Sharon Claydon (Newcastle, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I present report No. 7 of the Selection Committee, relating to the consideration of committee and delegation business and private members' business on Monday 2 March. The report will be printed in the Hansard for today, and the committee's deliberations 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, 10 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, 10 February 2026, and determined the order of precedence and times on Monday, 2 March 2026, as follows:

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

PRIVATE MEMBERS' BUSINESS

Notices

1 MS PENFOLD: To present a Bill for an Act to protect prime agricultural land, and for related purposes. (Prime Agricultural Land Protection Bill 2026)

(Notice given 10 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 DR SCAMPS: To present a Bill for an Act to establish a framework for transparent and quality public appointments, and to establish Independent Selection Panels and the Office of the Public Appointments Commissioner, and for related purposes. (Transparent and Quality Public Appointments Bill 2026)

(Notice given 10 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 DR M RYAN: To present a Bill for an Act to amend the Australian Centre for Disease Control Act 2025, and for related purposes. (Australian Centre for Disease Control Amendment (Gambling as a Public Health Issue) Bill 2026)

(Notice given 10 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.

Orders of the day

1 ENERGY AFFORDABILITY: Resumption of debate (from 3 November 2025) on the motion of Mr Tehan—That this House:

(1) condemns the Government for its failures regarding energy affordability and policy transparency; and

(2) notes that:

(a) Australians were promised a $275 cut to their power bills but under the Government households are instead paying on average $1,300 more;

(b) energy bills have already surged close to 40 per cent under the Government;

(c) the Government has broken its most basic promise to the Australian people; and

(d) the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water advised the Minister for Climate Change and Energy within the Incoming Government Brief of 'a further significant increase in retail electricity prices next financial year'.

Time allotted 40 minutes.

Speech time limits

All Members 5 minutes each.

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

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

Notices — continued

4 MS CAMPBELL: To move:

That this House notes that:

(1) twelve months into the landmark $792.9 million women's health package, the Government is continuing to deliver on its promise of more choice, lower costs and better care for Australian women and girls; and

(2) since the announcement, more than 660,000 women have accessed more than 2 million cheaper scripts for new contraceptives, menopausal hormone therapies and endometriosis treatment listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme.

(Notice given 10 February 2026.)

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

Speech time limits

Ms Campbell 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.

Items for Federation Chamber (11 am to 1.30 pm)

PRIVATE MEMBERS' BUSINESS

Notices

1 MS LE: To move:

That this House:

(1) acknowledges that:

(a) Australians are still battling a cost of living crisis, with many low and middle income families already unable to absorb surging mortgages, rent, energy bills and everyday essentials as annual inflation sits at about 3.8 per cent, above the Reserve Bank's two to three per cent target band;

(b) the higher than expected inflation outcome has increased the likelihood of a further cash rate rise next month, which would push already stretched households to the brink, forcing many to choose between meeting their mortgage, paying the rent or covering basic necessities; and

(c) high mortgage stress electorates such as the electoral division of Fowler, where many families are on low and modest incomes and have little to no financial buffer, are among the hardest hit by the combination of higher prices, higher interest rates and shrinking household budgets; and

(2) calls on the Government to ensure that any policies it introduces tackle the roots of cost of living, does not further exacerbate inflation rates and that it works with, and not against, the Reserve Bank's efforts to bring inflation back to target.

(Notice given 9 February 2026.)

Time allotted 25 minutes.

Speech time limits

Ms Le 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.

2 MR ABDO: To move:

That this House:

(1) notes that:

(a) on 1 October 2025, the Government expanded the five per cent deposit scheme to all Australian first home buyers, three months ahead of schedule; and

(b) more than 220,000 Australians have now bought their first home with a small deposit of five per cent or less thanks to the expanded five per cent deposit scheme;

(2) acknowledges that this housing challenge has been 40 years in the making, thanks in part to underinvestment and under-delivery of previous Governments; and

(3) commends the Government's $45 billion housing agenda, which is focused on building more homes, making it easier to buy, and making it better to rent.

(Notice given 10 February 2026.)

Time allotted 40 minutes.

Speech time limits

Mr Abdo 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.

3 MR CHESTER: To move:

That this House:

(1) acknowledges:

(a) the Australian War Memorial (AWM) was built to recognise the service and sacrifice of Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel following the Great War;

(b) the role of the AWM has grown to encompass all ADF service including major conflicts, peacekeeping missions, humanitarian aid and disaster relief;

(c) the AWM combines a shrine, a world-class museum, and an extensive archive; and

(d) its mission is leading remembrance and understanding of Australia's wartime experience;

(2) notes that:

(a) the former Government committed to a major redevelopment of the AWM with early construction work commencing in 2020 and scheduled for completion in 2028; and

(b) the key reason for the former Government funding the redevelopment of the AWM was to provide additional exhibition space to tell the stories of contemporary service in the ADF in a timely and appropriate manner; and

(3) urges the Government to ensure the independent AWM Council remains true to its mission without political interference.

(Notice given 10 February 2026.)

Time allotted 30 minutes.

Speech time limits

Mr Chester 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.

4 MR LAXALE: To move:

That this House:

(1) acknowledges the Government's Key Apprenticeship Program (KAP) is delivering real outcomes, with over 11,400 housing apprentice commencements in the first six months;

(2) commends the Government for prioritising apprentices to build more houses through providing $10,000 incentive payments for apprentices in housing construction trades in instalments across the apprenticeship to support commencements and completions;

(3) recognises the Government's other measures to support apprentices, including increasing the allowance for apprentices living away from home for the first time in more than 20 years, while also doubling support for employers hiring apprentices with a disability;

(4) supports these measures as vital steps towards building a skilled workforce and addressing the worst skills shortage in 50 years which was left unaddressed by the previous Government; and

(5) further recognises that the National Centre for Vocational Education Research data shows there were 22 per cent more apprentices in training within the construction sector at 30 June 2025 compared to 30 June 2019.

(Notice given 10 February 2026.)

Time allotted 30 minutes.

Speech time limits

Mr Laxale 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.

5 MR T WILSON: To move:

That this House:

(1) notes that small and family businesses are being harmed by a rise in e-shoplifting, or chargeback theft, where goods are delivered, but the big banks are illegitimately processing refunds;

(2) calls:

(a) on the Government and the big banks to urgently examine chargeback theft and its impact on small businesses;

(b) for the establishment of an urgent parliamentary inquiry into e-shoplifting through chargebacks; and

(c) on the Minister for Small Business to demonstrate action the Government has taken to support small and family businesses; and

(3) recognises the need for banks, card schemes and payment platforms to introduce fair, evidence-based chargeback processes that protect small businesses from chargeback theft.

(Notice given 3 February 2026.)

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

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.

Items for Federation Chamber (4.45 pm to 7.30 pm)

PRIVATE MEMBERS' BUSINESS

Notices — continued

6 MR GOSLING: To move:

That this House:

(1) affirms the significance on the recent signing of the Australia-Indonesia Treaty on Common Security, also known as the Jakarta Treaty 2026;

(2) notes this treaty reflects:

(a) the close friendship, partnership and deep trust between Australia and Indonesia and our leaders under our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership; and

(b) a major extension of the cooperation between Australia and Indonesia, for the benefit of our shared security and that of the region; and

(3) acknowledges Indonesia's strong economic growth represents an enormous opportunity for Australian businesses and investors, which the Government is working to realise including through Invested: Australia's Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040.

(Notice given 10 February 2026.)

Time allotted 35 minutes.

Speech time limits

Mr Gosling 5 minutes

Other Members 5 minutes

[Minimum number of proposed Members speaking = 7 x 5 mins]

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

Orders of the day

1 SMALL AND FAMILY BUSINESSES: Resumption of debate (from 24 November 2025) on the motion of Mr T Wilson—That this House:

(1) notes that small and family business insolvencies have exploded since the election of the Government, as its policies crush confidence and drive businesses to close;

(2) recognises that:

(a) the Government's industrial relations changes have replaced flexibility and fairness with confusion and compliance;

(b) the Government's energy policies have driven up power bills for shops, cafes, workshops and family enterprises; and

(c) small and family business are being forced to work longer hours for less return, while competing against government-subsidised sectors and ever increasing compliance costs;

(3) further notes that the voices of small and family businesses have been drowned out by union and big-corporate interests within the Government's decision making;

(4) condemns the Government for abandoning small and family businesses by:

(a) ignoring calls for tax relief and simpler regulation;

(b) pursuing workplace laws that punish entrepreneurship and flexibility; and

(c) failing to provide a clear pathway for small businesses to grow and employ more Australians; and

(1) affirms that the Opposition stands with small and family businesses who back themselves, create jobs and keep communities strong.

Time allotted 45 minutes.

Speech time limits

All Members 5 minutes each.

[Minimum number of proposed Members speaking = 9 x 5 mins]

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

Notices — continued

7 MR M SMITH: To move:

That this House:

(1) acknowledges the significant role of air travel and air freight in keeping regional communities connected;

(2) commends the commitment of the Government to support air travel through regional Australia through:

(a) supporting the conclusion and purchase of Rex Airlines through a commercial loan of $60 million and the restructuring of $108 million in existing debt to keep regional air routes running during the voluntary administration process;

(b) an additional $50 million over three years in the 2024-25 budget to extend the Regional Airstrip Upgrade program;

(c) the extension of the Regional Airports Program for three years with an additional $40 million for competitive grant funding in the 2024-25 budget; and

(d) the establishment of the $5 million Regional and Remote Airport Support Program for local government and regional and remote airports impacted by the Rex Airlines voluntary administration; and

(3) recognises the ongoing commitment of the Government to representing regional Australians and investing in the services they deserve.

(Notice given 10 February 2026.)

Time allotted 20 minutes.

Speech time limits

Mr M Smith 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.

Orders of the day — continued

2 GOVERNMENT SPENDING: Resumption of debate (from 9 February 2026) on the motion of Mr Ted O'Brien—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.

Time allotted 45 minutes.

Speech time limits

All Members 5 minutes each.

[Minimum number of proposed Members speaking = 9 x 5 mins]

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

Notices — continued

8 MR HUSIC: To move:

That this House:

(1) notes that the Government is taking strong action to protect Australian consumers and ensure fairer markets by:

(a) banning unfair trading practices economy wide that cost Australians time and money;

(b) ending dodgy subscription traps by ensuring that consumers get clear information upfront, timely reminders before free trials end, and a cancellation process that is just as easy as signing up;

(c) ending drip pricing by requiring businesses to display the full transaction costs upfront ensuring consumers know exactly what they are paying for;

(d) strengthening consumer guarantees so Australians get products that work, repairs that are fair, and refunds they are entitled to;

(e) banning supermarket price gouging from l July 2026 to prohibit very large retailers from charging excessive prices;

(f) cracking down on shrinkflation, so companies cannot disguise price increases by reducing package sizes while charging the same, or more;

(g) making unit pricing clearer and more consistent, backed by penalties for non-compliance, so consumers can spot real value at a glance and are not misled by tricky labels; and

(h) consulting on the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission's recommendations to boost transparency on prices, promotions and loyalty programs at supermarkets, making it easier for Australians to assess value for money; and

(2) supports this comprehensive consumer protection agenda designed to deliver fairer prices, more competition, and a better deal for Australians.

(Notice given 3 February 2026.)

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

Speech time limits

Mr Husic 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.

THE HON D. M. DICK MP

Speaker of the House of Representatives

11 February 2026