Senate debates
Wednesday, 16 September 2026
- Committees (0 speeches)
- Meeting (1 speech)
If there is no objection, the meetings are authorised.
- Bills (0 speeches)
- Statements by Senators (0 speeches)
- Indigenous Australians: Child Safety, Western Australia: Infrastructure (1 speech)
Today's reporting in the Australian exposes a horrifying failure of child protection in Western Australia. As the shadow minister for child protection and the prevention of family violence and as...
- Tasmania: Infrastructure (1 speech)
Off the far north-west coast of Tasmania is an island, Robbins Island. Its traditional Palawa name is Pilitika. It is rich in Aboriginal cultural heritage and of profound significance to the...
- Holocaust Institute of WA, Cooper, Mr William (1 speech)
I rise today to recognise an important milestone for Western Australia's Jewish community—the official opening of the new Holocaust Institute of WA education centre. I was privileged to...
- Artificial Intelligence, Women's Health (1 speech)
The Albanese Labor government is turning the screws on the social media platforms. Those arguing against it call it censorship; I reject that completely. What we have right now is not free...
- Tasmania: Mental Health (1 speech)
I rise to speak about two important investments in mental health care in my home state of Tasmania. The first is the new Glenorchy Medicare Mental Health Centre. This centre will provide free...
- Artificial Intelligence (1 speech)
Big AI companies are trying to blackmail the Australian government and this very parliament. They want to get the government to agree to sell out Australia's intellectual property rights. It is...
- Gas Industry (1 speech)
Here in Canberra, the capital city with the highest fuel prices in the country, petrol has gone past $2.25 a litre, diesel is higher and it's pushing prices up across the board—freight,...
- Heavy Vehicle Rest Areas Steering Committee (1 speech)
It is with great pleasure today that I speak about the Heavy Vehicle Rest Areas Steering Committee, which I had the honour of chairing for the past four years. The committee's terms of reference...
- Artificial Intelligence (1 speech)
Every time big corporations get a sniff of any regulation, they threaten to leave the country. Now big tech is jumping on the bandwagon. Open AI—that's ChatGPT, by the way—has issued...
- Western Australia: Defence Industry (1 speech)
It's always a good day when the Prime Minister visits Western Australia, and it's an even better day when he comes to my neck of the woods in Perth's southern suburbs. I can tell you that his...
- Energy (1 speech)
I want to place on the Hansard record an abridged version of a very important article by Chris Uhlmann from last weekend that is well worth repeating. He wrote: At the turn of the 20th century...
- Women's Reproductive Health (3 speeches)
Twelve hours of induction, of pain, of my body being pushed to its limit and then an emergency caesarean I was not prepared for—I remember shaking on that operating table, not from cold but...
- Simplot Company (1 speech)
A week before last, in response to a message I received from a potato grower in my home state of Tasmania, I convened a meeting of growers who were concerned about the treatment that they were...
- Ethical Clothing Australia Week (1 speech)
This week is Ethical Clothing Australia Week, and this year's theme is All Clothing is Handmade. It's food for thought; in an age where clothing is seemingly endless and at our fingertips, it is...
- Gender Dysphoria (1 speech)
Gender-affirming care is health care. Within hours of the Queensland Supreme Court's decision to overturn the unlawful ban against puberty blockers and hormone therapy for young gender-diverse...
- Economy (1 speech)
Labor promised Australians a future made in Australia. Instead, it's a future subsidised by Australia. Workers at Whyalla were promised they would have a green hydrogen supported future. Instead,...
- Superannuation (1 speech)
One Nation is calling its latest economic announcement a super pay boost, but there is no boost. There is no new money. What it is is a stunt dressed up as economic policy. They are taking money...
- Agriculture Industry (1 speech)
I was privileged to meet with members of the Custom Footrot R-Pilus vaccine taskforce yesterday. It broke my heart to hear what sheep farmers across Australia go through in dealing with footrot....
- Albanese Government (1 speech)
Another day, another Labor scandal and more ministers hiding from transparency like the plague. I'm calling out the Prime Minister for allocating $6 million to his own local golf club from...
- Internet Content (1 speech)
Every day, First Nations people go online and cop racism. For our mob, racism has always been a part of everyday life. What's changed is that social media makes it worse and puts it right in...
- Labor Government (1 speech)
I want to acknowledge International Day of Democracy by acknowledging what a sorry state our democracy is in. Everywhere you look, this Labor government has found new ways to erode trust in...
- Freedom of Speech (1 speech)
The progressive left has discovered one of the most powerful weapons in politics: not a gun but a dictionary. Control language and you begin to control thought. If people lose the words to...
- Medicare (1 speech)
There's some very good news for the people of Risdon Vale just outside of Hobart on Tasmania's eastern shore. The Tasmanian government is opening a new GP clinic that will provide 20,000 fully...
- Neill-Fraser, Ms Susan Blyth (Sue) (1 speech)
Sue Neill-Fraser was found guilty of murdering her partner, Bob Chappell, aboard their yacht in Hobart in 2009. Ms Neill-Fraser has always protested her innocence and no body has ever been found,...
- Aboriginal Deaths in Custody (1 speech)
Heather Calgaret was a proud Yamatji, Noongar, Wongi and Pitjantjatjara woman. She was a mother to four beautiful children whom she loved dearly. She was a rock of her family, always helping and...
- Economy (1 speech)
It's nice to know that some Labor MPs and senators have finally woken up to reality. The news today is that Labor MPs are voicing their concerns behind closed doors over the prospect of more...
- Labor Government (1 speech)
Sadly for me—I've just clocked up 10 years in the Senate—I've never seen a more dispirited and disunited opposition than what we see at the moment. They are so divided, and they are...
- Questions without Notice (0 speeches)
- Members of Parliament: Staff (8 speeches)
My question is to the Minister representing the Prime Minister, Senator Wong. Mr Rhys Muldoon, who was sacked as a Labor staffer yesterday for a series of vile social media posts using racist...
- Distinguished Visitors (0 speeches)
- Work Exposure in Government (WEX) Program (1 speech)
I draw to the attention of the gallery once again the rest of the WEX group, who've joined us here. I had understood that some of the students were in the Speaker's gallery and some here, but it...
- Questions without Notice (0 speeches)
- Fuel Security (8 speeches)
My question is to the Minister for Industry and Innovation, Senator Ayres. The Albanese Labor government recently announced its plan for a domestic gas reservation. This plan ensures that...
- Gender and Sexual Orientation (15 speeches)
My question is to the Minister representing the Prime Minister, Senator Wong. The High Court has refused special leave in the Tickle v Giggle case, leaving in place the ruling against a...
- Migration (17 speeches)
My question is to the minister representing the Minister for Home Affairs. Minister, since your government came in, you've worked with Peter Dutton to forcibly remove people under a corrupt deal...
- Cybersafety (8 speeches)
My question is to the Minister representing the Minister for Communications, Senator Farrell. Australia's been leading the world in our efforts to keep children safer online, starting with our...
- Indigenous Australians (10 speeches)
My question is to the Minister representing the Prime Minister, Minister Wong. Does your government agree that a genocide has occurred on this continent?
- Whyalla Steelworks (36 speeches)
My question is to the Minister representing the Prime Minister, Senator Wong. In September 2023, the Prime Minister said that Whyalla had 'an extraordinarily optimistic future' producing green...
- United Nations Climate Change Conference (8 speeches)
My question is to the Minister representing the Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Senator Ayres. I met with ActionAid advocates this morning, who raised some serious concerns. With every...
- Health Care (8 speeches)
My question is to the Minister representing the Minister for Health and Ageing, Senator McAllister. Delivering affordable health care for Australians who need it most has been a key priority of...
- Economy (26 speeches)
My question is to the Minister representing the Treasurer, Senator Gallagher. The Age today reports that a Labor MP told the Treasurer: A lot of what we have done is throw cost-of-living relief...
- Questions without Notice: Take Note of Answers (0 speeches)
- Answers to Questions (7 speeches)
With the concurrence of the Senate, the clerks will set the clock in accordance with the formal arrangement agreed by the whips. Are there any motions?
- Migration (1 speech)
I move: That the Senate take note of answers given by the Minister for the Environment and Water (Senator Watt) in relation to questions without notice I asked today on migration. You can see a...
- Indigenous Australians (1 speech)
I move: That the Senate take note of the answer given by the Minister for Foreign Affairs (Senator Wong) to a question without notice I asked today relating to Indigenous Australians. It was...
- United Nations Climate Change Conference (1 speech)
I move: That the Senate take note of the answer given by the Minister representing the Minister for Climate Change and Energy (Senator Ayres) to the question without notice I asked during...
- Documents (0 speeches)
- Middle East (35 speeches)
I seek leave to table a document. Leave not granted. Pursuant to contingent notice standing in my name, I move: That so much of the standing orders be suspended as would prevent me tabling the...
- Business (0 speeches)
- Rearrangement (1 speech)
I move: That the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Veterans (Healthcare Without Caps) Bill 2026 be considered on Thursday 17 September 2026, at the time for private senators' bills....
- Leave of Absence (1 speech)
by leave—I move: That leave of absence be granted for Senator Faruqi for 15 September. Question agreed to.
- Rearrangement (1 speech)
by leave—I move: That— (1) On Thursday, 17 September 2026: (a) the Defence Force Discipline Amendment (RCDVS Implementation and Related Measures No. 1) Bill 2026 be called on...
- Documents (0 speeches)
- Gun Control; Order for the Production of Documents (1 speech)
by leave—I move: That there be laid on the table by the Minister representing the Minister for Defence, by no later than 5 pm on Friday, 16 October 2026, copies of all ministerial...
- Senate Estimates; Order for the Production of Documents (1 speech)
by leave— I move: That— (a) the Senate notes that, in response to a question on notice with portfolio question number SQ26-000696, asked during the 2026-27 Budget estimates and...
- Australian Electoral Commission; Order for the Production of Documents (1 speech)
I move: That there be laid on the table by the Special Minister of State, by no later than 5 pm on Wednesday, 7 October 2026, copies of all documents held by the minister, his office or the...
- Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation; Order for the Production of Documents (1 speech)
I move: That there be laid on the table by the Minister for Science, by no later than 5 pm on Friday, 16 October 2026, copies of all ministerial submissions, records of conversation, letters,...
- Australian Prudential Regulation Authority; Order for the Production of Documents (1 speech)
At the request of Senator Bragg, I move: That the Senate— (a) notes that: (i) on 12 August 2026, the Senate agreed to order for the production of documents no. 573, relating to the impact...
- Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water; Order for the Production of Documents (1 speech)
At the request of Senator Henderson, I move: That there be laid on the table by the Minister representing the Minister for Climate Change and Energy, by no later than midday on Monday, 21...
- PFAS (per and polyfluoroalkyl substances) Select Committee; Order for the Production of Documents (1 speech)
I, and also on behalf of Senator Thorpe, move: (1) That the Senate notes that: (a) in accordance with Senate resolution 44(1), government responses to committee reports are required to be tabled...
- Homes for Australia; Order for the Production of Documents (1 speech)
I move: That the Senate— (a) notes that: (i) on 2 July 2026, the Senate agreed to order for the production of documents no. 553, relating to the Homes for Australia plan, requiring the...
- Department of Home Affairs; Order for the Production of Documents (1 speech)
I move: That there be laid on the table by the Minister representing the Minister for Home Affairs, by no later than 5 pm on 9 October 2026, for contract notice CN4254651: (a) copies of all...
- Paid Practicum Subsidy; Order for the Production of Documents (1 speech)
I move: That there be laid on the table by the Minister for Early Childhood Education, by no later than 5 pm on Friday, 2 October 2026: (a) copies of all ministerial submissions, briefing notes,...
- Infrastructure; Order for the Production of Documents (1 speech)
At the request of Senator Bragg, I move general business notices of motion Nos 744, 745, 746 and 747 together: GENERAL BUSINESS NOTICE OF MOTION NO. 744 That there be laid on the table by the...
- Maritime Industry; Order for the Production of Documents (1 speech)
() (): I move: That there be laid on the table by the Minister representing the Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, by 11 am on Thursday, 17...
- Aged Care; Order for the Production of Documents (1 speech)
At the request of Senator Ruston, I move: That the Senate— (a) notes that: (i) on 9 September 2026, the Senate agreed to an order for the production of documents, order no. 666, requiring...
- Committees (0 speeches)
- Documents (0 speeches)
- Committees (0 speeches)
- Notices (0 speeches)
- Postponement (1 speech)
by leave—I move: That general business notice of motion No. 730 standing in the name of Senator Bragg for today, relating to the order for the production of documents No. 546, be postponed...
- Documents (0 speeches)
- North to East Australia Pipeline; Order for the Production of Documents (2 speeches)
I move: That there be laid on the table by the Minister representing the Minister for Resources, by no later than midday on Monday, 12 October 2026: (a) all ministerial submissions and briefs on...
- Middle East; Order for the Production of Documents (2 speeches)
I move: That there be laid on the table by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, by no later than 9.30 am on Monday, 12 October 2026, all ministerial submissions, letters, briefing notes, meeting...
- ASECA Judicial Seminar; Order for the Production of Documents (2 speeches)
I move: That there be laid on the table by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, by no later than 9.30 am on Monday, 12 October 2026, the presentation, attendance list, recording of the Zoom event...
- Census; Order for the Production of Documents (2 speeches)
At the request of Senator Dean Smith, I move: That there be laid on the table by the Minister representing the Treasurer, by no later than midday on Monday, 12 October 2026, copies of all written...
- Climate Change; Order for the Production of Documents (5 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 4 pm on Friday, 2 October 2026, the first offset report, the two...
- Maritime Industry; Order for the Production of Documents (2 speeches)
I seek leave to have general business notice of motion No. 749 recommitted. I made a mistake in the directions that I gave to my party, so I ask that it be recommitted. Leave granted.
- Personal Information and Privacy; Order for the Production of Documents (2 speeches)
I move: That the Senate— (a) notes that: (i) on 2 July 2026, the Senate agreed to order for the production of documents no. 559, relating to relating to documents held by the Office of the...
- Matters of Urgency (0 speeches)
- Manufacturing Industry (4 speeches)
Senator Blyth has submitted a proposal, under standing order 75, today. It has been circulated and is shown on the Dynamic Red: That, in the opinion of the Senate, the following is a matter of...
- First Speech (0 speeches)
- Gatenby, Senator Chris (2 speeches)
Order! Before I call Senator Gatenby, I remind honourable senators that this is his first speech; therefore, I ask that the usual courtesies be extended to him.
- Matters of Urgency (0 speeches)
- Manufacturing Industry (4 speeches)
I rise with great pleasure to speak on behalf of the coalition in support of Senator Blyth's motion today with respect to the complete failure of the government's Future Made in Australia plan,...
- Migration (14 speeches)
The Senate will now consider the proposal from Senator Hanson, submitted under standing order 75 today, which has also been circulated and is shown on the Dynamic Red: That in the opinion of the...
- Committees (0 speeches)
- Documents (0 speeches)
- Committees (0 speeches)
- Bills (0 speeches)
- Adjournment (0 speeches)
- Labor Government (1 speech)
What we've seen over the last two weeks in the Senate from those opposite has been pretty extraordinary. We have seen them vote against the legislation of a policy they previously supported....
