Carol Brown's recent appearances (OpenAustralia.org)
Two-Way Taxi Trucks South East Rally | Statements by Senators | Senate debates
I had the pleasure recently of flagging off the Two-Way Taxi Trucks South East Rally, organised by the Post Vintage Car Club of Tasmania. It was a strong turnout, with more than 68 classic cars...
I had the pleasure recently of flagging off the Two-Way Taxi Trucks South East Rally, organised by the Post Vintage Car Club of Tasmania. It was a strong turnout, with more than 68 classic cars taking part and a clear sense of pride from everyone involved. The Post Vintage Car Club has been part of Tasmania's community life for decades. It was formed by enthusiasts who wanted to preserve, restore and, most importantly, drive and ride post-vintage vehicles. That commitment is still evident today, not only in the care of the vehicles but in the way their knowledge, skills and time are shared between members. What stood out most was the spirit of the event. This was not about speed or competition; it was a carefully planned time trial focused on navigation, care and respect for others on the road. Drivers were reminded to enjoy the journey as much as the destination. The rally also highlighted the role that events like this play in bringing communities together. The route took participants through a number of towns across southern Tasmania, creating moments of connection between locals and visitors and showcasing some of state's best scenery. I want to say something directly to young Tasmanians who may have an interest in cars, mechanics or restoration: clubs like the Post Vintage Car Club offer a chance to learn real skills, hear firsthand stories and be part of a welcoming community. Getting involved is a way to keep these vehicles and this knowledge alive for the next generation. I want to also acknowledge the volunteers, organisers and sponsors who made the event possible. These are the kinds of people who quietly give their time to keep community life vibrant and strong.
Royal Australian Mint | Adjournment | Senate debates
I rise today to speak about the Royal Australian Mint and the 60th anniversary of Australia's move to decimal currency. On 14 February 1966, Australia changed how it counted money. Pounds,...
I rise today to speak about the Royal Australian Mint and the 60th anniversary of Australia's move to decimal currency. On 14 February 1966, Australia changed how it counted money. Pounds, shillings and pence were replaced with dollars and cents. It was a significant national reform affecting every household, every business and every school in the country. For many Australians, it required relearning some basics. Prices changed. Wages changed. Everyday transactions had to be recalculated. The scale of the task should not be understated. What made the change successful was planning and public education. The transition was carefully managed, and the government understood that people needed help translating policy into everyday life. That help came in many forms, including the now-familiar 'decimal currency—the easy way' jingle, which turned a complex reform into something people could recognise, repeat and remember. It was a practical choice. By meeting people where they were, the government reduced confusion and built confidence. That lesson still matters, because reforms of this scale work best when they're explained clearly and consistently, not just announced. The Royal Australian Mint played a central role in that transition. Established in 1965, the Mint was responsible for producing the new decimal coins and ensuring they were ready for circulation across the country. Since then, the Mint has continued to supply Australia's circulating coinage. It has also taken on a broader role as a national institution that reflects Australia's history, culture and identity through coin design. I recently attended the Capital Region Showcase here in Parliament House, where the Mint had a stand. I was also able to visit the Mint itself as part of a public opportunity offered to mark the 60th anniversary of Australia's introduction of decimal currency. During that visit, I joined other members of the public in pressing a $1 coin to commemorate the anniversary. It was a practical and engaging way to connect with this milestone and to see firsthand the craftsmanship and precision involved in Australia's coin production. That opportunity is still available, so I would suggest anyone listening to my contribution here today—I'm sure there are thousands and thousands!—to hotfoot it over to the Royal Australian Mint and pick up a bit of history. I was able to see the Mint's work up close and was given one of the 60 years of decimal currency coins at the showcase. It was a simple reminder that those coins are not just functional objects; they do carry history and meaning, even when they are part of everyday life. To mark this anniversary, the Mint—as I've already said—has released a series that brings together design elements from all eight of Australia's circulating coins. Native animals, national symbols and familiar imagery are combined in a way that reflects continuity rather than nostalgia. These designs are not decorative for their own sake; they show how currency can act as a record of national choices and priorities over time. Coin collecting builds on that. It encourages care, patience and attention. It also creates opportunities to learn about history, design and symbolism. The Mint's resources on coin collecting and coin care support that learning in a practical and accessible way. Learning how to look after coins is part of that process. It reinforces the idea that value is not only about spending; it's also about preservation and respect for shared history. In an economy that is increasingly digital, physical currency still matters. Coins are reliable, accessible and inclusive. They do not require technology or connectivity. But they continue to be important for many Australians, including older people and those who rely on cash to manage household budgets. I also wish to acknowledge the contribution of the Royal Australian Mint and the role it has in producing Australia's coinage and supporting education and public understanding. I commend them on the work they've done in celebrating the 60 years of decimal currency, and I put on record my appreciation of the Mint staff, who are very well educated in the support that they give to people who are visiting the Royal Australian Mind. (Time expired)
Health Care | Questions without Notice | Senate debates
Minister, how do the new measures delivered on 1 January complement other actions that the Albanese Labor government is taking to strengthen Medicare and improve Australia's primary healthcare...
Minister, how do the new measures delivered on 1 January complement other actions that the Albanese Labor government is taking to strengthen Medicare and improve Australia's primary healthcare system? Why has the government chosen this approach?
Minister, helping Australians access affordable health care when and where they need it is a priority of the Albanese Labor government. In the new year, how has the government delivered new...
Minister, helping Australians access affordable health care when and where they need it is a priority of the Albanese Labor government. In the new year, how has the government delivered new supports so Australians have even greater access to health care?
My question is to the Minister representing the Minister for Health and Ageing, Senator McAllister. In its first term, the Albanese Labor government delivered cost-of-living relief to all...
My question is to the Minister representing the Minister for Health and Ageing, Senator McAllister. In its first term, the Albanese Labor government delivered cost-of-living relief to all Australians by cutting the cost of medicines on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. On 1 January, the government continued its record, delivering more affordable and accessible health care to Australians. How is the government delivering cheaper medicines for all Australians?
Bolkus, Hon. Nick | Condolences | Senate debates
I wish to join with my colleagues in this condolence motion in paying tribute to the life and legacy of the Hon. Nick Bolkus, a man whose contribution to the Australian Labor Party, to the...
I wish to join with my colleagues in this condolence motion in paying tribute to the life and legacy of the Hon. Nick Bolkus, a man whose contribution to the Australian Labor Party, to the parliament and to our nation was profound and enduring. Although I did not have the opportunity to serve in the parliament alongside Nick, we were members of the same proud tradition within the Labor Party—the Left. I did have the pleasure of witnessing him in action many times at Australian Labor Party national conferences and at numerous gatherings of the National Left. In those forums, Nick Bolkus was something to behold: utterly fearless in debate and driven by an unshakeable commitment to Labor values and democratic principles. Nick Bolkus is one of those figures whose reputation preceded him, whose influence was felt across the generations of Labor parliamentarians and whose legacy continues to shape the party we are today. Fittingly, as the first Greek Australian to serve as a cabinet minister, Nick Bolkus was a passionate believer in democracy and in the rights and responsibilities of citizenship. He understood, from lived experience, what it meant to belong and what it meant to work for inclusion. His story was also Australia's story—a story of migration, contribution and the enrichment of our national life through diversity. In every portfolio he served, Nick sought reform, not only for its own sake but to ensure that the instruments and power of government were also used to serve the aspirations of everyday Australians. Whether in immigration, multicultural affairs or other areas of responsibility, he brought intellectual rigour, moral clarity and an unshakeable commitment to fairness. As Minister for Immigration and Ethnic Affairs and later as Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Nick was both a strong advocate for the benefits of a modern multicultural Australia and a living example of its success. He understood that multiculturalism was not simply about tolerance but about participation, responsibility and shared democratic values. He argued for an Australia that is confident enough to embrace difference while united by common purpose. Within the labour movement, Nick was respected as a principled advocate and a committed member of the Left. He believed in social justice, in equality of opportunity and in the idea that government has a moral responsibility to act in the public good. These are values that continue to guide many of us who follow after him. For those of us who did not serve alongside him, Nick Bolkus remains a benchmark, a reminder of what principled public service looks like and of the difference that one determined individual can make over the course of a lifetime of politics. I extend my deepest sympathy to Nick's family—his wife, Mary, and his children—and friends and those who love him. Theirs is a profound loss, and our thoughts are with them at this difficult time. Nick Bolkus's memory will indeed live long in Labor hearts. His legacy lives on in our laws, in our institutions and in the multicultural, democratic Australia that he worked so hard to strengthen. I look forward to the Labor Party celebrating the win of the seat of Colton for Nick Bolkus and Aria. Question agreed to, honourable senators joining in a moment of silence.
Answers to Questions | Questions without Notice: Take Note of Answers | Senate debates
I rise to take note in this debate—about the economy, the cost of living and the difference between a government that is doing the work and an opposition that has completely lost the plot....
I rise to take note in this debate—about the economy, the cost of living and the difference between a government that is doing the work and an opposition that has completely lost the plot. What we have heard today is a decision that was widely expected, but that doesn't make it any easier, and I want to put on record a comment from the Hon. Dr Jim Chalmers, the Treasurer, who is an excellent treasurer, I might say. He said: We know that many Australians are doing it tough, which is why we continue to roll out responsible cost-of-living relief, including a further tax cut this year and another one next year … Right now, Australians are not asking for theatrics by the opposition. They're asking for stability, they're asking for help with bills, and they're asking for a government that knows what it's doing. That is what this Labor government has delivered. When we came to office—it's important that those opposite are reminded of this because it appears, by the contributions that have been given thus far, that they've completely gone down some sort of memory hole in terms of the past, when they were in government—we inherited a budget that was weighed down by debt and excuses after a decade of big talk, very little discipline and no plan for what came next. What did we do? We delivered budget surpluses. We turned Liberal debt into Labor surplus—not by cutting Medicare and not by telling Australians to tighten their belts. We did it through responsible economic management, careful savings and clear priorities, and that matters because good economic management is not an abstract idea. It's what allows a government to help people when cost-of-living pressures bite. Make no mistake: cost of living is our No. 1 focus. Every policy we have delivered asks the same question: does this make life easier for Australians right now? That is why every taxpayer received tax cuts, with another, as I have said, coming in July this year. That is why minimum and award wage workers have seen pay wage rises that total more than $9,000 under Labor. That is why student debt has been cut by 20 per cent, saving the average graduate $5½ thousand. That is relief, cost-of-living relief, which was delivered by their Labor government. We have rebuilt Medicare because health care should never feel like a luxury item. Bulk-billing has been expanded, with more than 1,300 practices now fully bulk-billing again. Medicare urgent care clinics have already delivered free care to more than two million Australians. As of today, this Labor government has saved Australians more than $14 million through cheaper medicines alone, and that saving will continue, which will deliver more than $200 million back into household budgets every single year. That's cost-of-living relief. That's the sort of relief that those opposite scoff at. That delivers savings directly back into household budgets every single year. You feel that relief when you pick up your medicine script, and you feel it when you go to the doctor and you don't have to pull out your credit card. We've expanded paid parental leave to 24 weeks and have paid super on it. These measures are all about supporting families and they are all about supporting households. We've introduced paid prac for nursing, teaching, social work and midwifery students, and we've expanded five per cent deposits so first home buyers can get a foot in the door. We will keep the focus where it belongs, on the people we represent. We will not focus on ourselves, like those opposite. (Time expired)
Combatting Antisemitism, Hate and Extremism (Criminal and Migration Laws) Bill 2026; Second Reading | Bills | Senate debates
This bill is being debated in extraordinary circumstances. It comes after the antisemitic terrorist attack at Bondi, carried out on the first day of Hanukkah, a deliberate attack of targeted...
This bill is being debated in extraordinary circumstances. It comes after the antisemitic terrorist attack at Bondi, carried out on the first day of Hanukkah, a deliberate attack of targeted hatred that took innocent lives, traumatised survivors and turned a place of everyday safety into a scene of terror for Jewish Australians and the nation. In recalling parliament, our first action was to come together through the condolence motion to honour those who were killed and those whose lives were forever changed. Our next responsibility is to act. This bill, the Combatting Antisemitism, Hate and Extremism (Criminal and Migration Laws) Bill 2026, is about drawing clear lines around what Australia will and will not tolerate. It's about ensuring that those who seek to spread hatred, radicalise others or exploit positions of authority to encourage violence face consequences that reflect the seriousness of their conduct. This is about protecting Australians. The government originally developed an integrated package of reforms. That was the right approach. Hate does not exist in isolation. Extremism does not respect neat legislative boundaries. Criminal law, migration settings, firearms regulations and intelligence powers all intersect when it comes to public safety. We govern in the parliament that Australians elected. Faced with the reality that the full package would not pass as one bill, the government made a clear and responsible choice: we split the legislation so the urgent and necessary reforms would not be delayed. This bill represents part of that original response that deals directly with criminal law and migration powers. It should not be read as a lesser response. It is a serious and substantial set of reforms. This bill changes what happens when the hate moves from rhetoric into real harm. When a person in a position of authority uses their standing to advocate violence or threaten harm against a community, the law now responds with clarity. Influence brings responsibility. Where that responsibility is abused to radicalise or incite violence, the consequences are serious and reflect the risks created. When hatred escalates into threats, intimidation or violence, the law no longer treats those acts as isolated or incidental. Hate crimes are designed to do more than just injure an individual. They are intended to unsettle entire communities. This bill strengthens penalties so the law recognises that broader impact. Where a crime is driven by racial or ethnic hatred, courts are required to take that motivation into account at sentencing. That matters because crimes motivated by hate leave deeper and longer lasting harm, well beyond the moment the offence is committed. The bill also addresses the organised nature of modern extremism. Groups that exist to promote or normalise hate based violence can now be disrupted before they embed themselves. The new listing framework targets recruitment, funding and coordination, supported by intelligence, advice, legal safeguards and parliamentary oversight. The public display of hate symbols is also dealt with more effectively. These symbols are used to intimidate, to glorify violence and to signal exclusion, including online. The changes in this bill strengthen enforcement in a modern context by preserving legitimate uses for education, journalism and historical discussion. The bill further strengthens migration settings so that the people who seek to come to Australia to spread hatred or extremism can be refused entry or removed. Australia remains an open and welcoming country, but openness does not require tolerating those who seek to divide or incite harm. Taken together, these measures are not about overreach; they're about protection. They allow earlier intervention, clearer responses and stronger backing for communities who have been targeted by hate. As a Tasmanian I cannot approach this debate without reflecting on Port Arthur. That tragedy changed our country. What followed was not perfect, but it was decisive. Across political parties and across jurisdictions, Australians chose safety over hesitation. That moment was defined by unity. We have, again, been confronted with a moment that demands the same resolve. Most people in this place understand that. Many have acted in good faith, but there has also been division. History remembers whether parliaments rose to the occasion. This bill does not do everything—no single piece of legislation ever does—but it does something important. It moves the law forward. It responds to a real threat. The Jewish community has asked this parliament to act. This government has listened. Where consensus was possible, we have sought it. Where delay would have left Australians less safe, we have chosen progress. I commend this bill wholeheartedly to the Senate.
Bondi Beach: Attack | Condolences | Senate debates
Today the Senate, and indeed the parliament, honours the lives lost, the lives forever changed and the community shaken by the antisemitic terrorist attack at Bondi on 14 December. It was a...
Today the Senate, and indeed the parliament, honours the lives lost, the lives forever changed and the community shaken by the antisemitic terrorist attack at Bondi on 14 December. It was a targeted attack on Jewish Australians carried out on the first day of Hanukkah, a time that should have been marked by light, faith and celebration. Instead, it became a moment of profound grief. Our thoughts are with every person affected by this attack. We think first and foremost of those who've lost their lives and of their families and loved ones who now carry a loss that words cannot ease. We think of those who were injured and whose recovery will take time, care and support. We think of the broader Jewish community who were targeted simply for who they are. No-one should ever be attacked for their faith. No-one should fear gathering in public, worshipping freely or celebrating their traditions. Jewish Australians have the right to live, work, study and worship in peace and safety. They should not live in fear. Antisemitism is not just an attack on one community. It is an attack on the values that bind us together as a nation. It is an attack on tolerance, on mutual respect and on the idea that difference should be protected and not punished. There is no place for this hatred, this division or this terrorism in Australia. I also want to pay tribute to the bravery shown in the immediate aftermath of the attack, to the first responders, police officers and surf lifesaving workers who ran towards danger, to the paramedics and emergency workers who treated the injured under the most confronting circumstances and to the civilians who acted with courage, compassion and calm in moments of chaos. Their actions saved lives, and they represent the very best of our country. I also want to acknowledge the courage of Ahmed al-Ahmed, whose actions on that day spoke to the instinct to protect others, even in the face of grave danger. That instinct to look after one another is something we should never take for granted, and it deserves to be recognised by this parliament. In the days following the attack, Australians responded with solidarity and with a shared determination that this hatred must not be allowed to take root here. We saw vigils, we saw messages of support and we saw people from all backgrounds standing alongside the Jewish community to say clearly and without qualification that antisemitism has no place in our nation. It is right that the parliament pauses to remember those who were killed and to acknowledge those whose lives were forever changed. Australia will observe a national day of mourning on Thursday 22 January—a day to honour the victims of antisemitism; a day for reflection, remembrance and unity; a day that reminds us that, even in moments of darkness, light will prevail. This parliament recognises the human cost of violence, and we stand together against hatred in all its forms. At moments like this, it is tempting to look for division, to point fingers or to retreat into fear, but that is not the Australian way. The Australian way is to come together in times of crisis, to stand with those who are hurting, to defend the right of every person to live without fear and to respond to hatred with resolve, not resignation. To Jewish Australians, I want to say this clearly: you are not alone. This parliament stands with you. This country stands with you. We will dedicate every resource required to ensure that you are able to live your lives freely, without fear. This is an incredibly difficult time. Grief does not follow a timetable, and healing takes time, but, in remembering those killed, we honour their lives. We remember those killed, and we commit to ensuring such hatred has no place in Australia.
Australian of the Year Awards: Tasmania | Statements by Senators | Senate debates
Last week, I had the pleasure of attending the Australian of the Year Awards for Tasmania. Every nominee had a story that spoke to courage, community and quiet determination. I want to...
Last week, I had the pleasure of attending the Australian of the Year Awards for Tasmania. Every nominee had a story that spoke to courage, community and quiet determination. I want to congratulate Dr Jorian Kippax on being named the 2026 Australian of the Year for Tasmania. Many first heard his name after the Franklin River rescue, where he helped save a stranded rafter in incredibly difficult conditions. But what stands out when you meet him is not the drama of that moment, but his humility and the deep respect he has for the whole rescue team. His career as an emergency medicine specialist, including service with the ADF and the Australian Antarctic Division, reflects years of calm, steady work in the toughest of environments. I also want to acknowledge our Senior Australian of the Year, Julie Dunbabin, whose vision has changed the way we think about school lunches in Tasmania. Her simple but powerful belief that every child deserves a nutritious sit-down meal made from local produce is now reaching thousands of students each week. It is building healthier habits, supporting local growers and easing pressure on families. Our Young Australian of the Year, Alyssia Kennedy, is helping young Tasmanians to take their first steps into adult life with confidence. Through her Life After School program, she is giving young people the skills and support they need for the real world. Finally, I congratulate the 2026 Local Hero for Tasmania, Emily Briffa. Hamlet cafe has been a place where people living with disability and mental health challenges gain skills, confidence and a pathway to work. More than 700 Tasmanians have trained through Hamlet—a testament to Emily's leadership and the belief in the potential of every person. Congratulations to all recipients across the country, and best of luck to our Tassie contenders. I have no doubt they will do our state proud.
Minister for Climate Change and Energy | Matters of Public Importance | Senate debates
I'm pleased to rise to speak to this matter of public importance and to follow the mover of the motion, Senator Hume. The content of her contribution really tells me that she hasn't—the...
I'm pleased to rise to speak to this matter of public importance and to follow the mover of the motion, Senator Hume. The content of her contribution really tells me that she hasn't—the effort into her MPI is not really up to scratch, I'm sorry. What I mean by that is it did seem like it was more tongue-in-cheek. I thought Senator Hume's contribution was more tongue-in-cheek. Unfortunately, the issue of energy is a serious matter, and this MPI really shows that the opposition are not here to take that issue seriously. In terms of their position on energy, they're here because they're climate deniers dragged around by the Right and the further right of their own party. The MPI is not about policy; it's a distraction from the chaos overtaking the Liberal Party. Their leader is under pressure, their backbench is undermining them, and their party is split. Ms Ley would rather deny climate change exists than face what is going on in her own ranks. The simple truth is this—I actually said this earlier today, but it is worth repeating because these are the facts—the opposition had almost 10 years to put an energy policy in place, and they failed. For a decade they went from slogan to slogan without delivering a single settled plan. Twenty-three different policies came and went. None of them stuck. None of them delivered certainty. None of them delivered investment. All the while, the system aged, and the market moved. During their time in government, 24 out of 28 coal-fired power stations announced they were closing, and yet they did nothing to prepare the country for it. I know those opposite understand this. They know that these are the facts. They know that their inaction is a key reason Australians face the pressures they do today. When you ignore a problem for 10 years, it doesn't go away; it becomes harder to fix. Instead of taking responsibility, the opposition now want to entirely abandon net zero, a target they signed Australia up to and which their own colleagues in New South Wales and Victoria still support. What we are watching here today is not a policy debate; it's a party being pulled apart by its extremes. They come in here, attacking a very good minister, Minister Bowen. They come in here time after time, attacking the COP process, even while Australia has been asked to take on a global leadership role, Senator Hume—a global leadership role! They attack global cooperation because it suits the internal politics of their party. Their party, the Liberal Party, has lost its way. Meanwhile, the Labor government is focused on protecting Australia's interests and restoring credibility after a wasted decade. We have secured an unprecedented role for Australia and the Pacific at COP31. Turkiye will host the conference, and Australia will lead the negotiations. It's a significant honour for Australia. We will lead the negotiations from the end of COP30 through to COP31. We should be very clear about what this role actually means for Australia. Securing it has not been automatic; it took real partnership with the Pacific and serious diplomatic work. (Time expired)
I, too, rise to speak on the responses in question time today. Firstly, in their contributions, those opposite talked about questions not being answered directly. You couldn't get any more direct...
I, too, rise to speak on the responses in question time today. Firstly, in their contributions, those opposite talked about questions not being answered directly. You couldn't get any more direct answers to questions than those in question time today from our ministers. They directly answered the questions that were put to them. Unfortunately, the coalition just don't like the answers. The other thing that the coalition don't seem to like are facts. Facts matter. It is important that the coalition are reminded of their record when they were in government when they seek to lay blame at this government's feet for actions the coalition did or did not take—and when we get to energy prices we'll talk about 10 years of neglect in that sector. It matters, and they can't walk away from the decisions they made. Then we go to the BOM website. Minister Watt has been on the record on so many occasions in the last few days about his expectations and what he has done in terms of the BOM website. I'm going to read some of his response to an interview he gave prior to question time. Why did the coalition ask the question about the BOM website when the answer was already out there? They'd have to go back to their tactics committee to work that one out. Minister Watt said, 'I'm not happy with how this has been managed.' You may have seen a few weeks ago, when the issue first arose around the issue with the website, that he got the acting CEO in for a meeting and said that it wasn't meeting his expectations or public expectations, and since that time they've made changes. He continued: 'We have now all learnt about the cost increases. I would just say the website change was always going to cost more than $4 million.' This actually began under the Turnbull government. I don't know why they're so sensitive over there. That is a fact. It was begun under the Turnbull government, and the first contracts for the new website were signed under the Morrison government in 2019. That's the reality. Not only did Minister Watt respond directly to the questions that were asked of him today by Senator Cadell; he has also been out in the public arena responding to the legitimate concerns of the community and asking the BOM to look deeply into this and come back on how this could have happened. One of the other questions that was asked today was around energy. This is another area where the coalition will simply not look at their own record. The simple truth is—and the facts are—that the opposition had almost 10 years to put an energy policy in place, and they failed. They're still failing, actually. You only have to look at the complete chaos that's reigned during the last month. For a decade when they were in government, they lurched from slogan to slogan, without delivering a settled plan. They had 23 different policies which came and went. None of them stuck. None of them delivered certainty. None of them delivered investment. All the while, the system aged and the market moved. During their time in government, 24 out of 28 coal-fired power stations announced they were closing, and yet they did nothing to prepare the country for it. As the minister said in question time, power prices will always be lower under this government.
Housing; Order for the Production of Documents | Documents | Senate debates
Environment | Questions without Notice | Senate debates
The Albanese Labor government is unified in its approach to investing in renewables to achieve net zero by 2050, which will ultimately protect our precious environment. How important is policy...
The Albanese Labor government is unified in its approach to investing in renewables to achieve net zero by 2050, which will ultimately protect our precious environment. How important is policy certainty around our energy market, particularly for business investment around the country?
These reforms are vital not only to protect our precious environment but also to ensure that we can accelerate investment in key national priorities like housing and renewable energy. Minister,...
These reforms are vital not only to protect our precious environment but also to ensure that we can accelerate investment in key national priorities like housing and renewable energy. Minister, can you outline the broad support for this bill and for climate action from across the community?
My question is to the Minister for the Environment and Water, Senator Watt. Today is a landmark day for the environment in Australia. The Albanese Labor government's environmental law reforms are...
My question is to the Minister for the Environment and Water, Senator Watt. Today is a landmark day for the environment in Australia. The Albanese Labor government's environmental law reforms are expected to pass the House of Representatives today. Can the minister outline how these reforms will protect the environment and why they're so important to achieve our climate goals?
Dismissal of the Whitlam Government: 50th Anniversary | Statements by Senators | Senate debates
Next week marks 50 years since the dismissal of a prime minister who transformed Australia. On 11 November 1975, Gough Whitlam stood on the steps of Old Parliament House and told Australians that...
Next week marks 50 years since the dismissal of a prime minister who transformed Australia. On 11 November 1975, Gough Whitlam stood on the steps of Old Parliament House and told Australians that nothing would ever take away their right to be heard. It was a moment that shook our nation—the first and only time a democratically elected Australian government was dismissed. It sparked anger and protest, but it also strengthened the nation's belief in the power of the Australian people to choose their government and their future. Gough Whitlam expanded the horizons of our nation. He believed government could be a force for fairness, equality and opportunity. He opened the doors of universities to every young Australian. He recognised the rights of First Nations people. He made women's equality a national priority. He gave Australians universal health care through Medibank, a world-leading reform that the Liberals later scrapped but which Labor rebuilt as Medicare. His optimism changed Australia's sense of what was possible. He imagined a fairer, more educated, more equal nation and then set about building it. We still see the results of Whitlam's vision in the way we live today, in our universities, in the Medicare card that guarantees care when we are sick and in the belief that every person deserves dignity and opportunity. His reforms changed not only laws and institutions but the way Australians saw themselves and the country's potential. As we approach the anniversary of his dismissal, we remember not the event itself but the legacy that continues to shape our country and the values that guide Labor governments to this very day.
Social Security and Other Legislation Amendment (Technical Changes No. 2) Bill 2025; Second Reading | Bills | Senate debates
I rise to speak on the Social Security and Other Legislation Amendment (Technical Changes No. 2) Bill 2025. It is a bill grounded in two of Labor's most enduring values—dignity and...
I rise to speak on the Social Security and Other Legislation Amendment (Technical Changes No. 2) Bill 2025. It is a bill grounded in two of Labor's most enduring values—dignity and fairness. Those values are at the heart of why Australians built a social security system in the first place: to make sure that, when life takes an unprecedented turn, no-one is left without help. The Albanese Labor government believes that dignity should never depend on circumstances. Whether it's a job loss, illness, caring responsibilities or simply bad luck, every Australian deserves a system that treats them with respect. This bill is about restoring that respect. It fixes longstanding flaws in the way our social security debts are managed and strengthens protections for those who have been harmed by coercion and financial abuse. It draws a clear line under the mistakes of the past and builds a fairer foundation for the future. Before I get into the detail, I want to pause to reflect on what this means in human terms. When we talk about debts or income apportionment, it can sound dry or bureaucratic, but, for the people affected, these are not abstract concepts. They are letters that arrive unannounced, phone calls from private numbers and sleepless nights spent worrying about how to pay back money they should never have owed. In my own state of Tasmania I've spoken to people who still feel anxious every time they see an unknown phone number on their phone, because they've lived through years of being chased over minor or mistaken debts. Many were older Tasmanians, carers, or people living with disability, who'd done their best to comply with complex rules that even experts struggle to understand. That is why dignity matters. When bureaucracy forgets compassion, real people suffer. This bill ensures that that never happens again. We all remember the harm caused by the unlawful robodebt scheme. It was a national disgrace, a cruel policy, that replaced fairness with automation and compassion with indifference. The Royal Commission into the Robodebt Scheme made that clear. It was not just a technical failure; it was a moral one. Our government accepted, or accepted in principle, all 56 of the commission's recommendations. Seventy-five per cent are already implemented or well progressed. We ended the use of external debt collectors; strengthened oversight within Services Australia; and placed dignity, transparency and respect at the centre of service delivery. This bill continues that work. It delivers on recommendation 18.1 of the royal commission report, which says that debt administration must be ethical, proportionate and focused on the needs of individuals. It ensures that we learn from the mistakes of the past and that 'never again' is not just a slogan but a commitment written into law. The first major reform in this bill is the overhaul of how small debts are managed. Until now, the threshold for automatically waiving a small debt was just $50—a figure set more than 30 years ago and never indexed. In today's terms, it's meant that Services Australia could spend more to recover a $70 debt than the debt was worth. Under this bill the threshold rises to $250 and, for the first time, will be indexed annually to the CPI. That change alone will make a tangible difference. Around 1.2 million small or undetermined debts will be waived or never raised in 2025-26. That means that 1.2 million Australians—many of them low-income earners or single parents—will no longer face unnecessary stress or anxiety over trivial amounts. This reform is not about letting anyone off the hook. Fraud protections remain. It's about recognising common sense—that chasing small, accidental debts helps no-one. It's about using taxpayers' money responsibly while treating people decently. The bill also expands the special circumstances waiver, giving Services Australia the discretion to waive debts in cases involving coercion, family violence or financial abuse. This matters deeply. For too long, women fleeing violent partners have found themselves burdened with debts that were not theirs to begin with—debts incurred because a perpetrator manipulated their finances, accessed their online accounts or forced them to make false declarations under threat. These reforms say clearly that survivors of financial abuse should not be punished by the very system meant to protect them. Alongside fairness, this bill also includes a measure to strengthen community safety, with the introduction of the benefit restriction notice. This change allows, in limited and serious circumstances, for payments or concession cards to be suspended when a person is subject to an outstanding arrest warrant for a serious violent or sexual offence and is actively evading police. This is not about punishing poverty or policing disadvantage; it's about ensuring taxpayer funded benefits are not supported for those who pose a risk to the safety of others. The process is tightly controlled. A benefit restriction notice can only be issued on request from a senior police officer and with the authorisation of the minister responsible for the Australian Federal Police. The Minister for Social Services must also consider the likely effect on any dependants before approving a notice. These safeguards mean that compassion and safety work hand in hand. It is a rare power, expected to be used only in exceptional cases, but an important one to protect the integrity of the system and the safety of the community. Another key reform in this bill addresses the longstanding issue of income apportionment. Between 1991 and 2020, Services Australia and its predecessors used a method of spreading reported income across multiple fortnights when calculating entitlements. The intention was to be fair to recipients whose pay cycles did not line up neatly with Centrelink reporting periods, but, as the full Federal Court confirmed in the case of Chaplin v Department of Social Services, the method was inconsistent with the law as written. Our government has never used income apportionment, but, as the government responsible for restoring integrity to the system, we must resolve the legacy issues it created. Without legislative certainty, millions of old cases—some dating back more than 20 years—could be reopened, causing chaos and distress for people who believed their debts were long settled. This bill retrospectively validates the old calculations to provide legal certainty, while at the same time recognising that some people may have repaid debts they should not have. To address that, the Income Apportionment Resolution Scheme will offer payments of up to $600 to those affected between 2003 and 2020. Economic Justice Australia and ACOSS will receive funding to help people navigate the process. It is a balanced and compassionate solution, acknowledging a genuine administrative mistake without reigniting trauma or diverting scarce resources from the frontline. Tasmania has one of the highest rates of social security reliance in the country. In some suburbs of Hobart and Launceston, more than one in three households receive some form of income support. When debt rules are unfair or inflexible, the impact lands hardest on small communities like ours. In Glenorchy and Moonah, I have met parents juggling part-time work, studying and caring responsibilities. A missed pay slip or a delay in reporting an income can easily lead to an accidental overpayment. For families already counting every dollar, even a small debt notice can cause enormous worry. By lifting the waiver threshold, this bill gives those families breathing space. It allows Services Australia staff to focus on helping people find work or access training, rather than on processing minor debt adjustments. The expansion of the special circumstances waiver also means that Tasmanian women escaping violence—those supported by services like the Hobart Women's Shelter or Women's Legal Service Tasmania—will have better protection against being left with debts tied to abusive relationships. By establishing the benefit restriction notice regime, the bill gives our police the tools they need to act when somebody wanted for serious violent or sexual offences is avoiding arrest while still claiming Commonwealth payments. That is about keeping communities safe. In short, this legislation delivers fairness for those who need help, accountability for those who seek to exploit the system, and peace of mind for the vast majority who do the right thing. At its core, this bill asks a simple question: what kind of government, what kind of country, do we choose to be? On election night earlier this year, the Prime Minister said that Australians had voted for Australian values of fairness, aspiration and opportunity for all. He said we are a country that shows 'courage in adversity and kindness to those in need'. He said that, in uncertain times, Australians chose to look after each other while building for the future. That is exactly what this bill does. This bill is about making sure no-one is held back and no-one is left behind. It's about recognising that people are doing it tough and that many are under pressure and about answering that with practical help instead of judgment. It's about a government that does not walk past hardship and pretend it is a personal failure. It's about a government that sees dignity as a right not a reward. Kindness is not a weakness. It is a deliberate act of fairness. It is building a system that understands that life is complicated, that people make mistakes, that sometimes people are put in impossible situations and that their government should respond with respect instead of punishment. This legislation puts that into practice. It makes debt recovery more humane. It protects people, especially women, from financial abuse. It wipes small accidental debts instead of chasing people for sums that are barely enough to cover groceries. It keeps the community safe by still considering the impact on dependants. It balances accountability with empathy, safety with fairness and administration with humanity. This bill closes a chapter in the history of our social security system and opens a new one defined by fairness, transparency and respect. It says to every Australian who has ever needed help, 'Your dignity matters.' It says to every public servant tasked with administering payments, 'We trust your compassion and judgement.' It says to every community across the country, 'The safety net will be there when it is needed, run with humanity and care.' In the wake of robodebt, Australians demanded their government do better. This legislation is one more way where we're keeping that promise, because government should never be about catching people out. It should be about lifting people up. That is the choice we make every day as a Labor government. It is the choice to govern with decency, with fairness and with kindness. I commend the bill to the Senate.
Housing | Matters of Public Importance | Senate debates
Senator Bragg has come in here today, supported by the Liberal opposition, and has brought this MPI about housing. It's about time we put some facts into this MPI, and, in my contribution and in...
Senator Bragg has come in here today, supported by the Liberal opposition, and has brought this MPI about housing. It's about time we put some facts into this MPI, and, in my contribution and in the contribution by Senator Whiteaker, we've had some facts. From the other side, we've had nothing but spin and, unfortunately, not much support for those people out in the community that are looking to buy homes. When the coalition were in government—when they had a chance to act—they had no plan, no ambition and no housing minister. Don't worry about this MPI; their plan was MIA—missing in action. After almost a decade in government, the coalition left behind a housing system in crisis. Home ownership fell. Rents skyrocketed. Social housing virtually stopped being built. When they left office, Australia was building fewer homes than at almost any time in the previous decade. They went years without even having a housing minister, and their one big housing idea at the 2022 election was letting young people raid their superannuation to buy a home—a policy that would have pushed prices up and left people worse off at retirement. That is not a plan; that is desperation dressed up as policy. By contrast, the Albanese Labor government has a long-term plan to make it easier to buy and better to rent and to build more homes. Our Homes for Australia plan is the most ambitious housing agenda in generations, and it is working. ABS data shows building approvals rising—a sign that Labor's reforms are taking effect. We have a shared national target to build 1.2 million new homes over five years, the most ever built in any five-year period in our history. We have established the $10 billion Housing Australia Future Fund, delivering tens of thousands of new social and affordable homes. Those opposite fought it every step of the way. They teamed up with the Greens to delay it for 14 months, denying real help to people who need it most. What are they doing now? They're still voting against housing supply, still opposing build-to-rent projects that will deliver 80,000 new rentals and still blocking tax incentives that would get shovels in the ground. The same people who did nothing in government are now standing in the way of progress in opposition. This government has increased Commonwealth rent assistance by almost 50 per cent for more than a million households. We have increased rent assistance, cut red tape, supported builders to get on site sooner and helped first home buyers with the Home Guarantee Scheme. That is practical, real support, the kind of support that changes lives. Those opposite like to say—and we've heard it here in this debate this afternoon—that it will not work. They said that about the Housing Australia Future Fund, about our target, about rent assistance and about every single thing we have done, but the data tells a different story. Around half a million homes have been completed nationwide since Labor came to government. For the first time in decades, the Commonwealth is back at the centre of housing policy, building homes, not excuses. That is what happens when you have a government that treats housing as a national priority, not as an afterthought. I want to remind the chamber that the Liberals voted against every single one of these measures—against one million homes, against the Housing Australia Future Fund, against build-to-rent and against help for first home buyers. Every time they've had a chance to help solve the housing crisis, they have chosen politics over people, and they continue to do so.
Australian Centre for Disease Control Bill 2025, Australian Centre for Disease Control (Consequential Amendments and Transitional Provisions) Bill 2025; Second Reading | Bills | Senate debates
The government has backed this reform with serious investment—$251.7 million over four years to established the CDC and $73.3 million in ongoing annual funding from 2028-29. That is a...
The government has backed this reform with serious investment—$251.7 million over four years to established the CDC and $73.3 million in ongoing annual funding from 2028-29. That is a long-term commitment to building national capability. At the national level this reform would transform the way Australia manages public health threats. The CDC would become the central hub for public health expertise, supporting both the Australian government and state and territory agencies to respond consistently and effectively when emergencies arise. It would strengthen pandemic preparedness by ensuring our national medical stockpile, testing capacity and response plans are regularly reviewed and updated. It would coordinate surveillance for infectious diseases, track emerging risks and build rapid response capacity. It would provide an authoritative public voice during health emergencies, cutting through misinformation with clear evidence based information. The COVID-19 inquiry found that confusion and mistrust flourished when communication was inconsistent. The CDC would help fix that. This bill also reinforces Australia's global standing. The CDC would work closely with international bodies like the World Health Organization to share expertise and support global health security. As we saw during COVID, disease threats do not stop at national borders. A strong Australian CDC would help protect not only our country but our region. If I turn to Tasmania, this bill is particularly important for my home state. Tasmania's geography brings both strengths and vulnerabilities. Our isolation can help slow the spread of disease, but it also makes it harder to access supplies, staff and support when emergencies strike. During COVID-19 Tasmania faced major challenges. It took a toll on our health workforce and our communities. A national CDC would ensure that Tasmania is never left behind in national planning and response. It would give our public health experts direct access to national data, resources and expertise. It would also help coordinate responses to future risks from respiratory illnesses in aged care to zoonotic diseases that could affect our farming and agriculture industries. Tasmania's local health authorities already do outstanding work. The new CDC would not replace them. It would strengthen them. The CDC's data-sharing systems would make it easier for Tasmanian public health teams to identify outbreaks early and target support where it is needed. Because the CDC would embed a one-health approach, it would also support research into how climate and environmental factors affect health, something that matters deeply to Tasmania. As the climate changes, we are seeing shifts in disease patterns. Mosquito borne illnesses, like Japanese encephalitis, are moving further south. The CDC will help track and prepare for these changes, so communities like ours can stay safe. This reform will also have real benefits for Tasmania's economy and community resilience. Health emergencies are not just health issues; they affect business, schools, tourism and local government services. By improving national coordination, the CDC will help keep communities open and economies stable when future crises occur. That's good for work, it's good for families, and it's good for small businesses that depend on certainty. This legislation is a clear expression of Labor values. It's about fairness, safety and collective responsibility. It recognises that public health is a public good—something we all depend on and must build together. It also reflects Labor's belief in strong public institutions. Under the former government, the Australian National Preventive Health Agency was abolished in 2014. That decision weakened our national capacity to respond to public health challenges. This bill puts prevention back at the heart of our health system. It aligns with other major Albanese government initiatives, from strengthening Medicare and mental health to improving pandemic preparedness and protecting aged care residents. It complements the work of the National Health and Climate Strategy, which recognises that climate change is not only an environmental challenge but a health one. It supports the goals of the Measuring What Matters framework, which commits us to tracking wellbeing and resilience, not just economic growth. And it contributes to our broader national resilience agenda, ensuring Australia is better equipped to withstand shocks, from natural disasters to biosecurity threats. Labor's approach to government is about learning from the past and building stronger systems for the future. The establishment of the CDC also has positive gender and equity impacts. A gender impact assessment found that the CDC will help address the disproportionate health effects of communicable diseases on women, First Nations people, people with disability, culturally diverse communities and those facing economic disadvantage. This is not just about managing pandemics; it's about making sure that, when health risks arise, our response protects everyone, especially those most at risk. Labor believes that every Australian deserves equal access to safety, information and care. The COVID-19 inquiry also highlighted the importance of trust. During a crisis, people need to know that the information they are receiving is accurate and transparent. This bill enshrines transparency as a guiding principle of the CDC's work. The Director-General must publish advice that includes recommendations and make that advice accessible to the public. This is how we rebuild and maintain trust in public health: by letting the evidence speak for itself. It's also why the bill establishes strong oversight for an advisory council, which must include at least one Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander expert in health. The council will ensure that diverse voices, including community and cultural expertise, inform the CDC's priorities and actions. The Albanese government has carefully designed this reform to be both effective and sustainable. Funding of $251.7 million over four years has been allocated, and ongoing funding from 2028-29 will ensure stability and capability into the future. The CDC will be governed under the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act, ensuring clear lines of accountability and prudent use of public resources. It will also be subject to regular reviews—the first after two years of operation and then every five years—to ensure it remains contemporary and effective. That means that this agency will evolve as our understanding of health threats evolves. The Australian Centre for Disease Control Bill 2025 is one of the most significant health reforms in a generation. It fulfils Labor's commitment to create an independent, transparent, national body to protect the health of all Australians. I commend the bill to the Senate.