House debates
Thursday, 13 August 2026
- Business (0 speeches)
- Suspension of Standing and Sessional Orders (1 speech)
I move: That so much of the standing and sessional orders be suspended as would prevent the whole debate time limit on the motion to take note of the Standing Committee on...
- Bills (0 speeches)
- Business (0 speeches)
- Rearrangement (1 speech)
I move: That government business order of the day No. 3 be called on immediately. Question agreed to.
- Bills (0 speeches)
- Statements by Members (0 speeches)
- Fowler Electorate: Seniors (1 speech)
Last month, on 21 July, I had the privilege of attending the seniors' concert at the Liverpool Catholic Club. I was honoured to stand with our local seniors, to celebrate them and to recognise...
- Newcastle Electorate: Manufacturing (1 speech)
Today is a great day for Newcastle and the Hunter and a great day for Australian manufacturing. I want to acknowledge the Albanese and Minns Labor governments for securing the future of Tomago...
- Artificial Intelligence (1 speech)
There is a clear and increasingly urgent need for Australian governments to set the conditions for safe and effective adoption of AI services in health care. AI is already reading our scans and...
- Southern Launch (1 speech)
The National Reconstruction Fund Corporation has taken a $10 million equity stake in aerospace company Southern Launch, located in my home state of South Australia. When I visited the Adelaide...
- Cutler, Mr Andrew (1 speech)
I want to read an excerpt of a speech I heard at the West Pittwater RFS AGM recently, as it is a wonderful tribute to retiring captain Andrew 'Cuts' Cutler and is emblematic of the commitment and...
- 'Eastern Rosellas' (1 speech)
For the last four weeks, the nation has been united by a viral song written by locals in my electorate of Bennelong. Since young Miles Phillips released 'Eastern Rosellas', it's been playing...
- Economy (1 speech)
Australians are feeling poorer under the Albanese government. Many across the country are struggling to pay their mortgages, struggling with higher energy costs and struggling to put food on...
- Operation Copper (1 speech)
I would like to recognise an extraordinary group of Australians whose generosity has preserved an important chapter of our nation's wartime history. The Real Operation Copper is a documentary...
- Economy (1 speech)
Australians expect judgement, dignity and character from their prime minister; instead, they get crude banter, excuses and denial. The Prime Minister continues to diminish the office he holds....
- Domestic and Family Violence (1 speech)
This year alone, 45 Australian women have had their lives tragically cut short at the hands of violence by men. Behind every number is someone's mum, sister, aunt or friend whose life was stolen...
- Economy (1 speech)
It's always been the great promise of this country that every generation could pass onto their children a nation that was stronger and more prosperous. Unfortunately, under this government, this...
- Cancer: Fundraising (1 speech)
I want to recognise an extraordinary young person from the Hunter community: 15-year-old Tilly from Morisset. Today, Tilly is doing something incredibly brave and generous. She's shaving off all...
- Economy (2 speeches)
People in the Berowra community were already doing it tough, and then along came Anthony Albanese with his toxic taxes, which made things so much worse. The Financial Review has reported that...
- Housing (1 speech)
Far too many young people feel that the housing market is stacked against them. I've spoken to many young people in my electorate who feel that the idea of owning their own home is completely out...
- Prime Minister (1 speech)
This week we have once again observed a stubborn Prime Minister who consistently refuses to fess up when he has tripped up: 'It wasn't me. I didn't fall. No, it wasn't me. I didn't offend the...
- Tertiary Education and Training (1 speech)
Recently, I attended the market days at ANU and University of Canberra, and I also visited the Australian Catholic University here in Canberra, where I heard about what the Albanese government's...
- National Security (1 speech)
Our critical military bases have been turned into a playground for unidentified drone operators because of this government's staggering incompetence. It is a betrayal of the men and women in...
- Domestic and Family Violence (1 speech)
I rise today with a heavy heart—four women killed in 45 days in my home state of Queensland. Across our country, 45 Australian women have been killed by violence this year. As a former...
- Prime Minister (4 speeches)
There's something about the Prime Minister, the Hunter Valley and the truth. Do you remember when he spoke to the Mining and Energy Union in the Hunter Valley and he slipped off the...
- Medicare (2 speeches)
There are now over 3,800 bulk-billing clinics right across the country. If you take four seconds to say the name of each one, it takes about four hours and five minutes to complete—all the...
- Statements on Indulgence (0 speeches)
- International Relations: Australia and Brunei (1 speech)
A short time ago, I had the absolute pleasure of meeting with His Royal Highness the Crown Prince of Brunei. We discussed our shared ambition for a peaceful, stable and prosperous region...
- Questions without Notice (0 speeches)
- Prime Minister (4 speeches)
My question is to the Prime Minister. This morning, the Prime Minister was asked yet again about his classless comments on the Bush Deep podcast. Yet again, he refused to give a straight answer....
- Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence (3 speeches)
My question is to the Prime Minister. How is the Albanese Labor government working to prevent family, sexual and domestic violence; improve early intervention; and make sure women and children...
- Prime Minister (3 speeches)
My question is to the Prime Minister. A month before he made sexist remarks about the Prime Minister of Japan on the Bush Deep podcast, the Prime Minister did post this comment online: No matter...
- Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence (3 speeches)
My question is to the Minister for Social Services. How is the Albanese Labor government working to reduce family, domestic and sexual violence? Why is this so important?
- Science (2 speeches)
This is a question for the Minister representing the Minister for Science. Investment in science is critical to Australia's future productivity and prosperity, but our science system is going...
- Sovereign Capability (4 speeches)
My question is to the Prime Minister. How is the Albanese Labor government delivering on our national resilience by backing Australia's workforce, our sovereign capability and future...
- Distinguished Visitors (0 speeches)
- Acknowledgement (1 speech)
I'm pleased to inform the House that present in the gallery today is Councillor Ben Fry, the deputy mayor of Bathurst Regional Council, as a guest of the member for Calare. Honourable members:...
- Questions without Notice (0 speeches)
- Economy (12 speeches)
My question is to the Prime Minister. Data released today shows the average Australian worker is more than $1,200 a year poorer than they were a year ago. Why is the Albanese Labor government...
- Tomago Aluminium (2 speeches)
My question is to the minister representing the Minister for Industry and Innovation. How will the Albanese Labor government's plan to secure the future of Tomago Aluminium support local jobs as...
- Housing (7 speeches)
My question is to the Minister for Housing. The major four banks in Australia are all reporting declines in home loan applications of between 12 per cent and 20 per cent since Labor's budget of...
- Wages and Salaries (2 speeches)
My question is to the Treasurer. What does today's earnings data tell us about Australians incomes? Are there any risks to the wages and retirement incomes of Australians?
- Taxation (18 speeches)
My question is to the Prime Minister. Labor's toxic taxes have tanked the housing market. Does the Prime Minister know how many first home buyers are now trapped in negative equity?
- Housing (2 speeches)
My question is to the Minister for Housing. What is the Albanese Labor government doing to help more Australians into safe, decent and affordable homes, and is the minister aware of any risks to...
- Distinguished Visitors (0 speeches)
- Acknowledgement (1 speech)
I'm pleased to advise the House that we have Councillor Brett Tessari, the mayor, and Councillor Ron Bauer, the deputy mayor, of Bass Coast Shire Council as guests for the member for Monash in...
- Questions without Notice (0 speeches)
- Gambling Advertising (2 speeches)
My question is to the Prime Minister. The AFL and NRL make more than $90 million a year in income from gambling. They partner with gambling companies to profit from the losses of their fans. They...
- Wages and Salaries (2 speeches)
My question is to the Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations. How is the Albanese Labor government supporting higher wages for Australian workers, and what has been the response to this...
- Private Health Insurance (8 speeches)
My question is to the Prime Minister. John and Cheryl from my electorate have told me, 'If the cost of living isn't bad enough already, Labor's change to private health rebates is another burden...
- Avian Influenza (2 speeches)
My question is to the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry. What are the latest detections of H5 bird flu in Australia, and how is the government working with industry, the states and...
- Gambling Industry (2 speeches)
My question is to the Prime Minister. Since the gambling reform legislation was introduced, how many times has the Prime Minister met with representatives of the gambling industry?
- AusAlert (5 speeches)
My question is to the Minister for Emergency Management. How did the trial of the AusAlert national emergency warning system perform? What other investment is the Albanese government making in...
- 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.
- Questions to the Speaker (0 speeches)
- Questions in Writing (4 speeches)
Mr Speaker, pursuant to standing order 105, I request that you write to the Minister for Aged Care and Seniors seeking reasons for the delay in answering my question in writing No. 169—a...
- Matters of Public Importance (0 speeches)
- Senior Australians (28 speeches)
I have received a letter from the honourable member for Mallee proposing that a definite matter of public importance be submitted to the House for discussion, namely: The Government's ongoing...
- Personal Explanation (5 speeches)
The time for this discussion has concluded. Member for Mallee, are you seeking the call on indulgence?
- Bills (0 speeches)
- Adjournment (0 speeches)
- Small Business (1 speech)
Small businesses are the backbone of our communities and our economy. I have said that in this House many times and I will keep saying it until this government acts on it. My electorate of Fowler...
- Data Centres (1 speech)
There are plenty of Australians who hate the idea of data centres being built in Australia at the moment. For many people, they are the physical embodiment of everything that they're worried...
- Taxation (1 speech)
I rise to support the freeze that's in place on the excise for draught beer, and I call for it to be extended for a further three years. It's a sensible measure that's providing some welcome...
- Far North Queensland (1 speech)
I came out of a meeting on Monday and checked my phone and had a missed call from none other than the former member for Leichhardt, a good friend of yours, Speaker. As far as I can tell, he rang...
- Albanese Government (1 speech)
Sadly, the Australian standard of living has collapsed under this Labor government. It has fallen further and harder than any other developed economy in the world. The indicators of this are...
- Braddon Electorate: Medicare (1 speech)
I want to talk about the Burnie Health Hub and how it's strengthening Medicare for our region and right across the north-west of Tasmania. The Burnie Health Hub is a powerful example of what can...
- Constituency Statements (0 speeches)
- Veterans (1 speech)
No veteran should have to fight their own government to access the health care that they've already earned. But veterans in my electorate, and across the country, are deeply concerned about the...
- Lingiari Electorate: Community Events (1 speech)
On Sunday 19 July, Imalu Tigers took on the Ranku Eagles in Wurrimiyanga on my beautiful home community of the Tiwi Islands. In the women's match, Tapalinga Superstars and Jikilarruwu went head...
- Wentworth Electorate: Community Volunteers (1 speech)
Today I want to pay tribute to a remarkable Australian, Bob Montgomery. Bob and his grandson, Tom, recently rode more than 5,000 kilometres, from Broome to Bob's home town of Bowral to raise...
- Burt Electorate: Employment (1 speech)
The Albanese Labor government is building an Australia where hard work pays off and there's more opportunity to get ahead. More jobs are being created under our government—more than ever in...
- Warringah Electorate: Small Business (1 speech)
Small businesses are the backbone of Warringah. Warringah is home to around 8,000 small, employing businesses and another 12,000 sole traders, but many are being squeezed by rising insurance...
- Welcome Cultural Services (1 speech)
Today I rise to celebrate the opening of a renewed multicultural centre in Launceston, Welcome Cultural Services. This is much more than a refurbished building. It's a place where people are...
- Private Health Insurance (1 speech)
During the winter break, I spent a lot of time talking with locals in my electorate in the Redlands. Hundreds attended community coffee catch ups that I held in Birkdale, Cleveland and...
- Ballarat Electorate: Infrastructure (1 speech)
As minister, I'm incredibly fortunate to be able to see many projects being delivered across the country. But while new buildings and upgraded facilities are really important, what matters most...
- Wannon Electorate: Small Business (1 speech)
During the winter break, it was a great opportunity for me to get out and about in my electorate, visit some of the wonderful 300 communities that I have in my electorate and, in particular, head...
- Tree, Ms Georgia, Labor Government (1 speech)
The federal and state Labor governments are continuing to deliver for my electorate of Brand, which is why I'm so pleased that my friend Georgia Tree is standing for the seat of Secret Harbour in...
- Herbert Electorate: Community Events (1 speech)
It's been a busy time in Townsville over the last few weeks. First we saw the Townsville Titans claim victory in a nationwide tug-of-war competition that was held in Townsville. They had...
- Tertiary Education and Training (1 speech)
Imagine being able to have the career that you love and not having to choose between prac and paying the rent. This has been an issue for so many health students. I was very lucky when, a few...
- Private Health Insurance (1 speech)
More than three million older Australians are facing a crushing financial blow under this Labor government, with private health insurance premium increases of up to $807 per year for singles and...
- Lane Cove Public School: 150th Anniversary, Olivieri, Mr Domenico (Mick) (1 speech)
In 1876, Lane Cove Public School opened with just 13 students, and last week the school celebrated their 150th anniversary. It was such an honour to join their celebrations alongside Principal...
- Casey Electorate: Community Events (1 speech)
It was an honour to join our local volunteer firefighters and their families at the Montrose Fire Brigade annual awards last weekend. Congratulations to Montrose firefighters Mark Dynes and Ryan...
- Tynan, Ms Melinda, Myers, Mr Cameron (1 speech)
I rise today to recognise two outstanding constituents of Fenner. Melinda Tynan is retiring after decades of public service. Melinda began her career in the New South Wales police force, where...
- Glasgow Commonwealth Games (1 speech)
I too would like to rise today to highlight the tremendous success of the 2026 Commonwealth Games. Athletes from 74 nations and territories came together in Glasgow for the 23rd games. Australia...
- Tangney Electorate: Social Cohesion (1 speech)
Earlier this month, constituents from the Indian Australian community in Tangney reached out to me about some of the racist abuse that has been said to them. There are people out there...
- Cost of Living (1 speech)
This country needs a plan, and it needs to be run by a political party that has a plan. The Liberal National Party has a plan, and we're out there communicating with the Australian public about...
- Rail Safety Week (2 speeches)
Between 2001 and 2025, there were 2,305 fatalities on our rail networks. Of those, 1,781 were suicides. This absolutely validates the direct and indirect investment in our mental health, which is...
- Committees (0 speeches)
- Education Committee; Report (10 speeches)
When I was young, my family was very poor. We were a Chinese Malaysian family that worked as rubber tappers in Muar, Malaysia. My language at home was Chinese, but on my daily walk to help my...
- Adjournment (0 speeches)
- Australian Parliament, Small Business (1 speech)
I want to talk today about the disconnect between politics and community and then about small business and why that should be our focus right now. When I talk to people about what they want from...
- Medicare, Tertiary Education and Training (1 speech)
Our government is delivering real change in communities in Jagajaga, strengthening Medicare, investing in skills and training and providing more support for families. These investments are making...
- Flinders Electorate: Sport, Flinders Electorate: Schools (1 speech)
Today I rise to congratulate three outstanding athletes from Flinders who represented Australia at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. One is Thomas McGough, who's a year 10 student. He...
- Stewart, Dr Heather, Macquarie Electorate: Greater Schools Sydney Cattle Competition, Macquarie Electorate: Acknowledgements (2 speeches)
It's a really sad fact that you learn so much more about your fellow community members only when they're gone, and that is certainly the case for a wonderful Blue Mountains resident, Dr Heather...
- Roadcraft, Noosa Dolphins Rugby Union Club, Maryborough Military Aviation Museum Association (1 speech)
I rise to express my strong support for Roadcraft and their application for funding under the Queensland government's Community Road Safety Grants program. As caravan ownership and recreational...
- Tomago Aluminium (1 speech)
What an announcement for the Hunter: the future of Tomago Aluminium has been secured beyond 2028. For the community of Hunter, that's absolutely huge. Tomago isn't some distant industrial asset...
