Senate debates
Wednesday, 14 October 2026
- Committees (0 speeches)
- Meeting (1 speech)
If there is no objection, the meetings are authorised.
- Bills (0 speeches)
- Documents (0 speeches)
- Bills (0 speeches)
- Statements by Senators (0 speeches)
- Superannuation, Tobacco Control, Ipswich Little Athletics (1 speech)
I'm speaking on a number of matters in this presentation. Earlier today, ASIC released Accounting for your super:super fund financial reporting and audit 2025-26, report 841, in relation to the...
- Raise Our Voice in Parliament, Middle East, International Relations: Australia and the United States of America (1 speech)
Good on you, Jett. It is my absolute pleasure to read out two speeches from young people as part of Raise our Voice in Parliament. The first is from Naomi, who is 13 years old. She wrote: Have...
- Early Childhood Education and Care (1 speech)
Deputy President, you know me well, and you know that I never set out, when I left school, to be a senator. It wasn't something I considered I'd actually do. I started out as a tradie. In my...
- Cybersafety (1 speech)
I notice we have a lot of children in the gallery. This speech is very much for them, and it's for their parents and carers right around Australia. There is a taboo in our country that is...
- Baird, Hon. Bruce George, AM (1 speech)
For those of us in the New South Wales Liberal Party, the passing of the Hon. Bruce Baird is deeply felt. Bruce gave much of himself to our party and its people, and we have lost a much-loved...
- Raise Our Voice in Parliament, St John Ambulance Australia (1 speech)
I'm honoured to be part of the Raise Our Voice in Parliament campaign. Raise Our Voice is a fantastic initiative that provides young people from across Australia with the opportunity to engage...
- Ovarian Cancer (1 speech)
Ten years ago I participated for the first time in Frocktober, and this year I am bringing it to parliament. Frocktober is a fundraiser for the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation, and there are...
- Child Abuse (1 speech)
The Albanese government has shown it can act to protect children when it has the political will. After Four Corners exposed serious abuse in the childcare sector, the federal government responded...
- Internet Content (1 speech)
The digital duty of care is the worst piece of antispeech legislation to ever see the light of day in this place—maybe anywhere in the world. It is an affront to all Western, liberal...
- Tasmania: Orphan Schools (1 speech)
Earlier this month, I stood at St Johns Park in New Town, Hobart for the unveiling of Rowan Gillespie's replacement of his sculpture . The two bronze children represent William and Mary Ann...
- International Relations (1 speech)
Australia's foreign policy should be guided by a simple question: does this benefit Australia? If something benefits Australia, we should do it. If something does not benefit Australia, well,...
- Social Media (1 speech)
Seventy per cent of young people get their news from social media. For an entire generation, social media isn't just entertainment. It's where they learn about the world, form opinions and,...
- Liberal Party of Australia (2 speeches)
With the small amount of time available to me before we start two-minute statements, I thought I'd pose the question to the chamber: Who is the opposition leader at the moment? Who is leading the...
- Raise Our Voice in Parliament (2 speeches)
I rise to share the words of Charlotte, who is an 11-year-old who participated in the Raise Our Voice in Parliament campaign. Here's what Charlotte wanted to say: Shaping young people's future is...
- Australian Football League Grand Final (1 speech)
Congratulations to the Brisbane Lions for another trio of premierships—the second three-peat in the club's history and only the seventh in the history of the league. The final four minutes...
- Minister for Communications (1 speech)
Another day, another scandal involving the Albanese government's most frequent flyer—and we've got the receipts. Last year, the Minster for Communications, Anika Wells—Labor's Deirdre...
- Sandcastles (Booja Mia) Children's Hospice (1 speech)
Last week, I was honoured to attend the opening of WA's first children's hospice, Sandcastles (Booja Mia), an important facility that will provide care, comfort and support to Western Australian...
- New South Wales State Election (3 speeches)
Whether it's Labor in Canberra or Labor in Macquarie Street, the socialists never miss an opportunity to put net zero ideology ahead of everyday Australians because Anthony Albanese is working...
- Biosecurity: Pineapple Imports (1 speech)
I'm sure as the weather gets warmer that many of us may enjoy a beautiful, fresh Australian pineapple, but many would not know that that great Australian industry is at risk from the Labor...
- Tertiary Education and Training (1 speech)
I rise today to welcome a significant investment in skills and training for regional Victoria. The Australian government is investing $2.46 million through the Mobile TAFE program. This...
- Migration (1 speech)
In Australia, plenty of people like to buy a lotto ticket. But would you buy a lotto ticket for $1,000 when your chance of winning is slim to none? That's what this federal Labor government is...
- Victoria: Social Cohesion (1 speech)
When I first heard reports that a jihadist had attempted to hijack a plane from Dubai, I had just one thought: somehow Melbourne's got to be involved in this story. And, sure enough, there it...
- Raise Our Voice in Parliament (1 speech)
Today I'm so pleased to read you a speech from Samia, an amazing young Victorian woman, as part of the Raise Our Voice in Parliament campaign. Here is what Samia had to say: 'Hi, my name is...
- Tasmania: Health Care, Tasmania: Aged Care, Tasmania: Hospitals (1 speech)
Tasmania has the oldest, poorest and sickest population in the country. As the Tasmanian Department of Health's own statistics report, we consistently rank among the lowest for health outcomes...
- Raise Our Voice in Parliament (1 speech)
Senator Thorpe. This speech has been written by Alarah, aged 12. Alarah says: Walawaani yanz ngai narri Alarah Dhurga Yuin. You've probably never heard that sentence before. It means: Hello...
- Defence Properties (1 speech)
This Defence estate fire sale is an absolute disaster. I'm glad the government is in here to hear all about it. We have military personnel all over Australia that have been given orders to pack...
- Leader of the Australian Greens (2 speeches)
Last week, the new leader of the Greens political party decided to unilaterally change his party's policy as to effectively abandon Ukraine. In one of his first foreign policy statements, he...
- Questions without Notice (0 speeches)
- Taxation (22 speeches)
My question is to the Minister representing the Prime Minister, Senator Wong. This week, estate planning lawyer Rachael Rofe warned that Labor's proposed 30 per cent trust tax could force...
- Distinguished Visitors (0 speeches)
- Acknowledgement (1 speech)
I draw the attention of honourable senators to the presence in the chamber of a parliamentary delegation from the Legislative Assembly of Samoa, led by the honourable speaker. On behalf of all...
- Questions without Notice (0 speeches)
- Gas Industry (10 speeches)
My question is to the Minister for Industry and Innovation, Senator Ayres. The Albanese government today introduced legislation in the other place to establish a domestic gas reservation, a...
- Tertiary Education and Training (21 speeches)
My question is to the Minister representing the Minister for Skills and Training, Minister Watt. The Age has today revealed that the Australian Skills Quality Authority was tipped off in 2023...
- Housing (22 speeches)
My question is to the Minister representing the Minister for Housing, Senator Ayres. Renting has never been less affordable in Australia, with rental stress at record highs. New data today tells...
- Economy (10 speeches)
My question is to the Minister for Finance, Senator Gallagher. Despite challenging global economic circumstances, last week Fitch reaffirmed Australia's AAA credit rating. That means Australia is...
- Human Rights: Incarceration (41 speeches)
My question is for the Minister for Women, Minister Gallagher. Minister, Labor claims to oppose violence against women, yet your government plans to vote to continue to allow mothers to be...
- Agriculture Industry (30 speeches)
My question is to the minister representing the Prime Minister, Senator Wong. Thousands of Australian family farms use trusts as a core means of managing risk, protecting assets, supporting...
- Western Australia: Infrastructure (8 speeches)
My question is to the Minister representing the Minister for Defence, Senator Wong. The Western Australian government's Westport project proposes a new container port at Kwinana, close to major...
- Cybersafety (11 speeches)
My question is to the Minister representing the Minister for Communications, Senator Farrell. Australia is a world leader in our efforts to keep children safer online. This began with our social...
- Taxation (10 speeches)
My question is to the Minister representing the Prime Minister, Senator Wong. The Housing Industry Association has slammed Labor's proposed 30 per cent trust tax, warning: 'Every week, the...
- Questions without Notice: Additional Answers (0 speeches)
- Artificial Intelligence (1 speech)
In question time yesterday, I took questions asked of me by Senator Pocock on notice in my capacity as the Minister for Science and the Minister for Industry and Innovation, relating to...
- Manufacturing Industry (1 speech)
Yesterday, I also took on notice a question from Senator Lambie relating to the manufacturing industry in my capacity as the Minister for Industry and Innovation. I've written to the senator to...
- Community Grants (1 speech)
In question time on Tuesday 13 October, I undertook to provide further information in response to questions asked of me by Senator Duniam in my capacity as the Minister representing the Prime...
- Questions without Notice: Take Note of Answers (0 speeches)
- Answers to Questions (6 speeches)
With the concurrence of the Senate, the clerks will set the clock in accordance with informal arrangements agreed by the whips.
- Housing (1 speech)
I move: That the Senate take note of the answer given by the Minister representing the Minister for Housing (Senator Ayres) to a question without notice I asked today on the need for rent caps...
- Western Australia: Infrastructure (1 speech)
I move: That the Senate take note of the answer from Minister Penny Wong on the interaction between Westport and AUKUS. I ask these questions in good faith, however, I can't help but feel it's...
- Notices (0 speeches)
- Postponement (1 speech)
If there is no objection, the business is postponed.
- Committees (0 speeches)
- Documents (0 speeches)
- Migration; Order for the Production of Documents (4 speeches)
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 Friday, 23 October 2026, copies of any documents held by the Minister...
- Early Childhood Education and Care; Order for the Production of Documents (1 speech)
I move: That there be laid on the table by the Minister representing the Minister for Education, by no later than 5 pm on Thursday, 29 October 2026, copies of documents 1 to 4, 8 to 17, 19 to 32...
- Minister for Communications; Order for the Production of Documents (1 speech)
I move: That there be laid on the table by the Minister representing the Minister for Communications, by no later than 5 pm on Wednesday, 4 November 2026, copies of all documents created between...
- Artificial Intelligence; Order for the Production of Documents (1 speech)
I move general business notices of motion Nos 782 and 783 together: GENERAL BUSINESS NOTICE OF MOTION NO. 782 That there be laid on the table by the Minister for Government Services, by no later...
- Workplace Relations; Order for the Production of Documents (1 speech)
I move: That there be laid on the table by the Minister representing the Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations, by no later than 5 pm on Thursday, 5 November 2026, copies of all...
- Board of Taxation; Order for the Production of Documents (1 speech)
At the request of Senator Hume, I move: That there be laid on the table by the Minister representing the Treasurer, by no later than 9 am on 15 October 2026, a copy of the Board of Taxation's Red...
- Bills (0 speeches)
- Documents (0 speeches)
- Bills (0 speeches)
- Documents (0 speeches)
- Bills (0 speeches)
- Notices (0 speeches)
- Withdrawal (1 speech)
I ask that business of the Senate notice of motion No. 1 be withdrawn.
- Committees (0 speeches)
- Documents (0 speeches)
- 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 5 pm on Thursday, 5 November 2026, copies of all ministerial submissions, emails, briefing notes,...
- Russia; Order for the Production of Documents (2 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 Thursday, 22 October 2026, copies of any briefing notes,...
- Major and Local Community Infrastructure Program; Order for the Production of Documents (2 speeches)
I move: That the Senate— (a) notes that: (i) a response to order for the production of documents no. 672, agreed to on 10 September 2026 and relating to Major and Local Community...
- Business (0 speeches)
- Withdrawal (5 speeches)
I, and also on behalf of Senator Ruston, move: That the government business order of the day relating to the Private Health Insurance Amendment (Modernising the Private Health Insurance Rebate)...
- Documents (0 speeches)
- Matters of Urgency (0 speeches)
- Taxation (15 speeches)
Senator McKim 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...
- Parliamentary Representation (0 speeches)
- Valedictory (29 speeches)
Pursuant to order, the Senate will now move to the valedictory statements on this sad but also celebratory occasion of Senator Duniam valedictory.
- Matters of Urgency (0 speeches)
- Taxation (8 speeches)
I don't want to elongate the time between Senator Duniam and a drink, but, as he walks out the door, I, too, would like to wish him all the best for whatever exciting thing comes next outside of...
- Committees (0 speeches)
- National Anti-Corruption Commission Joint Committee; Membership (2 speeches)
Given the time constraints, we are just going to quickly deal with committee memberships. The President has received a letter requesting changes in the membership of a committee.
- Scrutiny of Bills Committee; Scrutiny Digest (1 speech)
I present Scrutiny digest 13 of 2026 of the Standing Committee for the Scrutiny of Bills, together with ministerial correspondence received by the committee, and I move: That the Senate take note...
- Scrutiny of Delegated Legislation Committee; Delegated Legislation Monitor (1 speech)
I present Delegated legislation monitor 10 of 2026 of the Standing Committee for the Scrutiny of Delegated Legislation, together with ministerial correspondence received by the committee, and I...
- Implementation of the National Redress Scheme — Joint Committee; Report (1 speech)
As deputy chair, I present the report of the Joint Standing Committee on Implementation of the National Redress Scheme, entitled Their courage, our responsibility: the continuing operation of the...
- Northern Australia Joint Committee; Report (1 speech)
As a member of the Joint Standing Committee on Northern Australia and, on behalf of Senator McDonald, the deputy chair, I present the interim report of the Joint Standing Committee on Northern...
- Corporations and Financial Services Joint Committee; Government Response to Report (2 speeches)
I present the government response to the report of the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Corporations and Financial Services entitled Financial abuse:an insidious form of domestic violence and...
- Documents (0 speeches)
- Bills (0 speeches)
- Adjournment (0 speeches)
- One Nation (1 speech)
One Nation likes to present itself as a voice of working Australians, but, when Australians examine its record, its priorities and the company it keeps, it is a very different picture that...
- Prime Minister (2 speeches)
I recently read that the Prime Minister told a room full of business leaders that Australia's international reputation depends on having a government that 'says what it's going to do'. I nearly...
- Domestic and Family Violence (1 speech)
I rise to speak about that devastating story that's coming out of Western Australia. We've all been watching it over nearly seven weeks now. It's the story of a grandmother, Dorothy Papertalk,...
