The House met, at 9 am, pursuant to adjournment. The Speaker (the Honourable M. Dick) took the Chair, made an acknowledgement of country and read prayers.

Selection Committee

The Speaker presented the following document:

Report No. 1 relating to the consideration of committee and delegation business and private Members’ business on Monday, 25 August 2025.

National Health Amendment (Cheaper Medicines) Bill 2025

Mr Butler (Minister for Health and Ageing), pursuant to notice, presented a Bill for an Act to amend the National Health Act 1953 , and for related purposes.

Document

Mr Butler presented an explanatory memorandum to the bill.

Bill read a first time.

Mr Butler moved—That the bill be now read a second time.

Debate adjourned (Mr T Wilson), and the resumption of the debate made an order of the day for the next sitting.

Strengthening Oversight of the National Intelligence Community Bill 2025

Ms Rowland (Attorney-General), pursuant to notice, presented a Bill for an Act to amend the law relating to intelligence services, and for related purposes.

Document

Ms Rowland presented an explanatory memorandum to the bill.

Bill read a first time.

Ms Rowland moved—That the bill be now read a second time.

Debate adjourned (Mr T Wilson), and the resumption of the debate made an order of the day for the next sitting.

MESSAGE FROM THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL— Appropriation Bill (No. 1) 2025-2026

Message No. 1, 20 July 2025, from Her Excellency the Governor-General was announced recommending, in accordance with the requirements of section 56 of the Constitution, an appropriation for the purposes of the Appropriation Bill (No. 1) 2025-2026.

Dr Mulino (Assistant Treasurer) presented a Bill for an Act to appropriate money out of the Consolidated Revenue Fund for the ordinary annual services of the Government, and for related purposes.

Document

Dr Mulino presented an explanatory memorandum to the bill.

Bill read a first time.

Dr Mulino moved—That the bill be now read a second time.

Debate adjourned (Mr T Wilson), and the resumption of the debate made an order of the day for the next sitting.

MESSAGE FROM THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL— Appropriation Bill (No. 2) 2025-2026

Message No. 2, 20 July 2025, from Her Excellency the Governor-General was announced recommending, in accordance with the requirements of section 56 of the Constitution, an appropriation for the purposes of the Appropriation Bill (No. 2) 2025-2026.

Dr Mulino (Assistant Treasurer) presented a Bill for an Act to appropriate money out of the Consolidated Revenue Fund for certain expenditure, and for related purposes.

Document

Dr Mulino presented an explanatory memorandum to the bill.

Bill read a first time.

Dr Mulino moved—That the bill be now read a second time.

Debate adjourned (Mr T Wilson), and the resumption of the debate made an order of the day for the next sitting.

MESSAGE FROM THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL— Appropriation (Parliamentary Departments) Bill (No. 1) 2025-2026

Message No. 3, 20 July 2025, from Her Excellency the Governor-General was announced recommending, in accordance with the requirements of section 56 of the Constitution, an appropriation for the purposes of the Appropriation (Parliamentary Departments) Bill (No. 1) 2025-2026.

Dr Mulino (Assistant Treasurer) presented a Bill for an Act to appropriate money out of the Consolidated Revenue Fund for expenditure in relation to the Parliamentary Departments, and for related purposes.

Document

Dr Mulino presented an explanatory memorandum to the bill.

Bill read a first time.

Dr Mulino moved—That the bill be now read a second time.

Debate adjourned (Mr T Wilson), and the resumption of the debate made an order of the day for the next sitting.

Treasury Laws Amendment (Payments System Modernisation) Bill 2025

Dr Mulino (Assistant Treasurer), pursuant to notice, presented a Bill for an Act to amend the law relating to payment systems, and for related purposes.

Document

Dr Mulino presented an explanatory memorandum to the bill.

Bill read a first time.

Dr Mulino moved—That the bill be now read a second time.

Debate adjourned (Mr T Wilson), and the resumption of the debate made an order of the day for the next sitting.

Customs Amendment (Australia-United Arab Emirates Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement Implementation) Bill 2025 —REPORT FROM FEDERATION CHAMBER

The Deputy Speaker reported that the bill had been fully considered by the Federation Chamber and agreed to without amendment, and presented a certified copy of the bill.

Bill agreed to.

On the motion of Mr Hill (Assistant Minister for Citizenship, Customs and Multicultural Affairs), by leave, the bill was read a third time.

Customs Tariff Amendment (Australia-United Arab Emirates Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement Implementation) Bill 2025 —REPORT FROM FEDERATION CHAMBER

The Deputy Speaker reported that the bill had been fully considered by the Federation Chamber and agreed to without amendment, and presented a certified copy of the bill.

Bill agreed to.

On the motion of Mr Hill (Assistant Minister for Citizenship, Customs and Multicultural Affairs), by leave, the bill was read a third time.

Defence Housing Australia Amendment Bill 2025

The order of the day having been read for the resumption of the debate on the question—That the bill be now read a second time—

Debate resumed by Mr Taylor who moved, as an amendment—That all words after “That” be omitted with a view to substituting the following words:

“whilst not declining to give the bill a second reading, the House notes:

(1) that the strategic environment facing Australia is the most challenging since the Second World War, requiring increased investment in national defence capability;

(2) that the credibility of the AUKUS partnership depends on Australia’s ability to deliver housing and infrastructure for allied personnel in a timely and secure manner;

(3) that the bill expands Defence Housing Australia’s responsibilities without any additional funding or a supply-side housing strategy to support defence families or allied personnel;

(4) the importance of strengthening Australia’s alliances with the United States and the United Kingdom through delivery, not just declarations; and

(5) the urgent need for the Government to commit to increasing defence expenditure to at least 3 per cent of GDP, and to deliver the enabling capabilities required to protect Australia’s prosperity, security, and way of life”.

Debate adjourned (Ms Rowland—Attorney-General), and the resumption of the debate made an order of the day for a later hour this day.

Health Insurance (Pathology) (Fees) (Repeal) Bill 2025

The order of the day having been read for the resumption of the debate on the question—That the bill be now read a second time—

Debate resumed.

Debate adjourned (Ms Kearney—Assistant Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence), and the resumption of the debate made an order of the day for a later hour this day.

Aged Care and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2025

The order of the day having been read for the resumption of the debate on the question—That the bill be now read a second time—

Debate resumed.

Debate adjourned (Ms Kearney—Assistant Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence), and the resumption of the debate made an order of the day for a later hour this day.

BILLS DECLARED REFERRED TO FEDERATION CHAMBER

Ms J Ryan (Chief Government Whip) declared that, unless otherwise ordered, the following bills stand referred to the Federation Chamber for further consideration:

(1) Defence Housing Australia Amendment Bill 2025 ;

Health Insurance (Pathology) (Fees) (Repeal) Bill 2025 ;

Aged Care and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2025 ; and

Aged Care (Accommodation Payment Security) Levy Amendment Bill 2025 ;

immediately; and

(2) Australian Security Intelligence Organisation Amendment Bill (No. 1) 2025 ; and

Pacific Banking Guarantee Bill 2025 ;

at the adjournment of the debate on the motion for the second reading of each bill.

Australian Security Intelligence Organisation Amendment Bill (No. 1) 2025

The order of the day having been read for the resumption of the debate on the question—That the bill be now read a second time—

Debate resumed.

Debate adjourned (Ms Kearney—Assistant Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence), and the resumption of the debate made an order of the day for a later hour this day.

Pacific Banking Guarantee Bill 2025

The order of the day having been read for the resumption of the debate on the question—That the bill be now read a second time—

Debate resumed.

Debate adjourned (Ms Kearney—Assistant Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence), and the resumption of the debate made an order of the day for a later hour this day.

Provisions of the Universities Accord (Cutting Student Debt by 20 Per Cent) Bill 2025—STATEMENTS

In accordance with the resolution agreed to on 29 July 2025—

Statements were made.

Provisions of the Early Childhood Education and Care (Strengthening Regulation of Early Education) Bill 2025—STATEMENTS

In accordance with the resolution agreed to on 29 July 2025—

Statements were made.

Health Insurance (Pathology) (Fees) (Repeal) Bill 2025 —REPORT FROM FEDERATION CHAMBER

The Deputy Speaker reported that the bill had been fully considered by the Federation Chamber, a Governor-General’s message recommending an appropriation had been reported, and the bill had been agreed to without amendment, and presented a certified copy of the bill.

Bill agreed to.

On the motion of Ms White (Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care), by leave, the bill was read a third time.

ORDER OF THE DAY CALLED ON

Ordered—That order of the day No. 8, government business, be called on immediately.

Fair Work Amendment (Protecting Penalty and Overtime Rates) Bill 2025

The order of the day having been read for the resumption of the debate on the question—That the bill be now read a second time—

Debate resumed.

Ms Lawrence addressing the House—

It being 1.30 pm, the debate was interrupted in accordance with standing order 43, Ms Lawrence was granted leave to continue her speech when the debate is resumed, and the resumption of the debate made an order of the day for a later hour this day.

MEMBERS’ STATEMENTS

Members’ statements being made—

Document

Mr T Wilson , by leave, presented the following document:

Letter from Tim Wilson MP to the Minister for Sport, Anika Wells MP, on the women’s change rooms at Wilson Storage Trevor Barker Oval, Sandringham, 30 July 2025.

Members’ statements continued.

Moscow 1980 Olympics—STATEMENTS

Mr Albanese (Prime Minister), by indulgence, made a statement in relation to the Moscow 1980 Olympics.

Ms Ley (Leader of the Opposition), by indulgence, also made a statement on the matter.

QUESTIONS

Questions without notice were asked.

DOCUMENT

The following document was presented:

Housing Australia—Review of the National Housing Infrastructure Facility—Report for the period July 2018 to December 2024.

DISCUSSION OF MATTER OF PUBLIC IMPORTANCE— Housing

The House was informed that Ms Boele had proposed that a definite matter of public importance be submitted to the House for discussion, namely, “The need for new and creative solutions to address the housing crisis”.

The proposed discussion having received the necessary support—

Ms Boele addressed the House.

Discussion ensued.

Discussion concluded.

Aged Care and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2025 —REPORT FROM FEDERATION CHAMBER

The Deputy Speaker reported that the bill had been fully considered by the Federation Chamber, a Governor-General’s message recommending an appropriation had been reported, and the bill had been agreed to without amendment, and presented a certified copy of the bill.

Bill agreed to.

On the motion of Mr Rae (Minister for Aged Care and Seniors), by leave, the bill was read a third time.

Aged Care (Accommodation Payment Security) Levy Amendment Bill 2025 —REPORT FROM FEDERATION CHAMBER

The Deputy Speaker reported that the bill had been fully considered by the Federation Chamber and agreed to without amendment, and presented a certified copy of the bill.

Bill agreed to.

On the motion of Mr Rae (Minister for Aged Care and Seniors), by leave, the bill was read a third time.

ADDRESS IN REPLY TO THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL’S SPEECH

The order of the day having been read for the resumption of the debate on the question—That the following Address in Reply to the speech of Her Excellency the Governor-General be agreed to:

May it please Your Excellency:

We, the House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Australia, in Parliament assembled, express our loyalty to the Sovereign, and thank Your Excellency for the speech which you have been pleased to address to Parliament—

Debate resumed.

Debate adjourned (Dr Mulino—Assistant Treasurer), and the resumption of the debate made an order of the day for the next sitting.

Pacific Banking Guarantee Bill 2025 —REPORT FROM FEDERATION CHAMBER

The Speaker reported that the bill had been fully considered by the Federation Chamber, a Governor-General’s message recommending an appropriation had been reported, and the bill had been agreed to without amendment, and presented a certified copy of the bill.

Bill agreed to.

On the motion of Dr Mulino (Assistant Treasurer), by leave, the bill was read a third time.

Statements referred to Federation Chamber

Ms White (Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care), by leave, moved—That further statements by indulgence on the Moscow 1980 Olympics be permitted in the Federation Chamber.

Question—put and passed.

Fair Work Amendment (Protecting Penalty and Overtime Rates) Bill 2025

The order of the day having been read for the resumption of the debate on the question—That the bill be now read a second time—

Debate resumed.

Ms Spender moved, as an amendment—That all words after “That” be omitted with a view to substituting the following words:

“whilst not declining to give the bill a second reading, the House:

(1) notes:

(a) Australia has just had the worst decade for productivity in the past 60 years;

(b) boosting productivity is the only way Australia can sustainably increase wages over time;

(c) the Government’s agenda to lift Australia’s productivity is not comprehensive without considering the role of Australia’s industrial relations system; and

(d) in 2023, the Productivity Commission’s report Advancing Prosperity recommended that the Fair Work Act be amended to explicitly include productivity as an objective of modern awards; and

(2) calls on the Government to amend subsection 134(1) of the Fair Work Act such that productivity is an objective of modern awards, as per Recommendation 7.13 of the Productivity Commission’s report Advancing Prosperity ”.

Debate ensued.

ADJOURNMENT

It being 7.30 pm—The question was proposed—That the House do now adjourn.

Debate ensued.

At 8 pm, the Speaker adjourned the House until 9 am tomorrow, in accordance with the resolution agreed to on 29 July 2025.

DOCUMENTS

The following documents were deemed to have been presented on 30 July 2025 (An explanatory statement has been presented with each instrument unless otherwise indicated by an asterisk):

Higher Education Support (HELP Tuition Protection Levy) Act 2020— Higher Education Support (HELP Tuition Protection Levy) (Risk Rated Premium and Special Tuition Protection Components) Determination 2025 [F2025L00871].

Higher Education (Up-front Payments Tuition Protection Levy) Act 2020— Higher Education (Up-front Payments Tuition Protection Levy) (Risk Rated Premium and Special Tuition Protection Components) Determination 2025 [F2025L00872].

National Health Act 1953—

National Health (Originator Brand) Amendment Determination (No. 5) 2025—PB 91 of 2025 [F2025L00873].

National Health (Price and Special Patient Contribution) Amendment Determination (No. 7) 2025—PB 92 of 2025 [F2025L00874].

Online Safety Act 2021— Online Safety (Age-Restricted Social Media Platforms) Rules 2025 [F2025L00889].

Parliamentary Business Resources Act 2017— Parliamentary Business Resources Regulations 2017—Advice of decision to pay assistance—14 July 2025.

VET Student Loans (VSL Tuition Protection Levy) Act 2020— VET Student Loans (VSL Tuition Protection Levy) (Risk Rated Premium and Special Tuition Protection Components) Determination 2025 [F2025L00867].

ATTENDANCE

All Members attended (at some time during the sitting) except Ms Collins, *Ms Fernando, Ms Swanson and Ms Templeman.

* On leave

Claressa Surtees

Clerk of the House of Representatives

2025

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

SUPPLEMENT TO VOTES AND PROCEEDINGS

No. 6

FEDERATION CHAMBER

MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS

Wednesday, 30 July 2025

The Federation Chamber met at 9.30 am.

MEMBERS’ CONSTITUENCY STATEMENTS

Members’ constituency statements were made.

Defence Housing Australia Amendment Bill 2025

The order of the day having been read for the resumption of the debate on the question—That the bill be now read a second time— And on the amendment moved thereto by Mr Taylor (see item No. 11, Votes and Proceedings, page 93) —

Debate resumed.

Question—That the amendment be agreed to—put and not being resolved—bill to be returned to the House with an unresolved question.

Health Insurance (Pathology) (Fees) (Repeal) Bill 2025

The order of the day having been read for the resumption of the debate on the question—That the bill be now read a second time—

Debate resumed.

Suspension of meeting

At 10.51 am, a division having been called in the House, the proceedings were suspended.

Resumption of meeting

At 11.07 am, the proceedings were resumed.

Debate continued.

Question—put and passed—bill read a second time.

Message from the Governor-General

Message No. 4, 20 July 2025, from Her Excellency the Governor-General was announced recommending an appropriation for the purposes of the bill.

Leave granted for the question on the report to be put immediately.

Question—That the bill be reported to the House without amendment—put and passed.

Aged Care and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2025

The order of the day having been read for the resumption of the debate on the question—That the bill be now read a second time—

Debate resumed.

Suspension of meeting

At 12.15 pm, a division having been called in the House, the proceedings were suspended.

Resumption of meeting

At 12.31 pm, the proceedings were resumed.

Debate continued.

Question—put and passed—bill read a second time.

Message from the Governor-General

Message No. 5, 20 July 2025, from Her Excellency the Governor-General was announced recommending an appropriation for the purposes of the bill.

Leave granted for the question on the report to be put immediately.

Question—That the bill be reported to the House without amendment—put and passed.

Aged Care (Accommodation Payment Security) Levy Amendment Bill 2025

The order of the day having been read for the resumption of the debate on the question—That the bill be now read a second time—

Question—put and passed—bill read a second time.

Leave granted for the question on the report to be put immediately.

Question—That the bill be reported to the House without amendment—put and passed.

Suspension of meeting

At 1.17 pm, the Deputy Speaker left the Chair.

Resumption of meeting

At 4 pm, the Deputy Speaker resumed the Chair.

Australian Security Intelligence Organisation Amendment Bill (No. 1) 2025

The order of the day having been read for the resumption of the debate on the question—That the bill be now read a second time—

Debate resumed.

Question—put and passed—bill read a second time.

Message from the Governor-General

Message No. 6, 20 July 2025, from Her Excellency the Governor-General was announced recommending an appropriation for the purposes of the bill.

Leave granted for the question on the report to be put immediately.

Question—That the bill be reported to the House without amendment—put and passed.

Pacific Banking Guarantee Bill 2025

The order of the day having been read for the resumption of the debate on the question—That the bill be now read a second time—

Debate resumed.

Question—put and passed—bill read a second time.

Message from the Governor-General

Message No. 7, 21 July 2025, from Her Excellency the Governor-General was announced recommending an appropriation for the purposes of the bill.

Leave granted for the question on the report to be put immediately.

Question—That the bill be reported to the House without amendment—put and passed.

DEATH OF FORMER Member (the Honourable Peter James Nixon)—CONDOLENCE MOTION

The order of the day having been read for the resumption of the debate on the motion of Mr Albanese (Prime Minister)—That the House record its deep regret at the death, on 1 May 2025, of the Honourable Peter James Nixon AO, a former Minister and Member of this House for the Division of Gippsland from 1961 to 1983, place on record its appreciation of his long and meritorious public service, and tender its profound sympathy to his family in their bereavement—

Debate resumed.

As a mark of respect to the memory of the deceased, all Members present stood, in silence.

Mr Repacholi, by leave, moved—That further proceedings be conducted in the House.

Question—put and passed.

DEATH OF HIS HOLINESS POPE FRANCIS—CONDOLENCE MOTION

The order of the day having been read for the resumption of the debate on the motion of Mr Albanese (Prime Minister)—That the House record its sadness at the death, on 21 April 2025, of His Holiness Pope Francis, formerly Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, place on record its gratitude for his life of service, compassion and leadership, and tender its sympathy to Australian Catholics and people of all faiths who mourn his passing—

Debate resumed.

As a mark of respect to the memory of the deceased, all Members present stood, in silence.

Ms Coker, by leave, moved—That further proceedings be conducted in the House.

Question—put and passed.

ADJOURNMENT

On the motion of Ms Coker, the Federation Chamber adjourned at 6.51 pm, until 9.30 am tomorrow.

Peter Banson

Clerk of the Federation Chamber