House debates
Monday, 23 March 2026
- Committees (0 speeches)
- Petitions Committee; Report (1 speech)
I present the eighth report of the Petitions Committee for the 48th Parliament. The report read as follows— HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES PETITIONS COMMITTEE REPORT No. 08 Petitions and...
- Petitions (0 speeches)
- Presentation (1 speech)
I present the following 196 petitions:
- Responses (1 speech)
I present the following 28 ministerial responses to petitions previously presented: Ministerial responses received by the Committee on 3 March 2026 From the Assistant Treasurer to a petition...
- Statements (1 speech)
There are currently 71 petitions open for signatures on the House e-petitions website. The petitions cover a diverse range of topics including arts and education, national security, visa...
- Bills (0 speeches)
- Business (0 speeches)
- Rearrangement (1 speech)
Pursuant to standing order 113, at the request of the member for Indi, I fix Monday 25 May 2026 as the day for presenting the Telecommunications Legislation Amendment (Strengthening...
- Motions (0 speeches)
- Housing (13 speeches)
I move: That this House: (1) acknowledges that the Government has made Australia's housing crisis worse than ever by: (a) expanding the 5 per cent deposit scheme from a sensible and targeted...
- Private Members' Business (0 speeches)
- Free TAFE Program (16 speeches)
I move: That this House: (1) recognises the Government's Free TAFE program has, for three years, expanded opportunity and opened new pathways for Australians to gain the skills they want for the...
- Committees (0 speeches)
- Business (0 speeches)
- Rearrangement (1 speech)
by leave—I move: (1) the House invite Her Excellency Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, to attend and address the House on Tuesday, 24 March 2026; (2) unless...
- Bills (0 speeches)
- Statements by Members (0 speeches)
- One Nation, Fuel (1 speech)
First of all, I'd like to say thank you to the people of South Australia for what is a remarkable turn in the politics of this nation. I hope that, with the great honour you've entrusted in One...
- Cockman, Ms Margaret, OAM (5 speeches)
I want to acknowledge the Member for Pearce. I understand that the Member for Pearce would like to present a copy of their speech for incorporation into Hansard in accordance with the resolution...
- Fuel (1 speech)
Fuel prices, fuel distribution and now fuel shortages are front of mind for families, farmers and small businesses right across the electorate of Flynn. This is no longer just a cost-of-living...
- Greenlink Box Hill (1 speech)
Greenlink nursery in Box Hill in my electorate is a wonderful example of the way in which our community benefits from the dedication, hard work and generosity of volunteers. This indigenous plant...
- Fuel (1 speech)
(): We export our oil production for $8,000 million a year and we import our petrol and diesel for $62,000 million a year. Someone could infer from this that we are run by morons, but,...
- Lavarch, Ms Colleen (1 speech)
I rise to honour the exceptional life of Colleen Lavarch, who left us in February, aged 94. She devoted her life to her two great loves: her family and the Australian Labor Party. She grew up...
- Fuel (1 speech)
I want to acknowledge one of my state members, Jimmy McDonald, who reached out to me on the weekend. We have a number of fuel suppliers and distributors in our region, and he received a text from...
- Soldier On (1 speech)
The Territory, as a lot of Australians know, has been hit by floods and cyclones. I want to give a shout-out to all those that are responding and assisting Territorians in their time of need. It...
- Cost of Living (1 speech)
The legacy that's being left by this Labor government is that the economy is weak, fuel supplies aren't guaranteed and Australians out there are hurting. The cost of living at the moment is...
- Juvenile Arthritis (1 speech)
Juvenile Arthritis Awareness Week was 16 to 23 March. Juvenile idiopathic arthritis is one of the most common chronic childhood diseases, yet one of the least recognised. An estimated 6,000 to...
- Weekly Times Coles Farmer of the Year Award (1 speech)
Last week I visited the Eather family farms near Narrabri. The Eathers were awarded the 2025 Weekly Times Coles Farmer of the Year award. I have met many pioneering families throughout the...
- Aukus (1 speech)
Following the recently announced $3.9 billion Albanese Labor government investment at the Osborne Naval Shipyard in Adelaide's north, they are building, preparing and planning for the greatest...
- Fuel (2 speeches)
Regional Australia has grown accustomed to copping the brunt of this government's mismanagement, but nowhere is it more dire than the current fuel crisis. Last week I received an urgent plea from...
- Labor Government (1 speech)
I'm really proud to stand here today as part of the Albanese Labor government to talk about our record on delivering, particularly for regional Australia, real cost-of-living measures. We are...
- Fuel (1 speech)
It's an absolute delight to get out of the Canberra bubble and go home to my wonderful electorate, but the stories I bring back are not great. I spoke to a farmer who had to stop mid-harvest...
- Medicare (1 speech)
Bulk-billing rates are going up across the Hunter, and this did not happen by chance. It came from the biggest investment in Medicare in Australia's history. We chose to support our local GPs,...
- Fuel Security (1 speech)
Australia is facing a massive fuel crisis, and the Minister for Climate Change and Energy acknowledged that two weeks ago in this House. Families, businesses and industry are feeling the pressure...
- Macquarie Electorate: Great Western Highway (1 speech)
I want to set the record straight: Mount Victoria, Blackheath and Megalong Valley, west of Katoomba, are all open for business. Media reports of the closure of Victoria Pass—the steep hill...
- Albanese Government (1 speech)
Australians are hurting. After nearly four years of the Albanese government, Australians are worse off, and they believe the country is heading in the wrong direction. People are frustrated and...
- One Nation (2 speeches)
I'd like to speak directly to anyone who's considering supporting One Nation: don't do it. I know you're feeling frustrated or anxious, with cost-of-living challenges and concerns about the...
- Shadow Ministry (0 speeches)
- Presentation (1 speech)
For the information of honourable members, I present a revised shadow ministry list reflecting changes made and announced on 16 March. The document read as follows— SHADOW MINISTRY Each...
- Ministry (0 speeches)
- Temporary Arrangements (1 speech)
I inform the House that the Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories and Emergency Management will be absent from question time today. The Minister for Home Affairs...
- Questions without Notice (0 speeches)
- Fuel Security (6 speeches)
My question is to the Prime Minister. When was the government advised that six shipments of vital fuel supply bound for Australia were cancelled, and as of today how many ships have been cancelled?
- Middle East (2 speeches)
My question is to the Prime Minister. Can the Prime Minister update the house on the impact of the war in the Middle East and outline the action being taken to boost Australia's fuel security and...
- Fuel Security (6 speeches)
My question is to the Minister for Climate Change and Energy. When was the minister advised that six shipments of vital fuel supply bound for Australia were cancelled? How many ships have been...
- Distinguished Visitors (0 speeches)
- Acknowledgement (1 speech)
I'm pleased to inform the House that present in the gallery today is Joe Kelly, the member for Greenslopes in the Queensland state parliament, accompanied by David McDermott, the chair of...
- Questions without Notice (0 speeches)
- Energy (2 speeches)
My question is to the Prime Minister. Corporate profiteering by big gas corporations skyrocketed after the invasion of Ukraine, causing rising power bills. It's happening again thanks to Trump...
- South Australian Government (3 speeches)
My question is to the Prime Minister. How is the Albanese Labor government working with the Malinauskas government to deliver for South Australians? How will this also benefit all Australians?
- Fuel Security (7 speeches)
My question is to the Minister for Climate Change and Energy. When were you advised that six shipments of vital fuel supply bound for Australia were cancelled?
- Economy (2 speeches)
My question is to the Treasurer. What is the impact of the conflict in the Middle East on Australia's economy? How is the Albanese Labor government approaching this challenge?
- Fuel (2 speeches)
My question is to the Minister for Climate Change and Energy, and I refer to the national fuel crisis. How many service stations in Australia have run out of fuel?
- Economy (2 speeches)
My question is to the Assistant Treasurer and the Minister for Financial Services. How is the Albanese Labor government protecting consumers and maintaining economic stability in the face of...
- Fuel (7 speeches)
My question is to the Minister for Climate Change and Energy. I refer to your previous answer with respect to supply of diesel at service stations in the east coast states. Could the minister...
- Aukus (4 speeches)
My question is to the Deputy Prime Minister. How is the Albanese Labor government delivering AUKUS across the country, including in my home state of South Australia? How does this compare to...
- Gas Industry: Taxation (2 speeches)
This question is for the Treasurer. The war in the Middle East is driving gas price spikes, which is great for resource company revenue, but Australians are hurting. This boosted revenue is not a...
- Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (2 speeches)
My question is to the Minister for Health and Ageing. How is the Albanese Labor government making medicines cheaper for all Australians? How do cheaper medicines help strengthen Medicare after a...
- Sovereign Capability (2 speeches)
My question is to the Minister for Agriculture. I refer to the national fuel crisis. Fertilizer Australia has written to the government, warning that further shipment disruptions will 'have...
- Workplace Relations (2 speeches)
My question is to the Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations. How is the Albanese Labor government delivering for workers, including in South Australia? How does this compare to other...
- Fuel Security (2 speeches)
My question is to the Treasurer. I refer to your previous answer. Treasury has downgraded predicted revenue from the PRRT at successive budgets. Will you admit that the government got it wrong...
- Manufacturing Industry (2 speeches)
My question is to the Minister representing the Minister for Industry and Innovation. How is the Albanese Labor government working with the South Australian government to back steelworkers in...
- Fuel Security (2 speeches)
My question is to the Minister for Climate Change and Energy. I refer to your previous answer where you said that shipments carrying vital fuel were cancelled over a period of time. When were you...
- Housing (2 speeches)
My question is to the Minister for Housing, Homelessness and Cities. How is the Albanese Labor government delivering on its commitments to ensure that Australians have a safe and secure place to...
- Budget: Medical Research (2 speeches)
My question is for the Treasurer. Treasurer, your government has a productivity problem and a worsening cost-of-living crisis. Every dollar invested in Australian health and medical research...
- Skills and Training (2 speeches)
My question is to the Minister for Skills and Training. How is the Albanese Labor government helping more Australians get the skills they want for the jobs we need with fee-free TAFE and...
- Fuel Security (2 speeches)
My question is to the Minister for Climate Change and Energy. Has the minister sought or received advice from his department on the implementation of fuel rationing?
- Aged Care (8 speeches)
My question is to the minister for Aged Care and Seniors. How is the Albanese Labor government delivering meaningful aged-care reforms for older Australians after a decade of neglect?
- Fuel (6 speeches)
My question is to the Minister for Climate Change and Energy. I refer to a report in the Daily Telegraph titled 'NSW fuel crisis sparks Minns Government to wargame emergency powers to ration and...
- President of the European Commission (2 speeches)
My question is to the Prime Minister. Can the Prime Minister update the House on the visit to Australia by the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen? How does this visit...
- Statements on Indulgence (0 speeches)
- Roberts, Ms Rhoda Ann AO (2 speeches)
On the weekend, Australia lost one of the brightest stars from the Australian constellation. Rhoda Roberts AO found a way to pack multiple lifetimes into just one. A proud daughter of Bundjalung...
- Questions to the Speaker (0 speeches)
- Australian Parliament (8 speeches)
Speaker, it's a question to you. It concerns the administration of the House with respect to Hansard. During the course of question time, the Minister for Climate Change and Energy responded to a...
- Auditor-General's Reports (0 speeches)
- Report Nos 17 and 25 of 2025-26 (1 speech)
I present the Auditor-General's performance audit report No. 25 of 2025-26 entitled Procurement and contract management by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade for its Security Enhancement...
- 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.
- Bills (0 speeches)
- Adjournment (0 speeches)
- Defence (1 speech)
Last week, Australians learnt sobering news that an Iranian projectile struck near the Al Minhad Air Base in the UAE, where Australian Defence Force personnel were stationed. An accommodation...
- Queensland: Health Care (1 speech)
This is a difficult speech for me because it's personal, but it is not unique. I am telling it in the hope that the Queensland government reverses its decision to delay—effectively...
- South Australia: Feral Animal Management (1 speech)
Today, I stand here to speak for the hardworking people of regional and remote SA. We are facing a huge crisis. Feral animals are tearing apart our beautiful land. From the APY Lands to our far...
- Magdalene Catholic College (1 speech)
Every day I'm left astounded by the tremendous accomplishments of our younger generation in my electorate of Macarthur. Recently, 10 students from Magdalene Catholic College, a school within my...
- Fuel (5 speeches)
The thing, the issue, the subject that's on everyone's lips at the moment is what is happening with fuel in this nation. People want to know where they can get cheap fuel, when they're going to...
- Holt Electorate: Community Events, Energy (1 speech)
I begin with a remarkable local milestone—the 25th anniversary of Moonlit Sanctuary in Pearcedale. I was pleased to join the community in marking this special occasion and to recognise the...
- Constituency Statements (0 speeches)
- Petition: Environment (1 speech)
Right across the country, communities are being forced to come to terms with the rapidly escalating frequency, intensity and the cost of climate disasters. Indeed, bushfires, floods, storms,...
- Alves, Mr Joe, Murray, Mr Phil (1 speech)
I rise today to recognise two extraordinary heroes from my electorate of Cunningham who have proven the difference the power of one can make in the world. For 28 years, Joe Alves has been shaving...
- The Neighbourhood Hub, Cost of Living (1 speech)
If you want to understand the human cost of Labor's policy failure, stand on the steps of the Neighbourhood Hub. This isn't just a community centre; it's a triage unit for a society in crisis....
- Albanese Government (1 speech)
I think what's going on in the world at the moment—in the Australian economy in particular—is an experience that we've all felt on a personal level. There's nothing like when you...
- Cybersafety (1 speech)
One of the advantages of being dumped from the frontbench is that I get to come back to my electorate, spend more time with my community and take up some of the passions that I've been involved...
- Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence (1 speech)
Last week was Harmony Week, a celebration of Australia's cultural diversity and the courage, resilience and determination of those who choose to call this country home. Before that, there was...
- Fuel (1 speech)
I rise today to speak about the severe fuel crisis gripping regional Australia. Nowhere is it hitting harder than in my electorate of Mallee. Just a week ago, the town of Robinvale became one of...
- Hunter Electorate: Local Sporting Champions Program (3 speeches)
The Hunter has always punched above its weight when it comes to sport. We've produced a remarkable number of professional and elite athletes, and it's vital that we continue backing the next...
- Youngson, Dr Sarah (1 speech)
I rise today to acknowledge one of O'Connor's most dedicated health professionals, Dr Sarah Youngson, who was recently awarded Community Health Professional of the Year at the WA Rural Health...
- Child Care (1 speech)
Labor's three-day childcare guarantee is making a real, tangible difference for families right across the north—not in theory, not in headlines, but in the day-to-day lives of parents...
- Private Members' Business (0 speeches)
- Women's Health (6 speeches)
I rise today to speak on the government's Women's Health Package. I acknowledge that, 12 months into this package, it is a positive step that more than 660,000 women have accessed more than two...
- Artificial Intelligence (12 speeches)
I move: That this House: (1) acknowledges the rapid changes artificial intelligence (AI) is driving across Australian workplaces, including: (a) automation of routine tasks; (b) augmenting jobs...
- Our Ways — Strong Ways — Our Voices (8 speeches)
by leave—On behalf of the member for Lingiari, I move: That this House: (1) commends the Government for launching Our WaysStrong WaysOur Voices: National Aboriginal and Torres Strait...
- Suicide Prevention (10 speeches)
I move: That this House: (1) notes the findings of the Australian National Audit Office performance audit Suicide Prevention Policy Development and Monitoring, which: (a) found that the...
- Statements by Members (0 speeches)
- Iran (1 speech)
Like in so many places all around the world, Iranian Australians wake up every morning desperately checking to see what's happened overnight in the war in Iran, desperately hoping for...
- Richards, Reverend Adam David (1 speech)
It was recently my honour to attend the induction of Reverend Adam Richards as the rector of the Liverpool South Anglican Church. The occasion of Adam's induction was a joyous and happy occasion...
- Queensland: Agricultural Shows (1 speech)
Agricultural shows have been part of Queensland's story since 1822. Nearly two centuries on, that tradition is still alive, with around 128 shows held across the state each year. These shows...
- Tuberculosis (1 speech)
Tomorrow is World Tuberculosis Day. For many Australians, TB can feel like a disease from another time. Consumption was in some ways seen as a romantic disease in the 18th and 19th centuries. It...
- Fuel Security, Infrastructure (1 speech)
The people of the central west are being treated like second-class citizens, and we've had enough. Our region is in an unprecedented state of economic siege caused by a double failure of...
- Moreton Electorate (1 speech)
What is the size of 16 Suncorp stadiums? The answer is the Acacia Ridge TAFE. It's the largest trade training facility in the Southern Hemisphere, both in footprint and in student numbers. It has...
- Maugean Skate (1 speech)
It's one year this week since the federal government rushed through changes to the EPBC Act to exempt the salmon industry in Macquarie Harbour from oversight and, in doing so, knowingly hastened...
- Forgotten Australians (1 speech)
I want to reflect on a visit I recently made to Open Place in Richmond, where I met with Forgotten Australians and listened to their experiences. Forgotten Australians are people who, as...
- Cost of Living (1 speech)
Australians don't need spin. We need honesty. And right now the reality is the economy is weak. Fuel supplies aren't guaranteed, and Australian families are hurting. Households are being squeezed...
- Northern Territory: Construction Industry (1 speech)
I want to recognise our construction industry in the Northern Territory, particularly those in my electorate of Solomon, in Darwin and Palmerston. I attended the Master Builders NT Members...
- Fuel Security (1 speech)
Fuel security is national security, and this government is gaslighting Australians. Last sitting, it was: 'There is no problem. There is no issue.' This sitting, it's: 'The Australian people are...
- Prostate Cancer (1 speech)
Recently, a Tangney constituent told me about his battle with prostate cancer. He broke down in tears and shared his struggles. His diagnosis has greatly affected his mental health. He is not the...
- Economy (1 speech)
Fuel and fertiliser supply disruptions are now being felt across Australia. While national fuel stocks remain stable for the moment, price shocks and supply risks are escalating, particularly in...
- De La Hunty, Mr Bob, OAM (1 speech)
I rise today to recognise Bob De La Hunty, who is President, Chief Pilot and a Life Member of the Historical Aircraft Restoration Society, which is known as HARS. It's located at Shellharbour...
- National Disability Insurance Scheme (1 speech)
In 2024, the government passed legislation promising to get the NDIS back on track, but what was sold as a crackdown on fraud has instead clamped down heavily on participants. Clients, advocates...
- Hotel Etico (1 speech)
Last Saturday, Hotel Etico CEO and co-founder Andrea Comastri finished a 400-kilometre, 13-day run right here at Parliament House. I was among those who waved Andrea off from Mount Victoria on...
- Groom Electorate: Community Events (1 speech)
It's show season on the Darling Downs. Last weekend, I went to the Oakey Show. I want to thank Judy Byers and all her team for the great show they put on. There is nothing bigger at the Oakey...
- Aged Care (1 speech)
The RSL care home is a war veterans' home located in the quiet, leafy eastern suburb of Myrtle Bank in my electorate of Sturt. It was officially opened on 24 March 1917, following 18 months of...
- Economy (1 speech)
Today I rise to tell this House of the importance of where our economy is at. Our economy is weak, fuel supplies aren't guaranteed, and Australians are hurting. A story that, regrettably,...
- Tasmania: Roads (1 speech)
Through the Australian government's $150 million Remote Roads Upgrade Pilot Program, the Albanese Labor government is backing projects that strengthen our regional communities. As part of this...
- Child Care (1 speech)
It is apparent to anyone living and working in the communities across the Parkes electorate that there is a dire lack of access to child care. In fact, the region is often described as a...
- Energy (1 speech)
People in my electorate of Banks remain concerned by the cost of living, and understandably so, but, last week, households in my electorate got some very good news. The Australian Energy...
- Hinkler Electorate: Community Events (1 speech)
On International Women's Day, I had the great pleasure of sponsoring and attending the Zonta Club of Bundaberg's brunch. The Young Women in Leadership Award finalists featured a group of five...
- Bullwinkel Electorate: Community Groups (1 speech)
In a world that often feels fast paced and unpredictable, many in our community in Bullwinkel are feeling the ripple effects of global uncertainty, whether it's the rising cost of fuel or the...
- Health Care (1 speech)
Today I'm taking the opportunity to celebrate a huge win for the Nambucca Valley. As of last week, the long-awaited CT scanner is finally operational at Macksville District Hospital. This...
- Hoare, Mr Barry, Ireland, Mr Robert (1 speech)
I'd like to pay tribute to two steadfast members of our Labor family, Robert 'Bob' Ireland and Barry Hoare, whose lives were defined by service to our movement, to education and to their...
- 2025 Scenic Rim Business Excellence Awards (1 speech)
The Scenic Rim Business Excellence Awards were hosted the other night, and it was a great evening. These were some of the category winners. Excellence in Hospitality, Food, Beverage and Dining...
- Blair Electorate: Community Events (1 speech)
It's been a huge week in my electorate of Blair, with a number of exciting announcements. First up, last Tuesday I announced that a new 24-unit social housing project is under construction in...
- Gambling Advertising (2 speeches)
Tomorrow marks 1,000 days since Peta Murphy, the former member for Dunkley, introduced the You win some, you lose more report into the parliament and reported that to an empty room. No action on...
- Private Members' Business (0 speeches)
- Agriculture Industry (11 speeches)
I move: That this House: (1) notes recently released forecasts from the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences show that: (a) Australia's farm gate production value...
- Women in Defence (13 speeches)
I move: That this House: (1) acknowledges that for over a century, Australian women have played an integral role in Australia's defence forces; (2) recognises that women have served with...
- Income Tax (25 speeches)
No wonder the Liberal Party is where it is. That person knows nothing about what he's talking about.
- Defence Procurement: Submarines (9 speeches)
I move: That this House: (1) acknowledges the Government's initial $3.9 billion investment in the Submarine Construction Yard at Osborne in South Australia, to deliver the infrastructure needed...
- Cost of Living (8 speeches)
I move: That this House: (1) notes that the cash rate has risen to 3.85 per cent, marking the 13th interest rate increase under the Government; (2) recognises new data showing a record 760,100...
