The House met, at 10 am, pursuant to adjournment. The Speaker (the Honourable M. Dick) took the Chair, made an acknowledgement of country and read prayers.

PETITIONS—standing Committee —REPORT—STATEMENT BY MEMBER

Ms Belyea (Chair) presented the following documents:

Petitions—Standing Committee—Report 2: Petitions and Ministerial responses—

Report, 1 September 2025.

Petition.

Ministers’ responses to petitions previously presented to the House.

Ms Belyea made a statement in connection with petitions.

Australia Day Bill 2025

Mr Pike, pursuant to notice, presented a Bill for an Act to declare Australia Day, on 26 January, to be the national day, and for related purposes.

Document

Mr Pike presented an explanatory memorandum to the bill.

Bill read a first time.

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

Debate adjourned and the resumption of the debate made an order of the day for the next sitting.

Road Vehicle Standards Amendment (Safer E-Bikes) Bill 2025

Dr Scamps, pursuant to notice, presented a Bill for an Act to amend the Road Vehicle Standards Act 2018 , and for related purposes.

Document

Dr Scamps presented an explanatory memorandum to the bill.

Bill read a first time.

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

Debate adjourned and the resumption of the debate made an order of the day for the next sitting.

Repeal Net Zero 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—

Mr Boyce, by leave, again addressed the House.

Debate continued.

The time allotted for the debate having expired, the debate was interrupted, and the resumption of the debate made an order of the day for the next sitting.

Secure Jobs, Better Pay Review

Ms Byrnes, pursuant to notice, moved—That this House:

(1) acknowledges the final report of the Secure Jobs, Better Pay review;

(2) notes the report found the Government’s workplace changes are already delivering for Australian workers, and that:

(a) coverage of collective bargaining ‘has increased markedly’;

(b) real wages and workers’ economic circumstances are improving; and

(c) the Secure Jobs, Better Pay Act represents a significant development aimed at improving outcomes for working women, including a reduction in the gender pay gap;

(3) further notes recent data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics that showed:

(a) a record number of Australians work;

(b) since May 2022, employment had risen by 8.6 per cent, a higher rate of employment growth than all major advanced economies;

(c) the gender pay gap is at the lowest ever level since records began; and

(d) annual real wages have now grown for seven consecutive quarters under this Government; and

(4) further acknowledges the Government’s commitment for Australians to earn more and keep more of what they earn.

Debate ensued.

The time allotted for the debate having expired, the debate was interrupted, and the resumption of the debate made an order of the day for a later hour this day.

NDIS service delivery arrangements

The order of the day having been read for the resumption of the debate on the motion of Mr Thompson—That this House:

(1) notes:

(a) National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) providers and participants will be significantly impacted and hold grave concerns regarding changes to the transport allowance arrangements that have been announced in the recent annual price review, at very short notice without consultation by the Government; and

(b) the feasibility for NDIS providers and participants to make the necessary adjustments to service delivery arrangements in such a short time period is not achievable and will be to the detriment of the participant;

(2) condemns the Government for failing to consult with the NDIS sector and failing to understand the needs of participants and providers; and

(3) calls on the Government to:

(a) defer these changes for at least three months to allow for consultation and planning around the changes to service delivery that may result from these changes; and

(b) explain how it expects community-based service providers in particular to adapt to these new pricing arrangements—

Debate resumed.

Debate adjourned and the resumption of the debate made an order of the day for the next sitting.

MESSAGES FROM THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL—ASSENT TO BILLS

Messages from Her Excellency the Governor-General were announced informing the House that Her Excellency, in the name of His Majesty, had assented to the following bills:

28 August 2025—Message—

No. 10—

Universities Accord (National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-based Violence) 2025 .

Universities Accord (National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-based Violence) (Consequential Amendments) 2025 .

No. 11— Defence Housing Australia Amendment 2025 .

29 August 2025—Message No. 12— Fair Work Amendment (Protecting Penalty and Overtime Rates) 2025 .

Housing Australia Act 2018 —Housing Australia Investment Mandate Amendment (Delivering on Our 2025 Election Commitment) Direction 2025 —MOTION TO TAKE NOTE OF DOCUMENT

In accordance with the resolution agreed to on 27 August 2025—

The order of the day having been read for the resumption of the debate on the motion of Ms Kearney (Assistant Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence)—That the House take note of the document ( presented on 27 August 2025 ), viz.—

Housing Australia Act 2018 —Housing Australia Investment Mandate Amendment (Delivering on Our 2025 Election Commitment) Direction 2025—

Debate resumed.

Debate adjourned (Mr Conaghan), and the resumption of the debate made an order of the day for a later hour this day.

Health Legislation Amendment (Improved Medicare Integrity and Other Measures) 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 Clutterham addressing the House—

It being 1.30 pm, the debate was interrupted in accordance with standing order 43, Ms Clutterham 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 were made.

QUESTIONS

Questions without notice being asked—

Member directed to leave

At 2.24 pm the Member for Nicholls ( Mr Birrell ) was directed, under standing order 94, to leave the Chamber for one hour for interjecting and he accordingly left the Chamber.

Questions without notice continuing—

Document

Mr Bowen (Minister for Climate Change and Energy) presented the following document:

Nationals win extra cabinet position for Keith Pitt as they sign up to net zero deal—ABC News—Michelle Grattan, 25 October 2021.

Questions without notice continued.

DOCUMENTS

The following documents were presented:

Australia’s Foreign Relations (State and Territory Arrangements) Act 2020— Review of the operation of the Act—

Final report, 16 February 2025.

Government response, 1 September 2025.

Independent National Security Legislation Monitor (INSLM)—Data disruption, network activity and account takeover powers—Review of Surveillance Legislation Amendment (Identify and Disrupt) Act 2021 .

Social Policy and Legal Affairs—Standing Committee—Inquiry into family violence orders—Government response, July 2025.

Health Legislation Amendment (Improved Medicare Integrity and Other Measures) 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.

Leave granted for third reading to be moved immediately.

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

Appropriation Bill (No. 1) 2025-2026

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.

Mr T Wilson addressing the House—

ADJOURNMENT

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

Debate ensued.

The House continuing to sit until 8 pm—The Speaker adjourned the House until 12 noon tomorrow.

DOCUMENTS

The following documents were deemed to have been presented on 1 September 2025 (An explanatory statement has been presented with each instrument unless otherwise indicated by an asterisk):

Competition and Consumer Act 2010—

Competition and Consumer (Price Inquiry—Electricity) Direction 2025 [F2025L01011].

Competition and Consumer (Price Inquiry—Natural Gas) Direction 2025 [F2025L01012].

Corporations Act 2001— Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards—Contracts Referencing Nature-dependent Electricity: Tier 2 Disclosures—AASB 2025-3 [F2025L00996].

Fisheries Management Act 1991— Fisheries Management (E-monitoring Great Australian Bight Trawl Fishery) Direction 2025 [F2025L00748]—Replacement explanatory statement.

Food Standards Australia New Zealand Act 1991—

Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code—Schedule 20—Maximum residue limits Variation Instrument No. APVMA 2, 2025 [F2025L01004].

Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code—Schedule 20—Maximum residue limits Variation Instrument No. APVMA 3, 2025 [F2025L01005].

Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code—Schedule 20—Maximum residue limits Variation Instrument No. APVMA 4, 2025 [F2025L01009].

Health Insurance Act 1973— Health Insurance (Section 3C Co-Dependent Pathology Services) Amendment (No. 1) Determination 2025 [F2025L01002].

Higher Education Support Act 2003— Higher Education Provider Amendment (Application Fee) Guidelines 2025 [F2025L01010].

National Health Act 1953—

National Health (Listed Drugs on F1 or F2) Amendment Determination (No. 8) 2025—PB 99 of 2025 [F2025L01018].

National Health (Minimum Stockholding) Amendment Determination (No. 8) 2025—PB 101 of 2025 [F2025L01000].

National Health (Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme—Exempt items—Section 84AH) Amendment Determination (No. 2) 2025—PB 100 of 2025 [F2025L01017].

National Health (Weighted average disclosed price—October 2025 reduction day) Amendment Determination 2025—PB 102 of 2025 [F2025L01008].

Navigation Act 2012—

Marine Order 16 (Load lines) 2025—AMSA MO 2025/4 [F2025L01013].

Marine Order 19 (Tonnage measurement) 2025—AMSA MO 2025/5 [F2025L01014].

Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013—

Notice under section 72—Commonwealth formed Austal Defence Shipbuilding Australia Pty Ltd.

PGPA Act Determination (Health SOETM Special Account Amendment 2025) [F2025L00998].

PGPA Act Determination (Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications SOETM Special Account Amendment 2025) [F2025L00999].

Sydney Airport Curfew Act 1995— Dispensation report—05/25.

Therapeutic Goods Act 1989— Therapeutic Goods (Manufacturing Principles) Amendment (PIC/S Guide) Determination 2025 [F2025L00990].

Universities Accord (Student Support and Other Measures) Act 2024— Universities Accord (Student Support and Other Measures) (Adelaide University) Transitional Rules 2025 [F2025L01006].

ATTENDANCE

All Members attended (at some time during the sitting) except *Ms Fernando, Mr Gosling, Mr Hamilton and Ms Swanson.

* On leave

Claressa Surtees

Clerk of the House of Representatives

2025

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

SUPPLEMENT TO VOTES AND PROCEEDINGS

No. 12

FEDERATION CHAMBER

MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS

Monday, 1 September 2025

The Federation Chamber met at 10.30 am.

MEMBERS’ CONSTITUENCY STATEMENTS

Members’ constituency statements were made.

Women’s Health Week

Ms Coffey, pursuant to notice, moved—That this House:

(1) affirms the importance of Women’s Health Week, held annually in the first week in September, as a national campaign led by Jean Hailes for Women’s Health, promoting health awareness, education, and empowerment for women, girls, and gender diverse people across Australia;

(2) celebrates the 2025 theme, ‘Say yes to you’, which encourages women to prioritise their health, speak up, and access the care they need, values that align with the Government’s commitment to equity, dignity and universal healthcare;

(3) acknowledges the systemic challenges women face in accessing timely, affordable, and appropriate healthcare, including underdiagnosed conditions such as endometriosis, pelvic pain, cardiovascular disease, and menopause-related symptoms;

(4) commends the Government for its historic investment of $793 million to strengthen Medicare and improve women’s health outcomes, including:

(a) new Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme listings for oral contraceptives and menopause hormone therapies;

(b) expanded bulk billing and Medicare rebates for long-acting reversible contraceptives and menopause health assessments;

(c) the establishment of 11 new endometriosis and pelvic pain clinics, increasing the national total to 33 clinics; and

(d) national trials enabling pharmacists to treat uncomplicated urinary tract infections, improving access for over 250,000 concession card holders; and

(5) reaffirms its ongoing commitment to a fairer, stronger healthcare system that meets the needs of all Australians, especially women, through evidence-based policy, investment, and compassion.

Debate ensued.

Debate adjourned and the resumption of the debate made an order of the day for the next sitting.

Commonwealth Home Support Program

Ms Sharkie, pursuant to notice, moved—That this House:

(1) recognises that:

(a) on 31 March 2025, 89,597 older Australians were waiting for a Home Care Package at their approved level, 70,223 without receiving lower-level Home Care Package services;

(b) many older Australians are waiting up to a year to receive a Home Care Package at their approved level; and

(c) although many people are approved to receive Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) services while waiting for Home Care at their approved level, those in regional and rural areas have great difficulty accessing CHSP services due to providers’ lack of capacity and poor coverage of some Aged Care Planning Regions (ACPRs);

(2) acknowledges that:

(a) during 2023-24, 3,383 people passed away and 7,380 people entered residential aged care while waiting for a Home Care Package at their approved level;

(b) the Government’s deferral of an additional 80,000 Support at Home places from the commencement of the new Aged Care Act 2024 from 1 July 2025 to the revised start date of 1 November 2025 is having a profound, adverse impact on older Australians; and

(c) CHSP providers are funded under grant agreements to deliver services in ACPRs, but it is a provider’s business decision whether to deliver services to specific areas within the ACPR, meaning some would-be recipients miss out; and

(3) calls on the Government to urgently:

(a) address systemic issues in the CHSP which see people in many regional and rural areas unable to even get on a provider’s waiting list for services; and

(b) commence delivery of 80,000 additional packages promised in December 2024 so that older Australians are not left waiting up to a year or more for much-needed care.

Debate ensued.

The time allotted for the debate having expired, the debate was interrupted, and the resumption of the debate made an order of the day for the next sitting.

Prostate Cancer Awareness Month

Mr Repacholi, pursuant to notice, moved—That this House:

(1) notes that September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month and that prostate cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in Australian men, with a profound impact on men, their partners, families and communities;

(2) recognises the vital role of general practitioners, nurses, specialists and allied health workers in early detection, treatment, recovery and survivorship, and acknowledges the important work of community organisations including the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia and local support groups;

(3) acknowledges that men in regional and rural communities, First Nations men, and men with a family history of prostate cancer face higher risks and often greater barriers to timely screening, diagnosis and care;

(4) encourages men, particularly those aged 50 to 69, and younger men with additional risk factors, to talk with their general practitioner about prostate-specific antigen testing and individual risk, and to act early on symptoms or concerns;

(5) commends the work underway, including by the Government, to improve access to high quality diagnosis and treatment, with initiatives such as specialist nurses, mental health supports and better follow-up care; and

(6) affirms that talking about men’s health saves lives and that early action gives men the best chance to live long and well.

Debate ensued.

Debate adjourned and the resumption of the debate made an order of the day for the next sitting.

Australian national flag

Mr Thompson, pursuant to notice, moved—That this House:

(1) notes the:

(a) abhorrent behaviour of protestors burning the Australian national flag at rallies throughout our country, which is deplorable, disrespectful and goes against our values as a nation;

(b) Australian flag is the flag that members of our Australian Defence Forces wear on their shoulders and the flag that sits on the coffin of our fallen men and women; and

(c) Flags Act 1953 fails to criminalise the destruction of the Australian national flag;

(2) condemns the:

(a) Government’s failure to enact legislative power to punish those who burn the Australian national flag; and

(b) Government for allowing protestors to carry and display declared terrorist flags throughout our community; and

(3) calls on the Government to:

(a) criminalise the desecration and/or burning of the Australian national flag; and

(b) punish those supporting declared terrorists’ groups.

Debate ensued.

The time allotted for the debate having expired, the debate was interrupted, and the resumption of the debate made an order of the day for the next sitting.

Secure Jobs, Better Pay Review

The order of the day having been read for the resumption of the debate on the motion of Ms Byrnes ( see item No. 6, Votes and Proceedings, page 150) —

Debate resumed.

The time allotted for the debate having expired, the debate was interrupted, and the resumption of the debate made an order of the day for the next sitting.

Anniversary of B’nai B’rith

Mr Leeser, pursuant to notice, moved—That this House:

(1) recognises the 80th anniversary of B’nai B’rith in Australia, an organisation whose work has strengthened not only the Australian Jewish community but the entire Australian population;

(2) commends B’nai B’rith for its leadership in promoting education, interfaith understanding, cultural expression, and the fight against antisemitism;

(3) notes its range of initiatives to support the community including the Courage to Care program, youth leadership development, and its charitable trust, which have left a lasting mark on the community; and

(4) acknowledges the volunteers and members of B’nai B’rith past and present, whose 80 years of service reflect our nation’s values of compassion, justice, and responsibility.

Debate ensued.

Debate adjourned and the resumption of the debate made an order of the day for the next sitting.

Suspension of meeting

At 1.13 pm, the Deputy Speaker left the Chair.

Resumption of meeting

At 4 pm, the Deputy Speaker resumed the Chair.

MEMBERS’ STATEMENTS

Members’ statements were made.

Regional telecommunications coverage

Dr Webster, pursuant to notice, moved—That this House:

(1) notes that:

(a) regional Australians are subject to ongoing and significant challenges with access to reliable telecommunications coverage, despite many years of government investment and the fast pace of technological advance;

(b) regional connectivity is essential to modern life, for business and work, farm productivity, education, healthcare and social connection;

(c) many areas of poor mobile phone coverage remain across our regions, and regional Australians face ongoing impediments to their internet and landline voice service access, quality and reliability;

(d) the Regional Telecommunications Independent Review Committee (RTIRC) provides three-yearly investigations into the state and needs of telecommunications in regional, rural and remote Australia, as mandated by Part 9B of the Telecommunications (Consumer Protection and Service Standards) Act 1999 ;

(e) the first legislated review with a focus on the regions was in 2000;

(f) section 158Q(6) of the Act states that: ‘if a report sets out one or more recommendations to the Commonwealth Government: (a) as soon as practicable after receiving the report, the Minister must cause to be prepared a statement setting out the Commonwealth Government’s response to the recommendations; and (b) within 6 months after receiving the report, the Minister must cause copies of the statement to be tabled in each House of the Parliament’; and

(g) the Government is yet to meet the legislated requirements of the Act in respect of the 2024 RTIRC report which was tabled in December 2024; and

(2) calls upon the Minister to respond to and table said response to the recommendations of the 2024 RTIRC report forthwith, in accordance with the requirements of the Act.

Debate ensued.

The time allotted for the debate having expired, the debate was interrupted, and the resumption of the debate made an order of the day for the next sitting.

Mental health

The order of the day having been read for the resumption of the debate on the motion of Ms Coffey—That this House notes that:

(1) to meet growing need, the Government is putting mental health at the heart of Medicare and services at the centre of communities;

(2) the Government is rolling out a national network of 91 Medicare Mental Health Centres, which offer free walk-in mental health support and care from clinical and non-clinical staff, without the need for an appointment, referral, or mental health treatment plan; and

(3) the Government is delivering services, closer to home, across the whole of the lifespan by opening new Perinatal Mental Health Centres, Medicare Mental Health Kids Hubs, headspace centres, and Medicare Mental Health Centres—

Debate resumed.

Debate adjourned and the resumption of the debate made an order of the day for the next sitting.

Police Week

Mr L O’Brien, pursuant to notice, moved—That this House:

(1) notes that Police Week commences on 13 September 2025 with the 16th Wall to Wall Ride for Remembrance, and concludes on National Police Remembrance Day, which will be commemorated on 29 September 2025;

(2) acknowledges the role and service of police officers in communities across Australia, their work in protecting people, communities and property, and the risk and sacrifice that is associated with their service;

(3) honours the lives of those police officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the course of their duty, as well as those police officers who have suffered injuries in the course of their work;

(4) conveys its respects and condolences to the families, loved ones and colleagues of police officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty;

(5) commends the work of Police Legacy, which provides care and comfort to the loved ones of fallen police officers; and

(6) reaffirms its support for police and thanks police officers for their courage and dedicated service to keeping Australian communities safe.

Debate ensued.

Debate adjourned and the resumption of the debate made an order of the day for the next sitting.

Battery manufacturing

Ms Mascarenhas, pursuant to notice, moved—That this House:

(1) commends the Government for its $500 million Battery Breakthrough Initiative that will give Australian businesses access to capital grants and production incentives through the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA);

(2) recognises:

(a) that this latest piece of the Future Made in Australia represents a commitment to the growth of our national battery manufacturing industry which is essential to our future energy independence, affordability and our sovereign capabilities;

(b) that batteries are essential to all aspects of modern life both in Australia and abroad, and that securing jobs in this growing sector is a race with global competition; and

(c) the urgent need to progress Australian industry up the manufacturing value chain to lock in our place in the global energy economy and make the most of our comparative advantages in resources and renewables;

(3) further commends:

(a) the Government for its commitment to consultation in designing this scheme alongside ARENA with stakeholders in industry for maximum impact; and

(b) Australian industry and researchers for driving the move towards a clean energy future even before they had a partner in Canberra; and

(4) calls on the Opposition to:

(a) support the Government’s commitment to local manufacturing and securing the Australian jobs of the future; and

(b) cease its attempts to distract from and derail the global push to reduce emissions as it is out of step with the national interest and decreases certainty for businesses.

Debate ensued.

The time allotted for the debate having expired, the debate was interrupted, and the resumption of the debate made an order of the day for the next sitting.

Ukraine

Mr Georganas, pursuant to notice, moved—That this House:

(1) notes that 24 August 2025 marks three and a half years since Russia’s illegal, immoral and unprovoked full-scale invasion of Ukraine;

(2) reaffirms Australia’s continued support for Ukrainian sovereignty and territorial integrity;

(3) condemns Russia’s:

(a) attacks on Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity since Ukraine gained independence in 1991;

(b) backing of separatist militias in the Donbas;

(c) illegal attempted annexation of Crimea; and

(d) full-scale invasion of Ukraine, as well as its interference in Ukraine’s domestic politics;

(4) supports:

(a) the Government’s:

(i) efforts since the full-scale invasion to provide military, humanitarian, energy, reconstruction and recovery assistance to Ukraine; and

(ii) measures that impose costs on Russia for its violations of international law, including trade sanctions and targeted financial sanctions; and

(b) Australia’s continued calls on Russia to fulfil its obligations under international humanitarian law and end its illegal invasion of Ukraine; and

(5) endorses the Government’s commitment to continue to support a just and lasting peace for Ukraine.

Debate ensued.

Debate adjourned and the resumption of the debate made an order of the day for the next sitting.

Intimate partner violence

Ms Spender, pursuant to notice, moved—That this House:

(1) notes that:

(a) one in four women and one in 14 men have experienced violence by an intimate partner since the age of 15 as of 2024;

(b) 37 women were killed by a current or former intimate partner in 2024 according to the Status for Women Report Card;

(c) the Report of the Rapid Review of Prevention Approaches, Unlocking the Prevention Potential: Accelerating action to end family, domestic and sexual violence provided the Government with 21 recommendations which have not yet all been responded to; and

(d) the Government has made some meaningful commitments including a $4.7 billion investment into a range of preventative measures and support services; and

(2) calls on the Government to:

(a) urgently respond to all recommendations put forward by the Rapid Review; and

(b) expand the eligibility requirements of the Family Violence Crisis Payment to allow for victim-survivors to receive the support they need.

Debate ensued.

Debate adjourned and the resumption of the debate made an order of the day for the next sitting.

ADJOURNMENT

On the motion of Mr Repacholi, the Federation Chamber adjourned at 7.10 pm, until 12.30 pm tomorrow.

Peter Banson

Clerk of the Federation Chamber