Anthony Chisholm (Queensland, Australian Labor Party, Assistant Minister for Regional Development) | Link to this | Hansard source

I present six government responses to committee reports as listed on today's Order of Business. In accordance with the usual practice, I seek leave to incorporate the documents in Hansard.

Leave granted.

The documents read as follows—

Dear President,

I am writing to advise you that the Australian Government responded to Recommendation 2 of the Australian Greens' Dissenting Report to the Senate Education and Employment Legislation Committee inquiry into the Higher Education Support Amendment (Reverse

Job-Ready Graduates Fee Hikes and End 50k Arts Degrees) Bill 2025 through debate in the Senate on 1 July 2026.

I have enclosed the relevant Hansard extract from 1 July 2026.

I have copied this letter to Senator Marielle Smith, Chair, Senate Education and Employment Legislation Committee.

Yours sincerely,

Senator Clare, Minister for Education

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Australian Government response to the Senate Finance and Public Administration Legislation Committee report:

Remuneration Tribunal Amendment (There For Public Service, Not Profit) Bill 2025

AUGUST 2026

Introduction

On 5 February 2025, the Remuneration Tribunal Amendment (There For Public Service, Not Profit) Bill 2025 (the Bill) was introduced into the Senate by Senator Jacqui Lambie, Senator for Tasmania.

On 12 February 2025, the Senate referred the Bill to the Senate Finance and Public Administration Legislation Committee (Committee) for inquiry and report. The inquiry lapsed at the end of the 47th Parliament. Following the 2025 federal election, the Bill was reintroduced into the Senate and referred again to the Committee for inquiry and report.

The Committee received seven submissions.

On 18 March 2026, the Committee tabled its report titled Remuneration Tribunal Amendment (There For Public Service, Not Profit) Bill 2025.

This Committee recommended that the Senate not pass the Bill. The Committee's report includes dissenting recommendations from Senator Lambie. This document provides responses to Senator Lambie's recommendations.

In addition, the Government notes that, on 15 April 2026, the independent Remuneration Tribunal issued a public statement that it will undertake reviews of remuneration arrangements for secretaries and full-time office holders.

As part of its public statement, the Tribunal said that it recognises the strong public interest in the remuneration of senior public officials and is committed to ensuring arrangements remain fair, transparent and aligned with contemporary expectations.

The Tribunal intends to complete the reviews by mid-2027.

Dissenting Report Recommendations—Senator Lambie

Response: Noted

The Australian Government notes this recommendation.

The Auditor-General is an independent officer of the Parliament. Under section 8 of the Auditor-General Act 1997 (the Act), the Auditor-General has complete discretion in the performance or exercise of their functions or powers, including audits they chose to conduct.

The Act also provides that, in performing or exercising their functions or powers, the Auditor-General must have regard to the audit priorities of the Parliament as determined by the Joint Committee of Public Accounts and Audit (JCPAA).

In addition, the Auditor-General receives requests for audit from individual members and senators of the Parliament. The Auditor-General responds to requests and publishes the request and response on the Australian National Audit Office's website. The JCPAA is also notified of each request.

Response: Noted

The Australian Government notes this recommendation.

The Remuneration Tribunal is an independent statutory authority established under the Remuneration Tribunal Act 1973. The Tribunal consists of three part-time members, and is responsible for determining, reporting on or providing advice about remuneration for a range of key Commonwealth offices within its jurisdiction.

The statutory independence of the Tribunal ensures that matters relating to the remuneration of public offices are determined at arm's length from government, parliament and the judiciary.

The Tribunal plays a critical role in providing transparency and confidence to the public relating to remuneration arrangements of key Commonwealth offices, while ensuring the public sector can attract and retain the right people for these important roles.

The Australian Government respects the independence of the Tribunal, including in relation to its operations.

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Australian Government response to the Senate Finance and Public Administration References Committee report:

Access to Australian Parliament House by lobbyists

2026

The Government notes all recommendations in the Senate Finance and Public Administration References Committee report: Access to Australian Parliament House by lobbyists.

Recommendations

Recommendation 1: The Committee recommends the Australian Government commission an independent review of the Lobbying Code of Conduct to consider:

Recommendation 2: The Committee recommends that the Department of Parliamentary Services and the administrator of the Lobbying Code of Conduct explore opportunities for regulatory interoperability to improve the effective regulation of lobbyists including appropriate procedures for managing respective notifications received, regardless of whether the Lobbying Code of Conduct is a voluntary or legislated scheme.

Recommendation 3: The Committee recommends that the Department of Parliamentary Services restore the unescorted day pass for persons who require only occasional access to Australian Parliament House.

Response: Noted.

The Australian Government welcomes the Senate Finance and Public Administration References Committee's report.

Earlier this year, the Prime Minister, the Hon Anthony Albanese MP, wrote to the Presiding Officers to express the government's clear view that there should be greater transparency and rigour around sponsored passes, particularly for professional lobbyists. That letter was tabled in the Parliament.

The Government notes the Presiding Officers approved revisions to the Australian Parliament House Private Area Access Policy in June 2026. The new policy acts on the government's calls for greater transparency and rigour.

This reform is the most significant of its kind. It goes beyond any measures implemented since the opening of Parliament House over 35 years ago. It is fair, transparent, and in line with community expectations. The revised policy sets the standard for anyone who is conducting business or lobbying activity in parliament house.

This is not a short-term fix; it is a considered and enduring reform.

Access to Parliament House and Australia's parliamentarians plays an essential role in Australia's vibrant democracy. Arrangements for access to Parliament House are a matter for the Presiding Officers.

Lobbying is a legitimate and important part of the democratic process. Lobbyists can help individuals and organisations communicate their views on matters of public interest to the government and, in doing so, improve outcomes for individuals and the community as a whole.

The Lobbying Code of Conduct (Code) promotes trust in the integrity of government processes and ensures that contact between third-party lobbyists and Government representatives is conducted in accordance with public expectations of transparency, integrity and honesty. This includes making clear to government representatives who are approached by third-party lobbyists whose interests the lobbyists represent so that informed judgments can be made about the outcome they are seeking to achieve.

The Code sits within a broader integrity and transparency framework, including the Code of Conduct for Ministers, the Public Service Act 1999 and APS Employment Principles, the Foreign Influence Transparency Scheme Act2018 (which also regulates lobbying activities), the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (FOI Act), disclosure requirements for political donations in the Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918, and the National Anti-Corruption Commission.

The revised policy strengthens regulatory interoperability between the Code and sponsored access passes for third-party lobbyists. Under the revised policy, third-party lobbyists who have a business need to access private areas of Parliament House are required to apply for a Federal Registered Lobbyist Pass. Eligibility for this pass includes registration on the Australian Government Register of Lobbyists and ongoing compliance with the Code.

Labor Senators Additional Comments

Recommendation 1: Labor Senators recommend that the Presiding Officers oversee the Department of Parliamentary Services to ensure that orange pass applicants are made aware of the Register of Lobbyists and can consider if the Code applies to their activities in Parliament.

Recommendation 2: Labor Senators also firmly support the restoration of the unescorted day pass for persons who require only occasional access to Australian Parliament House for the reasons outlined in the Chair's report. However, Labor Senators believe their restoration needs to be weighed up by Presiding Officers alongside a current assessment of any arising security risks or concerns.

Response: Noted.

Access to Parliament House and Australia's parliamentarians plays an essential role in Australia's vibrant democracy. Arrangements for access to Parliament House are a matter for the Presiding Officers.

Earlier this year, the Prime Minister, the Hon Anthony Albanese MP, wrote to the Presiding Officers to express the government's clear view that there should be greater transparency and rigour around sponsored passes, particularly for professional lobbyists. That letter was tabled in the Parliament.

The Government notes the Presiding Officers approved revisions to the Australian Parliament House Private Area Access Policy in June 2026. The new policy acts on the government's calls for greater transparency and rigour.

This reform is the most significant of its kind. It goes beyond any measures implemented since the opening of parliament house over 35 years ago. It is fair, transparent, and in line with community expectations. The revised policy sets the standard for anyone who is conducting business or lobbying activity in parliament house.

This is not a short-term fix; it is a considered and enduring reform.

The revised policy strengthens regulatory interoperability between the Code and sponsored access passes for third-party lobbyists. Under the revised policy, third-party lobbyists who have a business need to access private areas of Parliament House are required to apply for a Federal Registered Lobbyist Pass. Eligibility for this pass includes registration on the Australian Government Register of Lobbyists and ongoing compliance with the Code.

The Attorney-General's Department is continuing to work with the Department of Parliamentary Services to improve awareness of Code obligations among pass holders and applicants.

Dissenting report from Senator David Pocock

Recommendation 1: The definition of lobbyist should be expanded so that all lobbyists, including in-house lobbyists, are on the Register of Lobbyists and subject to the Lobbying Code of Conduct.

Recommendation 2: The Lobbying Code of Conduct should extend to include interactions between lobbyists and all parliamentarians.

Recommendation 3: The Lobbying Code of Conduct must be legislated and include appropriate penalties for breaches.

Recommendation 4: An independent regulator should be appointed and properly resourced to oversee the Lobbying Code of Conduct and Lobbyist Register.

Recommendation 5: Details of sponsored passes should be published, included the name of the passholder, the passholder's employer and the identity of the sponsoring parliamentarian.

Recommendation 6: A model should be developed for monthly publication of Ministerial diaries. The starting point for design of that model should be the system currently in force in Queensland.

Recommendation 7: Establish a Whistle-blower Protection Authority to ensure that whistle-blowers using parliamentary privilege are adequately protected.

Response: Noted.

Earlier this year, the Prime Minister, the Hon Anthony Albanese MP, wrote to the Presiding Officers to express the government's clear view that there should be greater transparency and rigour around sponsored passes, particularly for professional lobbyists. That letter was tabled in the Parliament.

The Government notes the Presiding Officers approved revisions to the Australian Parliament House Private Area Access Policy in June 2026. The new policy acts on the government's calls for greater transparency and rigour.

This reform is the most significant of its kind. It goes beyond any measures implemented since the opening of Parliament House over 35 years ago. It is fair, transparent, and in line with community expectations. The revised policy sets the standard for anyone who is conducting business or lobbying activity in parliament house.

This is not a short-term fix; it is a considered and enduring reform.

The revised policy strengthens regulatory interoperability between the Lobbying Code of Conduct (Code) and sponsored access passes for third-party lobbyists. Under the revised policy, third-party lobbyists who have a business need to access private areas of Parliament House are required to apply for a Federal Registered Lobbyist Pass. Eligibility for this pass includes registration on the Australian Government Register of Lobbyists and ongoing compliance with the Code.

The Code promotes trust in the integrity of government processes and ensures that contact between third-party lobbyists and Government representatives is conducted in accordance with public expectations of transparency, integrity and honesty. This includes making clear to government representatives who are approached by third-party lobbyists whose interests the lobbyists represent so that informed judgments can be made about the outcomes they are seeking to achieve.

The Code sits within a broader integrity and transparency framework, including the Code of Conduct for Ministers, the Public Service Act 1999 and APS Employment Principles, the Foreign Influence Transparency Scheme Act2018 (which also regulates certain lobbying activities), the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (FOI Act), disclosure requirements for political donations in the Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918, and the National Anti-Corruption Commission.

Ministerial diaries may be published under the FOI Act.

Access to Parliament House and Australia's parliamentarians plays an essential role in Australia's vibrant democracy. Arrangements for access to Parliament House are a matter for the Presiding Officers.

The Government is committed to strengthening protections for Commonwealth public sector whistleblowers through staged reform of the Public Interest Disclosure Act 2013 (PID Act). The first stage of public sector whistleblowing reforms in 2023 made significant improvements to the PID Act in line with the commencement of the National Anti-Corruption Commission.

On 10 September 2025, the Government released an exposure draft Bill for public consultation on a second stage of reforms. The exposure draft Bill proposed establishing a new Whistleblower Ombudsman within the Office of the Commonwealth Ombudsman, clarifying and strengthening protections for disclosers who act within the PID framework, and ensuring that that the rights, obligations and procedures in the PID Act are clear and accessible.

The Treasury is also conducting a statutory review into Australia's tax and corporate whistleblowing frameworks contained in the Corporations Act 2001 and the Taxation Administration Act 1953. The review will consider whether current protections available to whistleblowers are adequate.

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Australian Government response to the Senate Legal and Constitutional Affairs References Committee's Inquiry report: Current and Proposed Sexual Consent Laws in Australia

AUGUST 2026

Introduction

The Australian Government is grateful to the Senate Legal and Constitutional Affairs References Committee (the Committee) for its Inquiry into current and proposed sexual consent laws in Australia. The Australian Government is committed to an Australia that is free from sexual violence.

The Australian Government thanks the committee for identifying several areas where improvements can be made to strengthen the legal frameworks in relation to sexual consent and to support victim-survivors of sexual violence through clearer processes and better services. The report makes 17 recommendations. The Government has carefully considered these recommendations and agrees to one recommendation, agrees in principle to five recommendations, and notes 11 recommendations.

This whole-of-government response to the Committee's 17 recommendations was coordinated by the Attorney-General's Department (AGD), with contributions from: Department of Social Services (DSS), Department of Education, the Office for Women in the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, the Department of Home Affairs, the Australian Institute of Criminology (AIC), the Australian Law Reform Commission (ALRC), the Office of the eSafety Commissioner, Universities Australia and the Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Commission (DFSV Commission).

The Australian Government's response has been endorsed by the Attorney-General, the Hon Michelle Rowland MP; the Minister for Women, Senator the Hon Katy Gallagher; the Minister for Education, the Hon Jason Clare MP; the Minister for Social Services, the Hon Tanya Plibersek MP; the Minister for Communications, the Hon Anika Wells MP the Minister for Home Affairs, the Hon Tony Burke MP; and the Assistant Minister for Social Services, the Prevention of Family Violence, the Hon Ged Kearney MP. On 6 August 2026, the Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister, the Hon Patrick Gorman MP approved the response for tabling in the Federal Parliament.

Together, our response to these recommendations reaffirms the Australian Government's ongoing commitment to work collaboratively with states and territories to strengthen and harmonise laws relating to sexual assault and consent, and to improve justice outcomes for victim-survivors across Australia. Furthermore, with commitments made under the National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022-2032, its associated Action Plans and Our Ways—Strong Ways—Our Voices: National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Plan to End Family, Domestic and Sexual Violence 2026-2036, we affirm our collective commitment to a country free of gender-based violence—where all people live free from fear and violence and are safe at home, at work, at school, in the community and online. In addition, the Australian Government recognises that respectful relationships education is a key long-term prevention measure to change harmful attitudes and increase understanding on issues such as consent and healthy, safe relationships.

Australian Government response to the recommendations of the Inquiry report

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Australian Government response to the Joint Select Committee on Northern Australia's First Report on the Cyclone Reinsurance Pool

August 2026

Introduction

On 11 October 2022, the then Assistant Treasurer and Minister for Financial Services, the Hon Stephen Jones MP, referred an inquiry into the operation and implementation of the Cyclone Reinsurance Pool (the pool) to the Joint Select Committee on Northern Australia (the Committee).

The Australian Government acknowledges the Committee's first report on the pool released in March 2023.

The Australian Reinsurance Pool Corporation (ARPC) has been operating the pool since 1 July 2022, as legislated by the previous Government.

The pool is designed to improve the affordability of household, strata and small business property insurance policies in cyclone-prone areas, which are primarily located in Northern Australia. Treasury is currently undertaking a legislated review of the Terrorism and Cyclone Insurance Act 2003 (the Act).

The Australian Government's response to the first report reflects that the statutory review of the Act is ongoing and has had regard to some of the report's recommendations. Consideration is also ongoing as to how best to tackle the interrelated issues of rising natural hazard risk and insurance affordability, in the context of the Australian Government's other priorities such as its housing agenda. The Australian Government has implemented several reforms related to these policy areas, including:

Establishing the Disaster Ready Fund, to deliver $1 billion over 5 years from 1 July 2023 on projects to support communities to reduce risks and better prepare for natural hazards. This flagship program is ensuring that Australia is better prepared and more resilient in the face of more intense and more frequent weather events.

Founding the Hazards Insurance Partnership, to facilitate insights between the insurance industry and Government and create a shared understanding of natural hazard risk and appropriate risk reduction measures across Australia.

Forming the Insurance Affordability and Natural Hazard Risk Reduction Taskforce (IANHRRT), led by the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet, to advise on measures that could help reduce risk and improve insurance affordability and coverage.

The Government is considering the advice of IANHRRT and working with relevant agencies and stakeholders on how it can further improve natural hazard risk and insurance affordability.

The Government is also undertaking measures to improve consumer outcomes in home insurance. The Government announced as part of Budget 2026-27 that it will develop and consult on options to improve clarity around the basis of home and contents premiums and it will legislate standard definitions of natural hazard terms used in property insurance contracts.

Response to the recommendations

Recommendation 1

The Committee recommends that the Australian Government ensure that future releases of modelling are provided well in advance of key dates in the ongoing roll-out of the Cyclone Reinsurance Pool.

Australian Government response

The Australian Government notes this recommendation.

Recommendation 2

The Committee recommends that the Australian Government review:

Australian Government response

The Australian Government supports this recommendation.

Treasury is currently undertaking a review of the Act, which includes in its terms of reference to review whether the cyclone reinsurance pool is meeting its purpose of improving insurance access and affordability for households, small businesses, and residential and commercial strata with medium to high cyclone and related flood damage risk. It is also considering whether the 48-hour clause should be extended.

Recommendation 3

The Committee recommends that the Australian Government direct the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) to monitor the cyclone insurance markets in Northern Australia, and report on:

Australian Government response

The Australian Government notes this recommendation.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has been directed to monitor the prices, costs, and profits of home, contents, strata, and certain commercial insurance policies, before and after the cyclone reinsurance pool was introduced.

The ACCC collects data and information from insurers to:

The ACCC is required to provide a report on their monitoring at least once each calendar year from 1 January 2022 to 30 June 2026.

Recommendation 4

The Committee recommends that the Australian Government announce a position on the inclusion of marine insurance in the Cyclone Reinsurance Pool.

Australian Government response

The Australian Government notes this recommendation.

In September 2025, the Government announced that small business marine property insurance policies will not be included in the cyclone pool because modelling shows it would have a negligible impact on affordability and potentially lead to an increase in costs.

Recommendation 5

The Committee recommends that the Australian Government facilitate a coordinated approach to land use planning, building codes, mitigation and disaster resilience that includes the National Emergency Management Agency and other levels of government.

Australian Government response

The Australian Government notes this recommendation.

The Australian Government supports improving resilience, access to risk information and insurance outcomes for all Australians. The Australian Government is considering how best to address the interrelated issues of reducing natural hazard risk, improving emergency management and improving insurance affordability. The advice of the IANHRRT and the Independent Review of Commonwealth Disaster Funding (Colvin Review), and analysis such as the National Climate Risk Assessment, are all part of these considerations, as are other Government priorities such as its housing agenda. The Australian Government will continue to work with relevant departments and stakeholders to ensure further initiatives in relation to these policy issues are well calibrated.

Recommendation 6

The Committee recommends that the Australian Government's 2025 review of the Cyclone Reinsurance Pool consider:

Australian Government response

The Australian Government notes this recommendation.

The Australian Government is currently undertaking a review of the Act, which includes in its terms of reference consideration of the objectives of the Cyclone Reinsurance Pool and in consultation questions whether new builds should be excluded from the pool. Treasury will provide a report to the Government in due course.

Recommendation 7

The Committee recommends that future reviews of the Cyclone Reinsurance Pool consider the sum insured limit under the business property policy.

Australian Government response

The Australian Government supports this recommendation.

The Australian Government is currently undertaking a review of the Act which includes in its consultation questions whether the sum insured limit for SMEs remains appropriate.

Treasury will provide a report to the Government in due course.

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Australian Government response to the Joint Select Committee on Northern Australia: Final Report on the Cyclone Reinsurance Pool

August 2026

Introduction

The Australian Government acknowledges the Final Report of the Joint Select Committee on Northern Australia (the Committee) on the operation and implementation of the Cyclone Reinsurance Pool (cyclone pool).

The Committee was appointed by resolution of the Senate on 3 August 2022 and resolution of the House of Representatives on 4 August 2022 to inquire into and report on matters relating to the development of Northern Australia, as may be referred to it by either House of the Parliament or a Minister.

On 11 October 2022, the then Assistant Treasurer and Minister for Financial Services, the Hon Stephen Jones MP referred to the Committee to inquire into and report on the operation and implementation of the Cyclone Reinsurance Pool.

The Committee held public hearings on 25 November 2022, 19 April 2024 and 7 February 2025. The Committee tabled its Final Report in March 2025.

The Australian Government commenced a review of the Terrorism and Cyclone Insurance Act 2003 on 30 September 2025, which includes the cyclone reinsurance pool. Treasury will provide a report to the Government in due course.

The Australian Government's response to the final report reflects that the statutory review of the Act is ongoing and has had regard to some of the report's recommendations. Consideration is also ongoing as to how best to tackle the interrelated issues of rising natural hazard risk and insurance affordability, in the context of the Australian Government's other priorities such as its housing agenda. The Australian Government has implemented several reforms related to these policy areas, including:

The Government is considering the advice of IANHRRT and working with relevant agencies and stakeholders on how it can further improve natural hazard risk and insurance affordability.

The Government is also undertaking measures to improve consumer outcomes in home insurance. The Government announced as part of Budget 2026-27 that it will develop and consult on options to improve clarity around the basis of home and contents premiums and it will legislate standard definitions of natural hazard terms used in property insurance contracts.

Response to the recommendations

Recommendation 1

The Committee recommends that the Australian Government must proceed with the planned legislated review of the Cyclone Reinsurance Pool in 2025.

Australian Government response

The Australian Government supports this recommendation.

The Australian Government commenced a review of the Terrorism and Cyclone Insurance Act 2003 on 30 September 2025, which includes the cyclone reinsurance pool. Treasury will provide a report to the Government in due course.

Recommendation 2

The Committee recommends that the Australian Government publish modelling on the cost and benefits of the inclusion of marine insurance in the Cyclone Reinsurance Pool.

Australian Government response

The Australian Government supports this recommendation.

In September 2025, the Government announced that small business marine property insurance policies will not be included in the cyclone pool because modelling shows it would have a negligible impact on affordability and potentially lead to an increase in costs. The Australian Government published modelling to support this decision.

Recommendation 3

The Committee strongly recommends that the Australian Government support an ongoing, national resilience program on a permanent basis.

Recommendation 4

The Committee recommends that the Australian Government consider a range of measures to improve resilience and mitigation of high-risk homes in Northern Australia, including:

Australian Government response

The Australian Government notes these recommendations.

The Australian Government established the Disaster Ready Fund to deliver $1 billion over 5 years from 1 July 2023 on projects to support communities to reduce risks and better prepare for natural hazards.

Recommendation 5

The Committee recommends the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, in its insurance monitoring role, investigate the impact of current taxation methods on insurance premium pricing.

Recommendation 6

The Committee recommends that the Australian Government fund the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission to continue its insurance monitoring role until at least 2030.

Recommendation 7

The Committee recommends that the Australian Government fund and expand the remit of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission to examine the extent to which insurers are reducing insurance premiums in response to mitigation and resilience measures.

Australian Government response

The Australian Government notes these recommendations.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has been directed to monitor the prices, costs, and profits of home, contents, strata, and certain commercial insurance policies, before and after the cyclone reinsurance pool was introduced.

The ACCC collects data and information from insurers to:

The ACCC is required to provide a report on its monitoring at least once each calendar year from 1 January 2022 to 30 June 2026.

Recommendation 8

The Committee recommends that the Australian Government publish the report of the 2025 scheduled review into the Terrorism and Cyclone Insurance Act 2003 once the report is finalised.

Australian Government response

The Australian Government notes this recommendation.

Treasury will provide a report to Government in due course. The Government will consider its response upon receiving Treasury's report.