Mehreen Faruqi (NSW, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The Greens have a number of amendments to this bill, and I am pleased to say that the government has agreed with quite a few of those amendments. I do want to thank the many higher education advocates, supporters and stakeholders who have worked with us to make sure that that does happen.

These amendments include making ATEC more independent. That was one of the key issues that was raised by literally every single stakeholder and every single witness to the inquiry into this bill. Otherwise, we were told again and again—and I agreed with that sentiment—ATEC risks becoming just another administrative arm of the education department. It is absolutely vital, especially after the turmoil that the sector has been in, that it has independence from the government, so I'm glad that that amendment was agreed to by the government.

But there needs to be stronger independence provided to ATEC. I was hoping that the government would agree to the Greens amendment for the minister to basically not retain effective veto rights on the publication of ATEC's work, because that undermines their ability to publish the independent work that they have done. I hope the government can consider that in the future.

The government has also agreed to support Greens amendments on research in particular, because a strong research and development sector is crucial for higher education, for our society, for democracy. The recent release of the final report of the Strategic Examination of Research and Development—the SERD review—highlights that importance. Also, the government has agreed to make sure that the commissioners of ATEC have expertise in research.

One of the really important amendments that the Greens pushed for was around the purpose of higher education. We were quite surprised to see that, in the objectives of the ATEC bill, there was actually no purpose that highlighted this mission of higher education. So I'm really glad that we will now have an amendment which puts into the objectives of ATEC 'to recognise the public focused mission of higher education, the importance of academic freedom and the crucial role of higher education in developing knowledge and critical inquiry for the benefit of society'.

But I do have a few questions for the minister, because I want to come to their refusal, I guess, to include student contributions as part of the ATEC remit. One of our amendments goes to the heart of that. This is the amendment on sheet 3671. This amendment adds to the functions of the ATEC in order to ensure that the commission can examine not only the total cost of degrees and Commonwealth contributions but also student contributions, because, without those, in effect we have only half the picture.

Students at the moment are being crushed under spiralling student debt. A one-off 20 per cent debt cut by the government really does nothing for those who start university this year or after. What is even more devastating is that there are those who are now considering never starting university at all, because the cost is becoming prohibitive. They want to do arts degrees, which are now more than $50,000, but they can't study what they love, because it is so expensive. This Labor government knows that the fee hikes and funding cuts of the Job-ready Graduates Package have been an unmitigated disaster. Of course they have been an unmitigated disaster for young people and for students, but they have also been an unmitigated disaster for staff and universities. We know that, in opposition, the Prime Minister spoke in strong opposition to the JRG. But he's now been in charge for four years, and he won't even allow ATEC to provide advice on replacing this dog's breakfast of a policy. The Albanese Labor government could undo the Job Ready Graduates fee hikes and funding cuts today. But the real sad story out of this is that they won't even let ATEC look at student contributions.

So, Minister, my question to you is: Why is the government refusing to include student contributions as part of ATEC's remit and only having a half cooked cost estimate of higher education?

Jess Walsh (Victoria, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Early Childhood Education) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The government appreciate the work that the Australian Greens have done on this bill, including those amendments that we have been able to accept. In relation to the particular amendment that you just spoke to, which goes to issues around student contributions, the Universities Accord made several recommendations to reduce student contributions and reform HECS or HELP repayment arrangements. As a government we have implemented many of those recommendations, including fixing indexation of HELP debts and making the repayment system fairer as well. Last year we cut 20 per cent off student debt, which has reduced student debt by around $16 billion dollars and benefited over 3.2 million Australians.

Right now, with the interim ATEC in place, Professor Stephen Duckett is working with the interim ATEC to understand the true costs of teaching and learning at university. This is a really important and complex first step in the process of any future reform. The bills establish the functions of the ATEC, including providing advice on 'the efficient cost of higher education across disciplines and student cohorts and in relation to the Commonwealth contribution amounts'. This work that Professor Duckett is undertaking and provisions in the ATEC bill that allow for that work to be done are an important first step that the ATEC will be able to take following the passage of this legislation.

As Minister Clare has said, we are taking these reforms, as outlined by the Universities Accord, one step at a time. We're taking the Universities Accord recommendations to reduce student contributions and reform HELP repayment arrangements one step at a time, and we're also taking this big step today or passing the ATEC bill, also recommended by the accord.

Matt O'Sullivan (WA, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Choice in Childcare and Early Learning) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

():  In the one minute that we have remaining on this debate, I will make this point about the recommendation for the Senate to support my amendment on sheet 3655. I don't believe the amendment has been moved yet. I don't have to move it, because it's subject to the guillotine in any case. It is quite extraordinary. The words 'teaching', 'learning' and 'research' simply do not appear in the bill. There's nothing there about the quality of our institutions, the national interest, student experience, dynamism, competition, innovation or efficiency that are absolutely required in our tertiary education system. This bill is not fit for purpose. We heard from stakeholders throughout the inquiry that it's not fit for purpose. I encourage the Senate to agree to the amendment we have before us as we now move onto our guillotine.

Slade Brockman (WA, Deputy-President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The question is the amendment on sheet 3665 be agreed to.

Opposition's circulated amendment—

(1) Clause 13, page 10 (lines 19 to 23), omit subclause (1), substitute:

(1) The National Tertiary Education Objective is the objective for tertiary education in Australia to:

(a) develop a world-class tertiary education sector that drives excellence in teaching and learning; and

(b) deliver world-leading research and scholarship, particularly in strategic areas of national significance; and

(c) improve productivity by developing a highly skilled, adaptable and productive workforce; and

(d) establish close links between tertiary education providers, industry and business to strengthen student outcomes and support innovation across the economy; and

(e) deliver positive student experiences across the tertiary education sector; and

(f) promote competition and innovation across the tertiary education sector; and

(g) support Australian values, including equality of opportunity, the rule of law, and Western liberal democratic traditions; and

(h) drive efficiency across the sector to provide value for money for students and the Australian taxpayer; and

(i) reduce regulatory burdens on the tertiary education sector where practicable.

Nick McKim (Tasmania, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

by leave—Could I ask that Senator Payman's opposition to that amendment from the opposition be recorded.

Slade Brockman (WA, Deputy-President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The question now is that clause 69 of the Universities Accord (Australian Tertiary Education Commission) Bill 2025 stand as printed.

Australian Greens' circulated amendment to the Universities Accord (Australian Tertiary Education Commission) Bill 2025—

(4) Clause 69, page 47 (lines 12 to 19), to be opposed.

Nick McKim (Tasmania, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

by leave—I ask that Senator Payman's opposition to that question be noted.

Slade Brockman (WA, Deputy-President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I shall deal with the remaining amendments circulated by the Australian Greens. Senator Darmanin?

Lisa Darmanin (Victoria, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

We'd like to ask for some of them to be voted on differently. Could we please have amendments on sheets 3674, 3668, 3669, 3671 and 3710 split out?

Slade Brockman (WA, Deputy-President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Okay. I am first putting the question on the amendments on sheets 3667, 3670, 3672, 3720 and 3728.

Greens amendments as circulated—

SHEET 3667

(1) Clause 4, page 3 (line 17), omit "if requested by the Minister".

(2) Clause 11, page 8 (line 27), omit "if requested by the Minister".

(3) Clause 11, page 9 (line 4), omit "if requested by the Minister".

(4) Clause 40, page 26 (line 6), omit "ATEC must give", substitute "ATEC may give".

(5) Clause 40, page 26 (lines 10 to 12), omit "and must be given at the request of the Minister and, in relation to the tertiary education system, the VET Minister".

(6) Clause 41, page 27 (line 4), omit "If requested by the Minister, the ATEC must", substitute "The ATEC may".

(7) Clause 41, page 28 (lines 7 and 8), omit "If requested by the Minister and, if the Minister is not the VET Minister, the VET Minister, the ATEC must", substitute "The ATEC may".

(8) Clause 41, page 28 (lines 22 to 25), omit subclause (3).

_____

SHEET 3670

(1) Clause 11, page 9 (after line 25), after paragraph (f), insert:

(fa) to provide advice and recommendations to the Minister in relation to research and research training;

(2) Clause 41, page 27 (after line 6), after paragraph (1)(a), insert:

(aa) research and research training;

(3) Clause 42, page 29 (after line 14), after paragraph (2)(c), insert:

(ca) the extent to which the higher education system is delivering high quality research and research training;

_____

SHEET 3672

(1) Clause 59, page 42 (after line 3), after subparagraph (a)(iii), insert:

(iiia) research and research training;

_____

SHEET 3720

(1) Clause 3, page 3 (line 2), at the end of subclause (1), add:

; (h) to recognise the public-focused mission of higher education, the importance of academic freedom and the crucial role of higher education in developing knowledge and critical inquiry for the benefit of society.

_____

SHEET 3728

(1) Clause 7, page 7 (lines 27 and 28), after "First Nations Advisory Committee", insert "and the Higher Education Standards Committee".

(2) Clause 25, page 16 (after line 9), after subclause (1), insert:

Higher Education Standards Committee

(1A) The ATEC must establish a committee to be known as the Higher Education Standards Committee to provide advice and recommendations to the ATEC in relation to its functions under:

(a) paragraphs 11(e) and (f) of this Act; and

(b) sections 58A and 58B of the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency Act 2011.

(1B) Without limiting subsection (4), in determining the membership of the Higher Education Standards Committee, the ATEC must:

(a) ensure the members collectively have an appropriate balance of professional knowledge and demonstrated expertise, including in higher education and in the development of standards relating to the quality of higher education; and

(b) ensure the members collectively have contemporary experience in the provision of higher education by registered higher education providers (within the meaning of the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency Act 2011); and

(c) have regard to the interests of the States and Territories, current and prospective higher education students, and staff of higher education providers.

The question is that those amendments be agreed to.

Nick McKim (Tasmania, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

by leave—I ask that Senator Payman's support for those amendments be noted.

Malcolm Roberts (Queensland, Pauline Hanson's One Nation Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

by leave—I record One Nation's support for sheets 3670 and 3672.

Slade Brockman (WA, Deputy-President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I am going to put the remaining amendments on sheet 3674 and the amendments on sheets 3668 revised, 3669, 3671 and 3710. The question is that the amendments be agreed to.

Australian Greens' circulated amendments

SHEET 3668 revised

(1) Clause 3, page 2 (after line 27), after paragraph (1)(f), insert:

(fa) to improve access to, and participation and success in, the higher education system for persons from culturally and racially marginalised communities, persons with diverse sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, and sex characteristics and persons with disability;

_____

SHEET 3669

(1) Clause 11, page 9 (line 9), after "socioeconomic background", insert ", persons from racially and culturally marginalised communities, persons with diverse sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, and sex characteristics".

(2) Clause 14, page 11 (lines 1 and 2), after "socioeconomic background", insert ", persons from racially and culturally marginalised communities, persons with diverse sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, and sex characteristics".

(3) Clause 41, page 27 (line 30), after "socioeconomic background", insert ", persons from racially and culturally marginalised communities, persons with diverse sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, and sex characteristics".

(4) Clause 42, page 29 (line 29), after "socioeconomic background", insert ", persons from racially and culturally marginalised communities, persons with diverse sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, and sex characteristics".

_____

SHEET 3671

(1) Clause 5, page 5 (after line 10), after the definition of Secretary, insert:

student contribution amount has the same meaning as in the Higher Education Support Act 2003.

(2) Clause 5, page 5 (after line 24), after the definition of Torres Strait Islander, insert:

unit of study has the same meaning as in the Higher Education Support Act 2003.

(3) Clause 11, page 9 (line 14), after "funding clusters", insert "and student contribution amounts for units of study".

_____

SHEET 3674

(1) Clause 41, page 28 (lines 3 to 5), omit the note.

(2) Clause 41, page 28 (lines 19 to 21), omit the note.

(3) Clause 68, page 47 (lines 7 and 8), omit "requires the ATEC to obtain the Minister's agreement before publishing any of its advice or recommendations. It also".

_____

SHEET 3710

(1) Clause 13, page 10 (lines 19 to 23), omit subclause (1), substitute:

(1) The National Tertiary Education Objective is the objective for tertiary education in Australia to:

(a) recognise the public-focused mission of tertiary education; and

(b) promote a strong, equitable and resilient democracy; and

(c) drive social development and environmental sustainability; and

(d) deliver solutions to the major challenges in society.

(1A) The National Tertiary Education Objective aims to recognise:

(a) the inherent value of a high quality public education system; and

(b) the importance of tertiary education in creating a strong, equitable and resilient society; and

(c) the significance of tertiary education in protecting and advancing the civil, political and social rights that underpin Australia's democracy; and

(d) the crucial role of tertiary education in developing knowledge and critical inquiry for the benefit of society.

Malcolm Roberts (Queensland, Pauline Hanson's One Nation Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

by leave—Could I have One Nation's vote recorded as being in support of sheet 3674's remaining stages.

Nick McKim (Tasmania, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

by leave—Could I ask that Senator Payman's support for those amendments be noted.

Slade Brockman (WA, Deputy-President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The question is that the amendment on sheet 3717 be agreed to.

One Nation's circulated amendment—

(1) Clause 42, page 29 (after line 5), after subclause (1), insert:

(1A) A report must include an assessment of the outcomes of tertiary education for graduates including:

(a) average starting salaries for graduates across different industries and sectors; and

(b) average time taken after graduation for graduates to gain full-time employment across different industries and sectors.

Nick McKim (Tasmania, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

by leave—Could I please ask that Senator Payman's support for those amendments be noted.

Slade Brockman (WA, Deputy-President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I will now deal with the amendments circulated by Senator David Pocock.

Lisa Darmanin (Victoria, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Could we please split out the amendments on sheets 3716, 3726, and 3727.

Slade Brockman (WA, Deputy-President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The question is that the amendments on sheets 3716, 3726, and 3727 be agreed to.

Senator David Pocock's circulated amendments to the Universities Accord (Australian Tertiary Education Commission) Bill 2025

SHEET 3716

(1) Clause 11, page 8 (line 27), omit "if requested by the Minister".

(2) Clause 11, page 9 (after line 2), after paragraph (c), insert:

(ca) to prepare reports, and provide advice and recommendations to the Minister, the Research Minister and the Science Minister, in relation to research and research training in the higher education system and its interactions with the broader research and development system;

(3) Clause 11, page 9 (line 4), omit "if requested by the Minister".

(4) Clause 11, page 9 (line 13), after "Commonwealth", insert "and student".

(5) Clause 11, page 9 (after line 14), after subparagraph (d)(ii), insert:

(iia) the funding of research and research training; and

(6) Clause 22, page 14 (after line 11), at the end of the clause, add:

(4) The Secretary and the ATEC must enter into an enforceable agreement specifying minimum staffing levels and standards.

(7) Clause 41, page 27 (after line 17), after paragraph (1)(d), insert:

(da) the funding of research and research training, including indirect costs of research grants and support for research students;

(8) Clause 41, page 28 (after line 25), at the end of the clause, add:

Work initiated by the ATEC

(4) Within the scope of the ATEC's work plan specified in section 45, the ATEC may initiate its own research and analysis and publish reports, advice and recommendations in relation to the items listed in subsections (1) and (2).

(9) Clause 42, page 29 (after line 18), after paragraph (2)(d), insert:

(da) the contribution of higher education in progress towards any research, development, innovation or science priorities and targets set by the Commonwealth;

(10) Clause 42, page 30 (after line 12), at the end of the clause, add:

(6) To avoid doubt, a report is not prepared at the request of the Minister.

(11) Heading to clause 69, page 47 (line 12), omit "Ministerial agreement", substitute "Consultation with Minister".

(12) Clause 69, page 47 (lines 15 and 16), omit "seek and obtain the agreement of the Minister", substitute "consult with the Minister".

_____

SHEET 3726

(1) Page 42 (after line 7), after clause 59, insert:

59A Merit-based and transparent selection process

The Minister must not appoint a person as an ATEC Commissioner under this Division unless the Minister is satisfied that the person was assessed as suitable for the appointment through an assessment process that:

(a) was merit-based; and

(b) included public advertising of the position.

_____

SHEET 3727

(1) Clause 29, page 19 (after line 21), after subclause (3), insert:

(3A) The ATEC and the provider must make a genuine effort to ensure the compact reflects and promotes, so far as possible, the provider's goals and missions.

(2) Page 22 (after line 32), at the end of Division 2 of Part 3, add:

35A Review by Administrative Review Tribunal

A Table A or Table B provider may apply to the Administrative Review Tribunal for review of a decision under subsection 33(1) to suspend a mission based compact with the provider.

Question negatived.

Nick McKim (Tasmania, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

by leave—I ask that Senator Payman's support for those amendments be noted, along with that of the Australian Greens.

Pauline Hanson (Queensland, Pauline Hanson's One Nation Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I record One Nation's support for the amendment on sheet 3726.

Nick McKim (Tasmania, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

by leave—I also record the support of Senator Tyrrell and Senator David Pocock, who, after all, did circulate those amendments.

Slade Brockman (WA, Deputy-President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I think that goes without saying, but that will be recorded. I now put the question on the amendments on sheet 3715.

Senator David Pocock's circulated amendment s to the Universities Accord (Australian Tertiary Education Commission) Bill 2025

(1) Clause 4, page 3 (line 10), omit "the Commissioner", substitute "the Commissioners".

(2) Clause 5, page 4 (line 5), omit "the Commissioner", substitute "a Commissioner".

(3) Clause 5, page 4 (line 8), omit "the Commissioner", substitute "a Commissioner".

(4) Clause 7, page 7 (line 7), omit "the Commissioner", substitute "the Commissioners".

(5) Clause 9, page 8 (line 10), omit "the Commissioner", substitute "the Commissioners".

(6) Clause 19, page 12 (line 29), omit "the Commissioner", substitute "the Commissioners".

(7) Clause 20, page 13 (lines 9 to 12), omit the clause, substitute:

20 Commissioners

There is to be at least 1, but not more than 3, Commissioners.

Note: For provisions relating to a Commissioner's appointment, see Divisions 3 and 4 of Part 5.

(8) Heading to Clause 21, page 13 (line 13), omit "Commissioner", substitute "Commissioners".

(9) Clause 21, page 13 (line 14), omit "Commissioner", substitute "Commissioners".

(10) Clause 21, page 13 (line 16), omit "Commissioner", substitute "Commissioners".

(11) Clause 47, page 35 (line 8), omit "the Commissioner", substitute "the Commissioners".

(12) Heading to clause 58, page 41 (line 1), omit "Commissioner", substitute "Commissioners".

(13) Clause 58, page 41 (line 3), omit "The Commissioner", substitute "A Commissioner".

(14) Clause 58, page 41 (line 7), omit "the Commissioner", substitute "a Commissioner".

(15) Clause 58, page 41 (line 23), omit "The Commissioner", substitute "A Commissioner".

(16) Clause 60, page 42 (line 29), omit "the Commissioner", substitute "a Commissioner".

(17) Clause 60, page 42 (line 31), omit "or Commissioner", substitute "or the Commissioner".

(18) Clause 60, page 43 (line 4), omit "or Commissioner", substitute "or the Commissioner".

(19) Clause 62, page 44 (line 20), omit "the Commissioner", substitute "a Commissioner".

(20) Clause 63, page 44 (line 26), omit "The Commissioner", substitute "A Commissioner".

(21) Clause 67, page 46 (line 10), omit "the Commissioner's", substitute "the ATEC Commissioner's".

Question agreed to.

Matt O'Sullivan (WA, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Choice in Childcare and Early Learning) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

by leave—I ask that the opposition's position against the amendments on sheet 3715 be noted.

Nick McKim (Tasmania, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

by leave—I ask that Senator Payman's support for those amendments be noted.

Slade Brockman (WA, Deputy-President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I will deal with the amendments on sheet 3730 circulated by Senator Thorpe. As these amendments were not circulated within the required timeframe, they can only be considered by leave. Senator Thorpe is not in the chamber. Is anyone willing to seek leave on behalf of Senator Thorpe?

Mehreen Faruqi (NSW, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

by leave—At the request of Senator Thorpe, in respect of the Universities Accord (Australian Tertiary Education Commission) Bill 2025, I move the amendments on sheet 3730 together:

(1) Clause 5, page 4 (after line 19), after the definition of First Nations Commissioner, insert:

First Nations data sovereignty principles: see subsection 25(1A).

(2) Clause 19, page 13 (after line 3), after paragraph (d), insert:

(da) to uphold and safeguard First Nations data sovereignty principles; and

(3) Clause 25, page 16 (lines 3 to 9), omit subclause (1), substitute:

First Nations Advisory Committee

(1) The ATEC must establish a committee to be known as the First Nations Advisory Committee to provide advice and recommendations to the ATEC in relation to:

(a) participation and outcomes for Aboriginal persons and Torres Strait Islanders in tertiary education; and

(b) Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge; and

(c) upholding and safeguarding First Nations data sovereignty principles.

First Nations data sovereignty principles

(1A) The treatment and management of data, information or knowledge, in any format or medium, which is about, or may affect, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, collectively or individually, should:

(a) assert the right of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, communities and organisations to maintain, control, protect, develop and use data as it relates to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people; and

(b) reflect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander interests, values and priorities, including cultural ways of knowing, being and doing; and

(c) be accessible, appropriate and meet Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander needs; and

(d) be collected with free, prior and informed consent, including respect for confidentiality; and

(e) be stored securely; and

(f) be returned in an easily understood and meaningful way; and

(g) be interpreted by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander experts, ensuring it reflects Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander lived experiences and perspectives; and

(h) be used to advance self-determination and development; and

(i) only be used how Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, communities and organisations agree.

These principles are the First Nations data sovereignty principles.

Question negatived.

Nick McKim (Tasmania, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

by leave—I ask that the Australian Greens' support be noted and also that Senator Payman's support be noted.

Ross Cadell (NSW, National Party, Shadow Minister for Water) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

by leave—I note Senator Lambie's position on amendments as follows: sheet 3674, support; sheets 3672, 3671, 3670, 3669 and 3668 revised, oppose; sheet 3667, support; sheets 3710, 3720 and 3728, oppose; sheets 3716, 3715, 3726 and 3727, support; sheet 3717, oppose; and sheet 3730, support.

Tammy Tyrrell (Tasmania, Independent) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

by leave—I came back so the whip for the Greens wouldn't have to do it for me. I note my support for Senator Thorpe's amendments on sheet 3730.

Universities Accord (Australian Tertiary Education Commission) Bill 2025, as amended, agreed to; Universities Accord (Australian Tertiary Education Commission) (Consequential and Transitional Provisions) Bill 2025 agreed to.

Universities Accord (Australian Tertiary Education Commission) Bill 2025 reported with amendments; Universities Accord (Australian Tertiary Education Commission) (Consequential and Transitional Provisions) Bill 2025 reported without amendment; report adopted.

Sue Lines (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The question now is that the remaining stages of the bill be agreed to and the bills be now passed.

Nick McKim (Tasmania, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

by leave—I note Senator Payman's support for the bills.

Bills read a third time.