Senate debates
Wednesday, 4 March 2026
- Business (0 speeches)
- Rearrangement (1 speech)
by leave—I move: That the consideration of private senators' bills not proceed today and instead general business motion No. 386 standing in the name of Senator Payman concerning a...
- Motions (0 speeches)
- Online Safety Act 2021 (9 speeches)
In line with general business notice of motion No. 386 given yesterday, I move: That the Senate— (a) notes that the statutory review of the Online Safety Act 2021, which was completed in...
- Business (0 speeches)
- Rearrangement (58 speeches)
I seek leave to move a motion, as circulated, relating to consideration of government amendments to formal business. Leave not granted. Pursuant to contingent notice standing in my name, I move:...
- Bills (0 speeches)
- Petitions (0 speeches)
- Brain Cancer (2 speeches)
by leave—I table a petition which calls on the government to establish the long-promised proton beam therapy here in Australia for children like Evelyn, signed by over 27,000 people, and I...
- Statements by Senators (0 speeches)
- Australian Parliament, Rockhampton: Olympic Rowing, Queensland: Floods, Middle East (1 speech)
Australians are struggling under Prime Minister Albanese. Under Labor, inflation continues to rise, power prices are out of control, insurance premiums are skyrocketing and the dream of...
- Housing (1 speech)
I rise to speak on the national housing crisis. This country is at breaking point. The great Australian dream of owning a home is dead, thanks to Labor. Barely a day goes past without new...
- Middle East (1 speech)
It is an historic week for all freedom-loving people of Australia and indeed the world. The occupation of Persian Iran by the despotic Islamic Republic is being shattered by the joint forces of...
- Liberal Party of Australia, Housing (1 speech)
The modern Liberal Party might be struggling to find an identity, but there is one thing that will always remain true about those opposite: they never learn from their mistakes—not after...
- Petrol Prices, Artificial Intelligence (1 speech)
I want to reflect some of the feedback coming in from people here in Canberra, people in the ACT, whom I represent. I want to start with the cost of living and in particular the price of petrol...
- It's for Every Body (1 speech)
I'm rising today in support of the Australian Unions campaign It's for Every Body. This campaign calls for 10 days of paid reproductive leave to be embedded in the National Employment Standards....
- Migration (1 speech)
There are plenty of people in this place and outside of it who want to talk about immigration. But, by the way you talk about migrants, we know which migrants you are really talking about. We are...
- Goods and Services Tax (1 speech)
The goods and services tax, GST, is a tax paid by all Australians on various goods and services. It is supposed to be designed to benefit all Australians in every state. When it was first...
- Cybercrime (1 speech)
Cybercrime is no longer distant or abstract. It's happening in Australia to Australians every single day. It affects families, older Australians, small and large businesses and our children. It's...
- National Security (1 speech)
I've often said that this terrible Albanese government is the most secretive in Australian history. No issue demonstrates this more than the Prime Minister's lies about his secret plan to bring...
- One Nation (1 speech)
We are seeing a hotly contested race to the fringe of politics—a race to the bottom and a race to the far right. There was a time when the Liberal Party had the courage to draw a line....
- Cost of Living (1 speech)
Two weeks ago, I spent the day at the University of Western Australia's O day. If you've ever been to O day, you know the energy—stalls everywhere, clubs recruiting, students with tote bags...
- Tasmanian Leaders (2 speeches)
Recently, I attended the Tasmanian Leaders Program graduation for the class of 2025 in Hobart. More than 100 family members, friends, alumni and supporters came along to celebrate this year's...
- Health Care (1 speech)
Australians were promised access to life-saving proton beam therapy right here in Australia. Yet, years later, this promise remains unfulfilled. The Australian Bragg Centre for Proton Therapy and...
- Sport: Hockey (1 speech)
I rise to speak about the Federation Internationale de Hockey, or FIH, Pro League in Hobart, and in particular the Hockeyroos' match against China that I attended. For two weeks in February,...
- Sandilands, Mr Kyle Dalton (1 speech)
Yesterday, the Australian Radio Network, the owners of KIIS FM, announced that, finally, Jackie O had had enough—had had enough of Kyle Sandilands' abusive on-air behaviour. After 25 years...
- Cost of Living, Budget (1 speech)
Sadly, one in three households in Australia have experienced food insecurity over the last 12 months, which is a terrible situation. The Prime Minister, last sitting period, assured Australians...
- Agriculture Industry (1 speech)
Yesterday morning, Minister Collins and I joined the National Farmers Federation President, Hamish McIntyre, to celebrate Australia's agricultural production value. It's set to reach a record...
- Fuel Security (2 speeches)
Australians are watching the conflict escalate in the Middle East, and a terrifying truth is staring us in the face. The Albanese Labor government has left this country dangerously exposed on...
- King Island (1 speech)
Last month, I had the great opportunity to visit King Island, our great island off an island off an island, and it's been one of my highlights of the year so far. It was a great opportunity to...
- Aged Care (1 speech)
Today, I've written to the Minister for Aged Care and Seniors asking him to immediately reinstate human oversight into aged-care assessments. Before the new aged-care rules came into effect on 1...
- Fiscal Policy (1 speech)
Let me make a prediction so blindingly obvious that it barely qualifies as one: higher taxes are coming. We all know this. You don't spend months and months floating conversations about revenue...
- Labor Government (1 speech)
I recently visited Shepparton in the beautiful electorate of Nicholls for the northern forum of the Country Labor Executive, also known as the CLX. It reinforced why Labor matters in the regions...
- NDIS, Veterans (5 speeches)
The NDIS supports over 700,000 Australians living with a disability and is expected to cost the Australian taxpayer $58 billion by 2028. The government says they are reining in costs and...
- Racism (1 speech)
I want to speak about racism against the Fitzroy Stars netball team. After a recent match, a player from an opposing club directed racist abuse at Stars players, using the phrase 'you people'...
- Economy (4 speeches)
Today's national accounts have confirmed what Australian households already know, and that's that they are poorer today than when Labor came to power. Living standards have gone backwards under...
- Men's Health (1 speech)
They owe me a two-minute statement out of that little rant! Recently WA welcomed our Special Envoy for Men's Health, my colleague Dan Repacholi from the other place, and what a great visit he...
- Questions without Notice (0 speeches)
- Economy (19 speeches)
(): We'll now move to question time, and I shall call Senator Chandler. I would like question time to start in silence, thank you, Senator Watt and Senator Cash. Let's just pretend we're starting...
- Distinguished Visitors (0 speeches)
- Acknowledgement (1 speech)
I draw attention, in the public gallery, to former Western Australian senator Chris Back. Honourable senators: Hear, hear!
- Questions without Notice (0 speeches)
- Middle East (8 speeches)
My question is to the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator Wong. Conflict in the Middle East over the past few days has continued to destabilise an already unstable and unpredictable region....
- Wages and Salaries (8 speeches)
My question is to the Minister representing the Treasurer, Senator Gallagher. Real wages are 2.1 per cent lower today than the day that Labor took office. According to the RBA's own forecasts,...
- Fossil Fuel Industry (30 speeches)
My question is to the Minister representing the Prime Minister, Senator Wong. It is ordinary people who suffer from war, whether it's civilians being killed throughout the Middle East or...
- Economy (16 speeches)
While she's on a roll, my question is to the Minister representing the Treasurer, Senator Gallagher. Today's release of the national accounts provides an update on the economy, at a time of...
- Albanese Government (13 speeches)
My question is to the Minister representing the Attorney-General, Minister Farrell. The government campaigned on a message of restoring trust in politics, moving away from the culture of secrecy...
- National Security (10 speeches)
My question is to the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator Wong. Yesterday you were asked by Sky News host Andrew Clenell on the issue of ISIS brides: did you or your office have any involvement...
- International Relations: Australia and the United States of America (8 speeches)
My question is to the Minister representing the Minister for Home Affairs, Senator Murray Watt. Recent reporting suggests the Australian government may be negotiating an enhanced border security...
- Medicare (12 speeches)
Let's talk about that great Labor legacy—it may be the greatest Labor legacy—Medicare. That's a bit controversial, but I think it's a good call. My question is to the Minister...
- Fossil Fuel Industry (23 speeches)
My question is to the Minister representing the Prime Minister, Senator Wong. Senator Wong, your government is imposing a carbon tax on Australian fuel refineries under its so-called Safeguard...
- Energy (18 speeches)
My question is to the Minister representing the Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Senator Ayres. Since the election in May 2022, a key priority of the Albanese Labor government has been...
- Questions without Notice: Additional Answers (0 speeches)
- National Security (1 speech)
I would like to add to the answer I gave to Senator Duniam. During question time today, I undertook to provide further information in response to Senator Duniam's question about whether my office...
- Wages and Salaries (1 speech)
I wish to add further to a question today from Senator Hume on living standards, where I said in my answer that they are growing faster than every G7 economy. The latest OECD data shows that...
- International Relations: Australia and Israel (1 speech)
In question time on 3 March, yesterday, Senator Wong undertook to provide further information in response to questions asked of her by Senator David Pocock in her capacity as the Minister...
- Questions without Notice: Take Note of Answers (0 speeches)
- Economy, Wages and Salaries (29 speeches)
I move: That the Senate note of the answers given by the Minister for Finance (Senator Gallagher) to questions without notice asked by me and Senator Hume on the economy and wages. I would have...
- Fossil Fuel Industry (2 speeches)
I move: That the Senate take note of the answer given by the Minister representing the Prime Minister (Senator Wong) to a question without notice I asked today relating to the fossil fuel...
- Notices (0 speeches)
- Postponement (1 speech)
If there is no objection, the business is postponed.
- Motions (0 speeches)
- Cost of Living (1 speech)
Yesterday and in February, a number of votes were deferred. I understand that it suits the convenience of the Senate that these votes be held now. I'm beginning with a deferred vote on general...
- Documents (0 speeches)
- Combatting Antisemitism, Hate and Extremism (Criminal and Migration Laws) Bill 2026, Australia Day, Department of the Treasury, Special Minister of State, New and Redeveloping International Ports Framework Review, Victoria: Bushfires, Housing Australia, Home Guarantee Scheme, Construction, Forestry and Maritime Employees Union, Taxation; Order for the Production of Documents (1 speech)
Pursuant to the order agreed to earlier today, I will put the question on the government amendments to general notices of motion Nos 357, 358, 361 to 367, 371, 372, 374, 375 and 382, moved...
- National Anti-Racism Framework; Order for the Production of Documents (1 speech)
I shall now deal with the remaining questions on each motion listed at item 13 of today's Senate Order of Business. I will first deal with general business notice of motion No. 356, standing in...
- Combatting Antisemitism, Hate and Extremism (Criminal and Migration Laws) Bill 2026; Order for the Production of Documents (1 speech)
The question is that general business notice of motion No. 357 standing in the name of Senator Faruqi be agreed to.
- Australia Day; Order for the Production of Documents (1 speech)
The question is that general business notice of motion No. 358, standing in the name of Senator Thorpe, be agreed to.
- Department of the Treasury; Order for the Production of Documents (1 speech)
The question is that general business notice of motion No. 361, standing in the name of Senator McGrath, be agreed to.
- Special Minister of State; Order for the Production of Documents (1 speech)
The question is that general business notice of motion No. 362, standing in the name of Senator McGrath, be agreed to.
- New and Redeveloping International Ports Framework Review; Order for the Production of Documents (1 speech)
The question is that general business notice of motion No. 363 standing in the name of Senator McKenzie be agreed to.
- Victoria: Bushfires; Order for the Production of Documents (1 speech)
The question is that general business notice of motion No. 364 standing in the name of Senator McKenzie be agreed to.
- Australia Day; Order for the Production of Documents (1 speech)
I will now deal with general business notice of motion No. 365, standing in the name of Senator McKenzie. The question is that the motion be agreed to.
- Combatting Antisemitism, Hate and Extremism (Firearms and Customs Laws) Bill 2026; Order for the Production of Documents (2 speeches)
The question is that general business notice of motion No. 366, standing in the name of Senator McKenzie, be agreed to.
- Housing Australia; Order for the Production of Documents (1 speech)
The question is that general business notice of motion No. 371 standing in the name of Senator Bragg be agreed to.
- Home Guarantee Scheme; Order for the Production of Documents (1 speech)
The question is that general business notice of motion No. 372, standing in the name of Senator Bragg, be agreed to.
- Taxation; Order for the Production of Documents (1 speech)
The question is that the motion be agreed to.
- Business (0 speeches)
- Consideration of Legislation (1 speech)
The question is that general business notice of motion No. 377, standing in the name of Senator Duniam, be agreed to.
- Documents (0 speeches)
- Committees (0 speeches)
- Procedure Committee; Reference (4 speeches)
I, and also on behalf of Senator Thorpe, move: That— (a) the following matter be referred to the Procedure Committee for inquiry and report by 22 June 2026: Whether, in line with...
- Motions (0 speeches)
- Parliamentary Standards (2 speeches)
I seek leave to move a motion circulated in my name. Leave not granted. Pursuant to contingent notice, I move: That so much of the standing orders be suspended as would prevent me moving me a...
- Prime Minister of Canada (0 speeches)
- Address to Parliament (1 speech)
The President has received a message from the House of Representatives inviting senators to attend a meeting of the House on Thursday 5 March 2026 for an address by the Rt Hon. Mark Carney, Prime...
- Business (0 speeches)
- Days and Hours of Meeting (2 speeches)
I move: That on Thursday, 5 March 2026, the sitting of the Senate be suspended from 10.10 am till the ringing of the bells, to enable senators to attend an address by the Right Honourable Mark...
- Documents (0 speeches)
- Committees (0 speeches)
- Documents (0 speeches)
- Defence Properties; Order for the Production of Documents (3 speeches)
I, and also on behalf of Senator Shoebridge, move: That there be laid on the table by the Minister representing the Minister for Defence, by midday on 5 March 2026, the complete unedited version...
- Energy; Order for the Production of Documents (6 speeches)
I move: That there be laid on the table by the Minister for Industry and Innovation, by no later than 5 pm on Wednesday, 18 March 2026: (a) copies of all ministerial submissions, records of...
- Australian Space Agency; Order for the Production of Documents (3 speeches)
I move: That there be laid on the table by the Minister for Industry and Innovation, by no later than 5 pm on Wednesday, 15 April 2026: (a) copies of all ministerial submissions, records of...
- Notices (0 speeches)
- Withdrawal (1 speech)
I ask that general business notice of motion No. 388 be withdrawn.
- Documents (0 speeches)
- Workplace Relations; Order for the Production of Documents (3 speeches)
I move: That the Senate— (a) notes that: (i) the Minister representing the Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations has failed to comply with order for the production of documents...
- Energy; Order for the Production of Documents (3 speeches)
I move: That there be laid on the table by the Minister representing the Minister for Climate Change and Energy, by no later than 5 pm on Wednesday, 18 March 2026: (a) copies of all ministerial...
- Department of Social Services; Order for the Production of Documents (3 speeches)
I move: (1) There be laid on the table by the Minister representing the Minister for Social Services, Senator Gallagher, by no later than midday on Tuesday, 10 March 2026, a copy of the document...
- Independent Audit of the Defence Estate; Order for the Production of Documents (1 speech)
I will now deal with the main questions on the motions moved today, those are the motions at item No.14 on today's Order of Business. I'll begin with the general business notice of motion No. 368...
- Forestry Industry; Order for the Production of Documents (1 speech)
The question is that general business notice of motion No. 370, standing in the name of Senator Cadell, be agreed to.
- Cybersafety; Order for the Production of Documents (1 speech)
The question is that general business notice of motion No. 383, standing in the name of Senator Dean Smith, be agreed to.
- Energy; Order for the Production of Documents (2 speeches)
The question is that notice of motion No. 384, as moved by Senator Payman, be agreed to.
- Australian Space Agency; Order for the Production of Documents (1 speech)
The question is that general business notice of motion No. 387 standing in the name of Senator Payman be agreed to.
- Workplace Relations; Order for the Production of Documents (1 speech)
The question is that general business notice of motion No. 389, standing in the name of Senator Payman, be agreed to.
- Energy; Order for the Production of Documents (1 speech)
I will now deal with general business notice of motion No. 390, standing in the name of Senator Payman. The question is that the motion be agreed to.
- Superannuation; Order for the Production of Documents (1 speech)
The question is that general business notice of motion No. 391, standing in the name of Senator Bragg, be agreed to.
- Department of Social Services; Order for the Production of Documents (1 speech)
The question is that general business notice of motion No. 392, standing in the name of Senator Roberts be agreed to.
- Matters of Urgency (0 speeches)
- Middle East (1 speech)
The question is that the urgency motion moved by Senator Shoebridge be agreed to.
- Matters of Public Importance (0 speeches)
- Economy (12 speeches)
Senator Dean Smith has submitted a proposal under standing order 75, today, which has been circulated and is shown on the Dynamic Red. Pursuant to standing order 75, I propose that the following...
- Labor Government (8 speeches)
The Senate will now consider the proposal, under standing order 75, from Senator Lambie, which has also been circulated and is shown on the Dynamic Red: The Labor Government's lack of...
- Committees (0 speeches)
- Delegation Reports (0 speeches)
- Documents (0 speeches)
- Cybersafety, Bail and Remand Reports, Banking and Financial Services, Grocery Prices, Minister for Communications, Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion, Grok Chatbot; Order for the Production of Documents (1 speech)
I table documents relating to orders for the production of documents concerning social media minimum age, bail and remand reports, bank closures in regional Australia, supermarket price gouging,...
- Bills (0 speeches)
- Adjournment (0 speeches)
- Women in Sport, Asian Football Confederation Women's Asian Cup (1 speech)
The Matildas have become more than just a football team to all Australians. Not only are they role models for young women across our nation; they are proof that investment in women's sport pays...
- Middle East (1 speech)
Hear, hear. Go the Matildas. I rise today to speak about the conflict in Iran and the Middle East. Amid mixed feelings about the war, many Iranians around the country and those in my home state...
- Australian Parliament (1 speech)
Back in 2024, Senator Faruqi and I moved a motion to deal with racism, sexism and other forms of discrimination in this place—here, in the Senate. Parliament should set the standard for the...
