House debates
Thursday, 20 August 2026
- Committees (0 speeches)
- Reference (1 speech)
I present a schedule showing the allocation to committees of annual reports of government departments and agencies. The schedule read as follows— 48th Parliament Speaker's Schedule...
- Motions (0 speeches)
- Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence (5 speeches)
I move: That so much of the standing and sessional orders be suspended as would prevent the Member for Warringah from moving the following motion immediately—That the House: (1) notes that:...
- Committees (0 speeches)
- Bills (0 speeches)
- Committees (0 speeches)
- Public Works Joint Committee; Approval of Work (1 speech)
I move: That, in accordance with the provisions of the Public Works Committee Act 1969, it is expedient to carry out the following proposed work which was referred to the Parliamentary Standing...
- Bills (0 speeches)
- Statement by the Speaker (0 speeches)
- Parliament House (1 speech)
Before members move, I'd like to give a short statement to the House. There are new locking mechanisms in the doors and they are closing slower than normal automatically. This is just information...
- Bills (0 speeches)
- Motions (0 speeches)
- Economy (4 speeches)
I move: That so much of the standing and sessional orders be suspended as would prevent the Member for Goldstein from moving the following motion immediately: That this House notes that as of...
- Bills (0 speeches)
- Committees (0 speeches)
- Bills (0 speeches)
- Statements by Members (0 speeches)
- Indi Electorate: National Science Week (1 speech)
This week is National Science Week, and I want to celebrate the discovery, fun and wonder happening right across my electorate of Indi. Schools across Indi are marking the week with science based...
- Labor Government, SASSI (1 speech)
In recent weeks, I have proudly delivered a number of important Albanese Labor government investments for the Illawarra. We've secured funding for more local aged-care beds, backed local advanced...
- Gun Control (1 speech)
Labor's firearm laws were rushed through parliament in response to the Bondi terrorist attack, despite there being no evidence linking licensed firearm owners to that event. Farmers, sport...
- Palmerston Young Writers Festival (1 speech)
I want to talk about some very talented young Territory writers. 'A long, ghastly fart.' That's an unusual opening to a speech in parliament, no doubt, but that line comes from a winning short...
- Arts and Culture: Tasmania (1 speech)
Last year the Tasmanian arts minister was advised that dangerously low arts funding had left the sector highly vulnerable. Indeed, I regularly hear the same from folks in the industry who make a...
- Men's Health (1 speech)
With the support of the Assistant Minister for Social Services, Ged Kearney, and the Special Envoy for Men's Health, Dan Repacholi, I recently facilitated a men's health forum in my electorate of...
- Economy (1 speech)
Yesterday the Treasurer reassured Australians that our debt is in good shape compared with international credit ratings. Australians should ask a simple question: are we managing our debt or is...
- National Youth Parliament (1 speech)
National Youth Parliament has just been in the building this week, and this was a speech given by Sophia, the representative for Hunter: AI is becoming increasingly pervasive across our society,...
- Fiscal Policy (1 speech)
Under Labor, Australia's debt has hit the eye-watering figure of $1 trillion. That is not just a number on a Treasury spreadsheet; it's a bill that every Australian and every small business will...
- Housing (1 speech)
It was a privilege today to co-host a joint event between Parliamentary Friends of Housing and Parliamentary Friends of Mental Health, along with the member for Fisher, in collaboration with...
- Veterans: Health (1 speech)
Five thousand dollars is what this government effectively considers is the worth of our veterans in its callous changes to the allied health caps being put on our veterans. The servicemen and...
- Chisholm Electorate: Community Organisations (1 speech)
On Saturday I had the privilege of joining with the East Melbourne Panthers in support of their Flanno for a Farmer day fundraiser. I note that they were playing against the Frankston Dolphins,...
- Liberal-National Coalition (1 speech)
As of today, Labor has driven our national debt to a trillion dollars, and that's not an abstract number. It means the interest bill alone is running at more than $52,000 every single minute....
- Sri Lankan Entrepreneurs' Night (1 speech)
Last Saturday I attended the Sri Lankan Entrepreneurs' Night in Clyde hosted by the Australia-Sri Lanka Business Forum. The evening brought together entrepreneurs who are building businesses,...
- Economy (1 speech)
Today marks a critical point in Australian history because this government is maxing out the national credit card and leaving Australians to foot the bill. Today, our national debt hits $1...
- Werriwa Electorate: Health Care (1 speech)
Health, education opportunities, good roads and local services are the issues that most come up when I'm talking to constituents in my local area. I am really pleased to be able to report to the...
- Economy (1 speech)
Today Australia crosses a deeply troubling milestone: $1 trillion worth of Labor's debt. That's $1 trillion that needs to be serviced by Australian families. The interest bill alone is running at...
- National Science Week (1 speech)
This week is National Science Week. When I think back on my journey in science, I remember getting my first go at using a Bunsen burner in year 7, then falling in love with anatomy, before going...
- Veterans, International Relations: Australia and Japan (3 speeches)
I rise to talk about the government and to give some friendly advice about a little less hubris and a little more accountability. I would say there were two examples of this we've seen recently....
- Medicare (2 speeches)
Every day we are in this building, we on this side of the House are focused on delivering real change for Australians. Of course, I'm focused on what this means for my community in Maribyrnong. I...
- Statements on Indulgence (0 speeches)
- Hooper, Ms Lily (3 speeches)
Speaker, thank you for this indulgence. News broke this afternoon that Lily Hooper from Oakdale in my electorate was found deceased after an eight-day search in and around the Nattai National...
- Questions without Notice (0 speeches)
- Labor Government (4 speeches)
My question is to the Prime Minister. Under Labor, Australians have suffered lower real wages, higher unemployment, 15 interest rate rises, a housing market smashed, all-time-record business...
- Health Care (2 speeches)
My question is to the Minister for Health and Ageing and Minister for .Minister for Disability and the National Disability Insurance Scheme. How is the Albanese Labor government delivering for...
- Economy (12 speeches)
My question is to the Treasurer. Since 2022—
- Gambling (2 speeches)
My question is to the Minister for Communications. How is the Albanese Labor government delivering real change and protecting Australians most at risk from gambling harm?
- Distinguished Visitors (0 speeches)
- Acknowledgement (1 speech)
I'm pleased to inform the House that in the special visitors' gallery today is a friend to many, the Hon. Dr David Gillespie, who is the former member for Lyne. I'm also pleased to inform the...
- Questions without Notice (0 speeches)
- Economy (8 speeches)
My question is to the Treasurer. Treasurer, the assumptions in your May budget proved wildly, wildly wrong—wrong on rents, wrong on house prices and wrong about startups. Was it your...
- Artificial Intelligence (5 speeches)
My question is to the Prime Minister. I refer to the Prime Minister's recent speech at the University of Sydney on artificial intelligence. Why is it important that Australia develops standards...
- Veterans (6 speeches)
My question is to the Minister for Veterans' Affairs and Minister for Defence Personnel. RSL Australia president, former Western Australian Labor minister and decorated military veteran Peter...
- News Media and Digital Platforms (2 speeches)
My question is to the Assistant Treasurer. How is the Albanese Labor government supporting strong, sustainable Australian journalism through the news bargaining incentive?
- Veterans (2 speeches)
My question is to the Minister for Veterans' Affairs and Minister for Defence Personnel. Minister, the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide made 122 recommendations. Not one of...
- Employment (2 speeches)
My question is to the Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations. How is the Albanese Labor government delivering higher wages and more jobs for working Australians? What are the biggest...
- Distinguished Visitors (0 speeches)
- Acknowledgement (1 speech)
Before I call the member for Durack, I'm pleased to welcome to the parliament today, in the gallery, the Galen Catholic College band from Wangaratta, who will be performing at Parliament House...
- Questions without Notice (0 speeches)
- Minister for Veterans' Affairs (3 speeches)
My question is to the Minister for Veterans' Affairs and Minister for Defence Personnel. This morning, the Chair of Women Veterans Australia said the minister was delaying the release of a women...
- Economy (2 speeches)
My question is to the Treasurer. What progress is being made in the economy, and how does that compare to other approaches?
- Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence (2 speeches)
Last week the 45th Australian woman was allegedly killed by a man she knew. Two high-profile sexual assault allegations by boys and men ranging from 14-year-old students to AFL players are...
- Child Abuse: Working-With-Children Checks (2 speeches)
My question is to the Attorney-General. What has been the progress on the government's working-with-children check reforms?
- Veterans (6 speeches)
My question is to the Prime Minister. A veteran who served multiple combat tours in Afghanistan said, and I quote: 'Dealing with Minister Keogh, I think I prefer to deal with the Taliban. That...
- Avian Influenza (2 speeches)
My question is to the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry. How is the Albanese Labor government working with states and territories and industry to support Australia's bird flu response?
- Frankcom, Ms Lalzawmi (Zomi) (2 speeches)
My question is to the Prime Minister. Yesterday on World Humanitarian Day, the Israel Defense Forces announced they would not open a criminal investigation into IDF strikes that killed Australian...
- Housing (6 speeches)
My question is to the Minister for Housing. Minister, how is the Albanese Labor government delivering safe and secure homes for Australians who need them most, and is the minister aware of any...
- Committees (0 speeches)
- Selection Committee; Membership (2 speeches)
I have received advice from the Chief Government Whip nominating members to be members of the Selection Committee.
- 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.
- Matters of Public Importance (0 speeches)
- Economy (46 speeches)
I have received a letter from the honourable the Leader of the Opposition proposing that a definite matter of public importance be submitted to the House for discussion, namely: The Government...
- Bills (0 speeches)
- Committees (0 speeches)
- Bills (0 speeches)
- Adjournment (0 speeches)
- Calare Electorate: Community Events (1 speech)
Across the Calare electorate, in the heart of regional New South Wales, from our smallest rural villages to our bustling regional centres, there are vibrant local community events occurring every...
- Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (1 speech)
Almost $1 million has already gone back into the pockets of people across the Hunter because of cheaper medicines. Since the Albanese Labor government reduced the general PBS co-payment to just...
- Agriculture Industry: Human Rights (1 speech)
I was pleased this week to join a discussion with key stakeholders from the modern slavery sector in Australia—those people that care for, and work against the exploitation of, migrant...
- Australian Reptile Park, National Youth Parliament (2 speeches)
I rise today to speak in celebration of an extraordinary milestone, the 30th anniversary of the Australian Reptile Park. For three decades, this iconic local institution has delighted families,...
- Australian Parliament (1 speech)
It's great to be here speaking while you are in the chair, Mr Speaker. I know you always sit in the chair towards the end of the daily setting, and it's great to be here at the end of a two-week...
- South Eastern NSW Centre for Menopause, Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain (1 speech)
A small but dedicated team in a small village in my electorate is doing really big things. They're opening the door and changing the lives of women, not just in my electorate of Gilmore but right...
- Constituency Statements (0 speeches)
- SunRice (1 speech)
There is no difference between a skilled rice worker in Leeton and a skilled potline worker at Tomako. Both belong to a union. One processes grains that feeds people; the other smelts bauxite...
- Vietnam Veterans' Day, Community Events, Workplace Relations (1 speech)
Tuesday this week was Vietnam Veterans' Day and the 60th anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan. I want to begin by acknowledging the service held in Melton, as well as others held across our...
- Hancock, Mr Raymond John (1 speech)
I rise to acknowledge the recent passing of my friend Ray Hancock at age 99. Ray was one of the legends of Kenthurst and one of the last of the greatest generation, who served the cause of...
- Early Childhood Education and Care (1 speech)
Recently I had the pleasure of visiting the Discovery Early Learning Centre in Launceston as part of Early Learning Matters Week. It was wonderful to spend time with the young children as they...
- Diabetes (1 speech)
A constituent, a pensioner with diabetes, recently came to my office and reached out to me. They've given me permission to share their story. Ms Oliva uses a continuous glucose monitor. It works...
- Mitchell's Causeway, Macquarie Electorate: Disaster and Emergency Management (1 speech)
It is always a good week when you secure $100 million for your community, so I was very pleased to join the Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government; the...
- Mitchell Electorate: Infrastructure, Husic, Hon. Ed (1 speech)
I rise to update the House on the ongoing campaign to get the extension of the metro line from St Marys to Tallawong ending in my electorate of Mitchell at Rouse Hill. I also want to acknowledge...
- Kingsford Smith Electorate: Cancer (1 speech)
On 11 July I was privileged to join members of the Friday 400 Club at Maroubra Beach for their annual charity row, raising funds for the Mark Hughes Foundation and the Kids' Cancer Project. The...
- Lester, Hon. Vincent Patrick (Vince), OAM (1 speech)
I rise today to pay tribute to a true Queenslander and a remarkable public servant, Vince Lester OAM, who passed away this week at the age of 87. For nearly three decades, Vince served the people...
- Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence, Women's Economic Security (1 speech)
As a lifelong Melburnian, I am acutely aware of just how central the AFL is to our city and our culture. I took my kids to a game just last weekend, and we were just one of many families there...
- King's Birthday Honours and Awards (2 speeches)
I rise to congratulate seven outstanding local residents of the Cook community who received King's Birthday Honours. Mr Christopher McCormack AM has been recognised for service to triathlon and...
- Maxwell, Mr Albert (Albie) John, OAM, Hamilton, Mrs Liza, Donovan Livestock & Property (1 speech)
I'd like to acknowledge the life of Albert 'Albie' Maxwell OAM, from Woolgoolga. Albie was a true legend of the surf lifesaving community, dedicating more than 70 years of his life to lifesaving...
- National Youth Parliament (1 speech)
If you want to feel proud of our country, if you want to feel optimistic about our future and if you need your faith in our democracy renewed, check out the work of the 150 young Australians...
- Legal Aid (1 speech)
I rise today to speak about a crisis that is unfolding in our family court system: the dangerous defunding and underresourcing of independent children's lawyers, or ICLs. In difficult, often...
- Maribyrnong Electorate: Essendon District Football League Junior Grand Finals (1 speech)
It's the middle of August, and that means one thing in my community: footy finals—in particular, the Essendon District Football League junior grand finals. Last weekend, nine clubs from...
- Disaster and Emergency Management (1 speech)
(): I rise to speak on the government's recent announcement of changes to the national disaster recovery arrangements. This was unfortunately done late on a Friday afternoon on 6 June....
- Volunteering (1 speech)
I rise today to acknowledge and celebrate the volunteers of the Brighton community who were recognised at the 2026 Brighton Community Volunteer Awards, held during National Volunteers Week....
- Veterans (1 speech)
When the 2021 census was conducted across the 12 local government areas I now represent, there were 4,627 veterans—people who ticked the box to say that they have served this country in the...
- Freemantle Traffic Bridge (2 speeches)
The other day, I had the privilege and joy of standing on the new Fremantle Traffic Bridge, which is under construction, and being part of an announcement with WA government colleagues that this...
- Bills (0 speeches)
- Adjournment (0 speeches)
- Climate Change (1 speech)
Recently, the Sydney Morning Herald ran a story with a headline that should stop every member of parliament in this place: '"Never seen so many grown men cry": The everyday Aussies who can't...
- Humanitarian and Refugee Visas (1 speech)
I rise today to speak about Australia's humanitarian and refugee intake and express my strong support for maintaining our current 20,000 visas annually, and I hope that this is something we will...
- Phillip Island: Avian Bird Flu, Environment: Coastal Inundation, Superannuation (1 speech)
I'd like to speak on a couple of things, and I want to start with Phillip Island, which I very proudly represent as part of my electorate of Monash. Phillip Island is of course home to the...
- Russo, Ms Isabella, Domestic and Family Violence (1 speech)
Australia rightly celebrates our sporting women and men for doing us proud on the world stage—our Olympians, our Commonwealth Games athletes, the Socceroos, the Matildas, the Diamonds. But...
- Aged Care (1 speech)
I rise today to raise concerns about the Albanese Labor government's Support at Home system failures. Caring for, respecting and supporting vulnerable Australians is an important responsibility...
- Mental Health (1 speech)
I am so pleased to address the chamber today to speak about something that affects so many individuals and families right across Australia. It's their mental health and wellbeing. In Australia...
