chain of critical minerals and...
- Energy (6 speeches)
My question is for the Minister for Climate Change and Energy. Was the minister telling the truth when he promised Australians a $275 reduction in their power bills by 2025?
- Cost of Living (2 speeches)
My question is to the Treasurer. What steps is the Albanese Labor government taking to strengthen the budget and support Australians with the cost of living? How does that compare with other...
- Economy (6 speeches)
My question is to the Prime Minister. Can the Prime Minister confirm that interest rates have gone up 13 times on his watch and that the average mortgage holder is now paying $23,000 more every...
- Women's Health (5 speeches)
My question is to the Minister for Health and Ageing. How is the Albanese Labor government—
- Energy (3 speeches)
My question is to the Minister for Climate Change and Energy. Can the minister name a single Australian who received the $275 reduction in their power bills by the end of 2025 as promised by the...
- Defence Properties (2 speeches)
My question is to the Deputy Prime Minister. How is the Albanese Labor government reforming the Defence estate? What has been the response to this, and how does this compare to other approaches?
- Small Business (4 speeches)
My question is to the Prime Minister. Treasury has said the small-business incentive has failed, with a 23 per cent take up rate. Meanwhile, last year we had the highest number of small-business...
- Energy (4 speeches)
My question is to the Minister for Climate Change and Energy. How is the Albanese Labor government working with households to modernise and rebuild our energy grid after a decade of neglect?
- Aged Care (3 speeches)
My question is for the Minister for Aged Care and Seniors. The government's new single assessment scheme is failing older Australians. I'm hearing from many constituents about the long wait times...
- Trade (2 speeches)
My question is to the Minister for Agriculture. How is the Albanese Labor government rebuilding our trading relationships to deliver more opportunities for Australian farmers and producers? How...
- Middle East (2 speeches)
My question is to the Prime Minister. Overnight, Israel approved new measures that attempt to legalise settlement expansion and land confiscation in the occupied West Bank. Given that Australia...
- Australian Defence Force (2 speeches)
My question is to the Minister for Veterans' Affairs and Minister for Defence Personnel. What is the Albanese Labor government doing to grow the Australian Defence Force's capabilities in new...
- Interest Rates (6 speeches)
My question is to the Treasurer. The RBA governor confirmed what the Treasurer would not, which is that government spending contributes to pressure on interest rates. Confirming what we all...
- Housing (4 speeches)
My question is to the Minister for Housing. How is the Albanese Labor government supporting Australians into homeownership? What other approaches has the government been asked...
- Energy (2 speeches)
My question is to the Minister for Climate Change and Energy. In the lead-up to the 2022 election, the Prime Minister repeatedly promised a $275 reduction in household energy bills, and I quote:...
- Tertiary Education and Training (2 speeches)
My question is to the Minister for Education. What is the Albanese Labor government doing to cut student debt and to make it cheaper and quicker to get the skills Australians need? And why is...
- Economy (4 speeches)
My question is to the Treasurer. Last week, the RBA governor confirmed that government spending is part of aggregate demand and 'contributing to inflationary pressures'. She said: That's why...
- Cybersafety (4 speeches)
My question is to the Minister for Communications. How is the Albanese Labor government's social media age restriction helping to protect young people online? What has been the response?
- Airservices Australia (2 speeches)
My question is to the Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government. CommBank, CSL and Qantas were all privatised by Labor, and now you're set to follow those...
- Infrastructure (3 speeches)
My question is to the Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government. How is the Albanese Labor government focused on delivering key rail projects across the...
- Questions without Notice: Additional Answers (0 speeches)
- Taxation (4 speeches)
I wish to add to an answer. Last week I drew the House's attention to the Senate committee that the Liberals, the Nationals and the Greens are using to look into the operation of the capital...
- Committees (0 speeches)
- Membership (2 speeches)
I've received advice from the Chief Opposition Whip, nominating members to be members of certain committees.
- Motions (0 speeches)
- Small Business (5 speeches)
I move: That so much that the standing and sessional orders be suspended as would prevent the Member for Goldstein moving the following motion immediately: That this House: (1) notes that: (a)...
- Questions without Notice: Additional Answers (0 speeches)
- Trade (2 speeches)
I want to correct an answer. I said that we had $80 billion in trade impediments. It's $20 billion, which we inherited from those opposite.
- Bills (0 speeches)
- Statements (0 speeches)
- Bills (0 speeches)
- Adjournment (0 speeches)
- Rural, Regional and Remote Australia: Services (1 speech)
I rise to speak about the important issue of regional funding. Australian governments have a fine tradition of investing in the regions, often partnering with state and local governments to...
- Paterson Electorate: Australia Day Awards and Honours (1 speech)
I rise today, following Australia Day, to acknowledge and honour Australians whose service, integrity and commitment reflect the very best of our nation. Australia Day honours are not about...
- Protests (1 speech)
Three thousand police. Snipers on the roof. A ring of steel around the central business district of Sydney. Workers, visitors, residents told to stay either at home or away. What is going on in...
- Labor Government (1 speech)
In March, South Australians will choose who governs the state for the next four years. It will be a choice between an experienced, disciplined and competent Peter Malinauskas Labor government and...
- Jones, Ms Bianca Adrienne, Morton-Bowles, Ms Holly Jayne (1 speech)
There are a number of times in this chamber when you have to give speeches that you don't want to give, and today, unfortunately, is one of those cases. As you may recall, Speaker, in November...
- Royal Exhibition Building (1 speech)
It is an immense honour to stand here in this parliament, in this building, representing the people of Melbourne. Every time I come to Canberra, I feel it. I walk toward Parliament House, and, as...
- Constituency Statements (0 speeches)
- Allied Health Professions Australia (1 speech)
I'm pleased to speak about the work of Allied Health Professions Australia, who today have officially launched a national petition calling on the government to expand Commonwealth prac payments...
- Mullard, Luke (1 speech)
I rise today to acknowledge an extraordinary young man from my electorate of Paterson. Thirteen-year-old Luke Mullard, whose actions saved the life of a 92-year-old woman, reflect the very best...
- Tumbatrek (1 speech)
The Tim Fischer Tumbatrek is over for another year, and the walking and talking is done. The conversation and perspiration has ended. It is a great event, and it reminds us of the legacy that Tim...
- Australia Day Honours and Awards (1 speech)
It's an honour to rise today to celebrate five remarkable local individuals whose lives of service have profoundly shaped the community I represent and Australia as a whole. Recognised the in the...
- Fadden Electorate: Australia Day Awards and Honours, Southport Flying Club (1 speech)
Today I rise to record my absolute joy at having attended the Australia Day citizenship ceremony at Helensvale on Australia Day this year. It was conducted at the Helensvale Community Centre and...
- Leicester, Ms Skye, Truman, Ms Gill (1 speech)
I rise today to recognise Skye Leicester, who last month was named Wingecarribee Shire Council Citizen of the Year for her 16 years of service improving outcomes for local children and young...
- Cowan, Mr George (1 speech)
I rise today with a heavy heart to acknowledge the passing of George Cowan of Rockhampton, a remarkable Central Queenslander whose life was defined by service, principle and a deep commitment to...
- Cunningham Electorate: Community Events (1 speech)
I rise today to highlight three community events I have recently had the privilege to attend in the Illawarra, each of them reflecting something fundamental about who we are as a region. I was...
- Telecommunications (1 speech)
Grassfires are just a part of life on a broadacre farm, particularly in the last few years. Whether it's a failed bearing or some fine lentil dust getting in an exhaust, fires are just a part of...
- Milan Olympic Winter Games, Sport (2 speeches)
I rise today to congratulate an extraordinary Australian athlete, Jakara Anthony, on her role representing our nation at this year's Winter Olympics in Italy. Jakara is a proud Barwon Heads local...
- Private Members' Business (0 speeches)
- Iran: Human Rights (12 speeches)
I move: That this House: (1) notes that: (a) the human rights situation in Iran remains of grave concern, including reports of the Iranian regime engaging in repression, violence against...
- Economy (6 speeches)
I move: That this House: (1) notes that the: (a) Consumer Price Index rose 3.8 per cent in the 12 months to December 2025, up from a 3.4 per cent rise in the 12 months to November 2025; (b)...
- Education (12 speeches)
I move: That this House: (1) acknowledges the start of the 2026 school year and the Government's record investment in Australian public schools through the Better and Fairer Schools Agreement;...
- Small Business (8 speeches)
I move: That this House: (1) condemns the Government for presiding over the insolvency of 41,749 small businesses since being elected;...
- Australia Day Awards and Honours (7 speeches)
I move: That this House: (1) acknowledges: (a) the Order of Australia is the highest national honour awarded to Australian citizens for outstanding contributions to our country or humanity at...
- Statements by Members (0 speeches)
- Lunar New Year (1 speech)
Despite real cost-of-living pressures, Lunar New Year remains a vital anchor for our families of Fowler. Right now, our local stores are filled with red envelopes and festive treats—candied...
- Glynn, Mr Walter Edward (Wal) (1 speech)
I rise to advise that our community and the local Labor Party family lost a longstanding member when Mr Walter Edward Glynn passed away just before Christmas last year. Wal was 91 years old and...
- Doherty, Mr Terence James, AM (1 speech)
The Australia Day Honours List for 2026 features great Aussies from my electorate of Hinkler, including one of my former teachers. A prestigious Member of the Order of Australia medal was awarded...
- Bray Park State High School, Schools (1 speech)
An automotive precinct; specialist robotics spaces; purpose-built studios for dance, drama and media; and a dedicated wellbeing centre—I'm not talking about a university campus; I'm talking...
- Health Care, Climate Change (1 speech)
Two weeks ago, Australia's east coast was scorched by extreme heat, with temperatures in Kooyong soaring to 43 degrees and temperature records being broken across three states. This was the worst...
- Tolani, Dr Mohit (1 speech)
I rise today to recognise Dr Mohit Tolani, a dentist who serves the Shellharbour region in my electorate of Whitlam. Dr Tolani graduated as a dentist from Griffith University on the Gold Coast...
- Walsh, Brother Peter Doug (1 speech)
Last month Brother Doug Walsh was laid to rest in my electorate, in the Kilmore cemetery, a stone's throw from Assumption College, one of the many institutions he graced in his life of service....
- Battle of Kapyong: 75th Anniversary, Battle of Maryang San: 75th Anniversary, Security Treaty between Australia, New Zealand and the United States of America: 75th Anniversary (1 speech)
This year marks 75 years since the battles of Kapyong and Maryang San, where the 3rd Battalion of the Royal Australian Regiment—old faithful, my old battalion—and Canada's 2nd...
- Small Business: Taxation (1 speech)
Last week we saw deeply concerning reports that the ATO's small business debt helpline is facing record levels of calls. This should be a wake-up call to the government as it is a clear signal...
- Gorton Electorate (1 speech)
There's no question more people are choosing my community in Melbourne's western suburbs to call home. We're one of the fastest growing electorates in the country. Here's a snapshot of data...
- Gun Control (1 speech)
From the Gemfields to Gladstone, Mount Morgan to Mundubbera and everywhere in between, the Flynn electorate has many gun clubs filled with members of all ages and backgrounds. Today I rise to...
- Health Care (1 speech)
I am proud to speak on a major new development for our community, the opening of the Medicare urgent care clinic in Deception Bay. Located on Bailey Road, this clinic is a game-changing addition...
- Mayo Electorate: Australia Day Honours and Awards (1 speech)
In my electorate, there are countless community groups, volunteers and local leaders who are making a difference to people's lives. I wish to offer my congratulations to a group of outstanding...
- Bonner Electorate: Australia Day Awards and Honours (1 speech)
I rise to acknowledge the extraordinary people who have been recognised on the 2026 Australia Day Honours List for their contribution to my community of Bonner. Emeritus Professor Roderick Drew...
- Berowra Electorate: Swim Clubs (1 speech)
The Royal Life Saving Society of Australia has released some pretty disturbing statistics: one in four Australian adults can't swim and 40 per cent of children graduate primary school without...
- Macquarie Electorate: Anzac Day (1 speech)
I have seen how valued the local Anzac Day service is for Emu Plains, Emu Heights and Leonay residents and I'm so pleased to be supporting the community and the 2026 committee in organising this...
- OzHarvest (1 speech)
I rise today to commend the outstanding work of OzHarvest and the enduring positive impact they continue to have on my community on the southern Gold Coast. Across Australia each year an...
- Medicare (1 speech)
Managing health, caring for our children and supporting loved ones through illness or ageing is difficult enough. After a year of neglect of the healthcare system, Australians were getting used...
- Flinders Electorate: Road Infrastructure (1 speech)
Peninsula Link connects the Mornington Peninsula community to work, services and the city every day. Over the last year the incompetent Allan Labor government has turned Pen Link into an obstacle...
- Saleh, Councillor Khodr (Karl), OAM (1 speech)
I rise to recognise the service of Councillor Khodr 'Karl' Saleh OAM, who is retiring from local government after more than 20 years of service to Canterbury Bankstown Council and one of its...
- South Australia: Drought (1 speech)
Many farmers across South Australia have now endured two years of relentless drought. Meanwhile, Premier Peter Malinauskas has splashed cash on major events and photo opportunities otherwise, but...
- Albanese Government: Health Care (1 speech)
Strengthening Medicare was a key focus of the Albanese Labor government's election platform. We committed to making significant investments to make it easier to see a GP, to reduce the costs of...
- Golin, Mr Dan (1 speech)
I rise to pay tribute to a formidable advocate for the Southern Moreton Bay Islands, Dan Golin, who recently stepped down as the President of the SMBI Chamber of Commerce after two years of...
- Maribyrnong Electorate: Health Care (1 speech)
I rise to provide a further update on a matter I first brought to this House late last year: the future of cohealth's general practice services in Kensington. When cohealth management made the...
- Social Cohesion (1 speech)
Australians are rightly concerned by the clear deterioration of social cohesion in this country. We've seen it in the shocking acts of violence unleashed at Bondi Beach. More broadly, we are...
- Day on the Duck (2 speeches)
I want to acknowledge a fantastic community celebration held in Smithton over the Australia Day weekend: the fun-filled Day on the Duck. This annual summer event once again transformed the West...
- Private Members' Business (0 speeches)
- Migration (3 speeches)
Australia's success as a prosperous and successful democracy is inseparable from the contribution of migrants. Migrants strengthen our economy, enrich our social fabric and increase the...
- National Skills Agreement (11 speeches)
I move the motion relating to the National Skills Agreement in the terms in which it appears on the Notice Paper: That this House: (1) acknowledges that the Government inherited the most severe...
- Victoria: Bushfires (6 speeches)
I move: That this House: notes that: (a) Saturday, 7 February 2026, marks the 17th anniversary of the tragic 2009 Black Saturday bushfires; and (b) the recent...
- Australia: Natural Disasters (10 speeches)
I move: That this House: (1) notes the significant natural disasters that have taken place during the summer of 2025-26, including major flooding in Queensland and fires across Victoria; (2)...
- Energy (6 speeches)
I move: That this House notes that: (1) the Government's energy policies have seen a record number of Australians having an energy debt and facing a 24 per cent increase in their electricity...
- Victoria: Bushfires (6 speeches)
I move: That this House: (1) acknowledges the: (a) devastating impact of the Victorian bushfire emergencies on regional communities; (b) tireless work of volunteer firefighters and emergency...
- Australia Day Honours and Awards (1 speech)
I rise to support the motion acknowledging the Australia Day awards and congratulate all recipients. The Order of Australia is our highest national honour, recognising Australians whose service...
- Australia Day Awards and Honours (1 speech)
Australia Day honours are among our nation's most meaningful acknowledgements. They recognise Australians who have gone above and beyond, often quietly and without expectation, to serve others,...
