Milton Dick (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I present report No. 6 of the Selection Committee, relating to the consideration of committee and delegation business and private members' business on Monday 9 February 2026. The report will be printed in the Hansard for today, and the committee's determination will appear on tomorrow's Notice Paper. Copies of the report have been placed on the table.

The report read as follows—

Report relating to the consideration of committee and delegation business and of private Members' business

1. The Committee met in private session on Tuesday, 3 February 2026.

2. The Committee deliberated on items of committee and delegation business that had been notified, private Members' business items listed on the Notice Paper and notices lodged on Tuesday, 3 February 2026, and determined the order of precedence and times on Monday, 9 February 2026, as follows:

Items for House of Representatives Chamber (10.10 am to 12 noon)

COMMITTEE AND DELEGATION BUSINESS

Presentation and statements

1 Standing Committee on Economics

Review of the Reserve Bank of Australia Annual Report 2024

The Committee determined that statements on the report may be made all statements to conclude by 10.20 am.

Speech time limits

Mr Husic 5 minutes.

Other Members 5 minutes.

[Minimum number of proposed Members speaking = 2 x 5 mins]

PRIVATE MEMBERS' BUSINESS

Notices

1 MR CONAGHAN: To present a Bill for an Act to amend the Flags Act 1953, and for related purposes. (Flags Amendment (Protection of Australian National Flags) Bill 2026)

(Notice given 3 February 2026.)

Presenter may speak to the second reading for a period not exceeding 10 minutes pursuant to standing order 41. Debate must be adjourned pursuant to standing order 142.

2 MS SHARKIE: To present a Bill for an Act to amend the Criminal Code Act 1995, and for related purposes. (Criminal Code Amendment (Flag Protection) Bill 2026)

(Notice given 3 February 2026.)

Presenter may speak to the second reading for a period not exceeding 10 minutes pursuant to standing order 41. Debate must be adjourned pursuant to standing order 142.

3 MS TEMPLEMAN: To 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 Medicare was launched, giving Australians access to free 24 hours a day, seven days a week quality health advice over the phone; and

(iii) Medicare Mental Health Check-In commenced, providing a new free digital mental health service offering self-help tools; and

(b) the Government's record investment in bulk billing which has resulted in:

(i) more than 3,300 fully bulk billing general practitioner practices across Australia, with almost 1,250 of these practices previously mixed billing; and

(ii) rising bulk billing rates and a stronger Medicare; and

(2) acknowledges that only this Government can be trusted to strengthen Medicare.

(Notice given 3 February 2026.)

Time allotted 50 minutes.

Speech time limits

Ms Templeman 5 minutes

Other Members 5 minutes

[Minimum number of proposed Members speaking = 10 x 5 mins]

The Committee determined that consideration of this matter should continue on a future day.

4 MS STEGGALL: To 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) migrants play a vital role in sustaining small businesses across Australia, including by filling skills and labour shortages, starting new enterprises, supporting regional economies and contributing to local employment growth; and

(2) calls on all Members of the House to engage in respectful, evidence-based debate on migration policy, and to reject rhetoric that inflames division or undermines the dignity and contribution of migrant communities.

(Notice given 3 February 2026.)

Time allotted 5 minutes.

Speech time limits

Ms Steggall 5 minutes

[Minimum number of proposed Members speaking = 1 x 5 mins]

The Committee determined that consideration of this matter should continue at a later hour.

5 MR TED O'BRIEN: To move:

That this House:

(1) condemns the Treasurer for refusing to take responsibility for the Government's out-of-control spending, which is fuelling inflation and interest rates;

(2) notes the:

(a) Treasurer's own budget papers show he has added $50 billion of new discretionary spending in the current financial year alone; and

(b) average mortgage holder is already paying around $21,000 a year more in interest than under the previous Government and that burden could rise even further; and

(3) calls on the Treasurer to adopt measurable budget rules to bring discipline back to the management of our nation's finances.

(Notice given 3 February 2026.)

Time allotted remaining private Members' business time prior to 12 noon.

Speech time limits

Mr Ted O'Brien 5 minutes

Other Members 5 minutes

[Minimum number of proposed Members speaking = 5 x 5 mins]

The Committee determined that consideration of this matter should continue on a future day.

Items for Federation Chamber (11 am to 1.30 pm)

PRIVATE MEMBERS' BUSINESS

Notices

1 MR NG: To 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 protestors, arbitrary arrests and communications blackouts;

(b) many members of the Iranian Australian community are deeply distressed by the actions of the Iranian regime; and

(c) the Australian Government condemns the actions of the Iranian regime and affirms Australia's support for the people of Iran in their struggle for freedom, democracy and human rights;

(2) recognises that:

(a) the Australian Government has taken strong action to hold those responsible for human rights abuses in Iran to account, including targeted sanctions on more than 200 Iranian individuals and entities and more than 100 Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) linked individuals and entities, as well as listing the IRGC as a state sponsor of terrorism;

(b) the Australian Government's most recent sanctions target senior officials and entities linked to the IRGC complicit in oppressing the Iranian people, violently suppressing domestic protests, and threatening lives both inside and outside Iran; and

(c) Australia has taken significant diplomatic steps, including:

(i) the expulsion of the Iranian Ambassador; and

(ii) leadership in international efforts to hold Iran accountable through the United Nations; and

(3) affirms its:

(a) solidarity with the people of Iran; and

(b) ongoing commitment to the protection and promotion of human rights and democratic freedoms.

(Notice given 3 February 2026.)

Time allotted 50 minutes.

Speech time limits

Mr Ng 5 minutes

Other Members 5 minutes

[Minimum number of proposed Members speaking = 10 x 5 mins]

The Committee determined that consideration of this matter should continue on a future day.

2 MS SPENDER: To 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) Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) warned last year that the Australian economy could not sustainably grow faster than 2 per cent without running into inflationary pressure;

(c) RBA has downgraded Australia's medium term productivity growth forecasts to just 0.7 per cent, per year; and

(d) Government undertook an economic reform roundtable with progress made on areas including nuisance tariffs and environmental approvals; and

(2) calls on the Government to:

(a) introduce stronger impact assessments, scrutiny and executive accountability for identifying and discontinuing costly and ineffective regulation;

(b) rein-in Government spending, reinstate fiscal rules, reform the Charter of Budget Honesty and make ministers and departments more accountable for blowouts in budget measures;

(c) identify how technology and artificial intelligence can support better provision of public services and government effectiveness; and

(d) recalibrate Australia's patchwork of climate and industry policies to a framework that transitions the economy at the lowest cost.

(Notice given 3 February 2026.)

Time allotted 15 minutes.

Speech time limits

Ms Spender 5 minutes

Other Members 5 minutes

[Minimum number of proposed Members speaking = 3 x 5 mins]

The Committee determined that consideration of this matter should continue on a future day.

3 MS J RYAN: To 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;

(2) notes that this agreement represents the largest Commonwealth investment in public schools by any Australian Government ever and is tied to important reforms to lift student outcomes;

(3) recognises the importance of teachers and the steps the Government is taking to tackle the teacher shortage;

(4) further notes that new data shows more Australians are choosing to study teaching, supported by important measures to help more people start and finish teaching degrees including through:

(a) Commonwealth Paid Prac for teaching students;

(b) Commonwealth Teaching Scholarships; and

(c) reforms to strengthen teacher training;

(5) further acknowledges the national effort being undertaken with states and territories to prevent and respond to bullying in schools; and

(6) affirms that the Government continues to invest in schools, support teachers, and is committed to building a better and fairer education system.

(Notice given 3 February 2026.)

Time allotted 40 minutes.

Speech time limits

Ms J Ryan 5 minutes

Other Members 5 minutes

[Minimum number of proposed Members speaking = 8 x 5 mins]

The Committee determined that consideration of this matter should continue on a future day.

4 MR T WILSON: To move:

That this House:

(1) condemns the Government for presiding over the insolvency of 41,749 small businesses since being elected;

(2) notes that:

(a) 2025 was the worst calendar year for business insolvencies since records began in 1999, with more than 14,649 businesses collapsing; and

(b) this Prime Minister now has the worst record of any Prime Minister for business insolvencies with an average of 2,938 businesses going under each quarter;

(3) further condemns the Government for its failure to recognise the scale of the small business crisis and its lack of urgency in responding to record insolvencies;

(4) acknowledges that behind every insolvency statistic is a family, an employee and a local community bearing the cost of the Government's policy failures; and

(5) calls on the Minister for Small Business to urgently review the Government's policy settings that are focused on increasing costs, complexity and uncertainty for small and family businesses.

(Notice given 3 February 2026.)

Time allotted 25 minutes.

Speech time limits

Mr T Wilson 5 minutes

Other Members 5 minutes

[Minimum number of proposed Members speaking = 5 x 5 mins]

The Committee determined that consideration of this matter should continue on a future day.

5 MR HOGAN: To 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 large; and

(b) community members recognised through Australia Day 2026 Local Citizen of the Year awards; and

(2) congratulates all the recipients of awards on Australia Day 2026.

(Notice given 3 February 2026.)

Time allotted remaining private Members' business time prior to 1.30 pm.

Speech time limits

Mr Hogan 5 minutes

Other Members 5 minutes

[Minimum number of proposed Members speaking = 4 x 5 mins]

The Committee determined that consideration of this matter should continue at a later hour.

Items for Federation Chamber (4.45 pm to 7.30 pm)

PRIVATE MEMBERS' BUSINESS

Orders of the day

IMMIGRATION: Resumption of debate on the motion of Ms Steggall—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) migrants play a vital role in sustaining small businesses across Australia, including by filling skills and labour shortages, starting new enterprises, supporting regional economies and contributing to local employment growth; and

(2) calls on all Members of the House to engage in respectful, evidence-based debate on migration policy, and to reject rhetoric that inflames division or undermines the dignity and contribution of migrant communities.

(Notice given 3 February 2026.)

Time allotted 10 minutes.

Speech time limits

All Members 5 minutes each.

[Minimum number of proposed Members speaking = 2 x 5 mins]

The Committee determined that consideration of this matter should continue on a future day.

Notices — continued

6 MS FERNANDO: To move:

That this House:

(1) acknowledges that the Government inherited the most severe skill shortages in half a century, after a decade of neglect and an absence of any national skills agreement;

(2) recognises the Government for securing the landmark five-year National Skills Agreement, giving Australians easier access to training no matter where they live;

(3) emphasises that the agreement resets how Australia plans, funds and delivers vocational education and training, backed by $12.6 billion over five years, including $3.7 billion in additional funding to strengthen the skills system;

(4) observes that the Government's training reform and investment is delivering real outcomes, with national skills shortages easing over three consecutive years, and occupations in shortage falling from 36 per cent in 2023, to 33 per cent in 2024, and 29 per cent in 2025; and

(5) commends the Government's efforts to support Australians to upskill and reskill so more Australians get qualified for well-paid jobs in the sectors that employers and industries need including housing, care and support services, clean energy and digital capability.

(Notice given 3 February 2026.)

Time allotted 40 minutes.

Speech time limits

Ms Fernando 5 minutes

Other Members 5 minutes

[Minimum number of proposed Members speaking = 8 x 5 mins]

The Committee determined that consideration of this matter should continue on a future day.

7 MR VIOLI: To move:

That this House:

(1) notes that:

(a) Saturday, 7 February 2026, marks the 17th anniversary of the tragic 2009 Black Saturday bushfires; and

(b) the recent and ongoing bushfires across Victoria have devastated the state, including the heartbreaking loss of one life, the destruction of homes, farmland, livestock and agricultural livelihoods; and

(2) acknowledges the bravery and tireless dedication of local Country Fire Authority crews, emergency services and volunteers who continue to work under extreme conditions to defend Victorian lives and property, including those who met the call and travelled long distances to help support fire-threatened communities.

(Notice given 3 February 2026.)

Time allotted 20 minutes.

Speech time limits

Mr Violi 5 minutes

Other Members 5 minutes

[Minimum number of proposed Members speaking = 4 x 5 mins]

The Committee determined that consideration of this matter should continue on a future day.

8 MS CHESTERS: To 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) expresses its condolences to the Australians who have lost their lives during these events;

(3) offers its sympathy to Australians who have lost property or livestock as a result of these events; and

(4) thanks emergency service personnel and first responders for their work in keeping Australians safe.

(Notice given 3 February 2026.)

Time allotted 30 minutes.

Speech time limits

Ms Chesters 5 minutes

Other Members 5 minutes

[Minimum number of proposed Members speaking = 6 x 5 mins]

The Committee determined that consideration of this matter should continue on a future day.

9 MR TEHAN: To 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 bills in the next six months;

(2) Australians were promised a $275 cut to their power bills by last Christmas and $378 lower by 2030;

(3) Australians, instead, are paying up to $1,300 more;

(4) electricity costs rose by 21.5 per cent in the 12 months to December 2025; and

(5) instead of lower energy costs, as promised by the Government, Australians are now paying more due to the policies of the Government.

(Notice given 3 February 2026.)

Time allotted 20 minutes.

Speech time limits

Mr Tehan 5 minutes

Other Members 5 minutes

[Minimum number of proposed Members speaking = 4 x 5 mins]

The Committee determined that consideration of this matter should continue on a future day.

10 MR BIRRELL: To 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 service personnel who put themselves in danger to keep the community safe; and

(c) long-term recovery effort faced by the impacted areas to get back on their feet;

(2) notes that the:

(a) Victorian State Government is failing to properly manage public land by inadequately carrying out fuel load reducing planned burns which mitigate the bushfire risk;

(b) Victorian State Government has not learned the lessons from previous bushfires and is failing to keep people safe; and

(c) shutdown of the sustainable native hardwood timber industry in Victoria has limited the capacity to fight bushfires in the state; and

(3) urges the Commonwealth Government to:

(a) support those who have lost their homes and livelihoods;

(b) recognise the need to mitigate the bushfire risk to regional communities through planned burns;

(c) ensure Australia has the sovereign capability to fight bushfires; and

(d) co-ordinate a national response to bushfire emergencies when they occur.

(Notice given 3 February 2026.)

Time allotted 15 minutes.

Speech time limits

Mr Birrell 5 minutes

Other Members 5 minutes

[Minimum number of proposed Members speaking = 3 x 5 mins]

The Committee determined that consideration of this matter should continue on a future day.

Orders of the day — continued

AUSTRALIA DAY AWARDS: Resumption of debate on the motion of Mr Hogan—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 large; and

(b) community members recognised through Australia Day 2026 Local Citizen of the Year awards; and

(2) congratulates all the recipients of awards on Australia Day 2026.

(Notice given 3 February 2026.)

Time allotted remaining private Members' business time prior to 7.30 pm.

Speech time limits

All Members 5 minutes each.

[Minimum number of proposed Members speaking = 6 x 5 mins]

The Committee determined that consideration of this matter should continue on a future day.

THE HON D. M. DICK MP

Speaker of the House of Representatives

3 February 2026