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Votes & Proceedings/Monday, 27 October 2025
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House

1

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.

2

PETITIONS—standing Committee —REPORT—STATEMENT BY MEMBER

Ms Belyea (Chair) presented the following documents:

Petitions—Standing Committee—Report 3: Petitions and Ministerial responses—

Report, 27 October 2025.

Petitions.

Ministers’ responses to petitions previously presented to the House.

Ms Belyea made a statement in connection with petitions.

3

AUSTRALIAN PARLIAMENTARY DELEGATION —REPORT—STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS

Mr Georganas presented the following document:

Australian Parliamentary Delegation to the 45th General Assembly of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly in Vientiane, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, from 17 to 23 October 2024—Report, October 2025.

Mr Georganas and Mr Birrell made statements in connection with the report.

5

Lobbying (Improving Government Honesty and Trust) Bill 2025 (No. 2)

Dr M Ryan, pursuant to notice, presented a Bill for an Act to establish a scheme to promote and enhance transparency, integrity and honesty in dealings between lobbyists and Government representatives, and for related purposes.

Document

Dr M Ryan presented an explanatory memorandum to the bill.

Bill read a first time.

Dr M Ryan 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.

6

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—

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.

7

Medicare

Ms J Ryan, pursuant to notice, moved—That this House:

(1) acknowledges the Government’s commitment to strengthen Medicare, including $8.5 billion to deliver an additional 18 million bulk billed general practitioner (GP) visits each year, hundreds of nursing scholarships and thousands more doctors in the largest GP training program ever;

(2) notes:

(a) this measure has already seen practices around Australia become fully bulk billed, with nine out of ten GP visits expected to be bulk billed by 2030 and around 4,800 fully bulk billed practices, which is triple the current number; and

(b) that while the Government is expanding access to bulk billing by expanding the bulk billing incentive, by contrast the Leader of the Opposition, as the Minister for Health:

(i) never increased Medicare rebates, the only health minister in Australian history to do so;

(ii) doubled down on the then Government’s $50 billion cut to hospitals; and

(iii) continued the fight for the former Leader of the Opposition’s GP tax; and

(3) further acknowledges that only the current Government will strengthen Medicare.

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.

8

Banana industry

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

(1) acknowledges that:

(a) the Australian banana industry:

(i) is worth $1.3 billion to the Australian economy and is the dominant employer in northern Australia; and

(ii) represents more than 540 growers and employs over 15,000 people;

(b) Australia, being a continent which until the 1800s had no farming, remains free of many of the world’s most devastating vegetation diseases, including Moko, Black Sigatoka and Banana Freckle;

(c) these diseases are found throughout plantations in the Philippines causing widespread crop losses and often producing a flawed, largely inedible product;

(d) these diseases will destroy Australia’s banana industry and seriously damage our virgin, natural wonderland and threaten other food production activities;

(e) the US Department of Labor, the Centre for Trade Union and Human Rights (CTUHR), and the Ecumenical Institute for Labor Education and Research (EILER) have all found significant instances of poor work conditions in banana plantations across the Philippines, including widespread child labour;

(f) the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry is currently considering an application to import bananas from the Philippines, and has advised that it will only consider the risk of disease; and

(g) bad enough in itself, the application does not consider the need for imports, the disparity in environmental conditions, chemical usage, wages and the various other factors that fail to make free trade, fair trade; and

(2) calls on the Government to take immediate and decisive action to protect Australia’s banana industry by ensuring that the:

(a) application to import bananas from the Philippines is rejected, due to:

(i) unacceptable biosecurity risks that will create real danger to not only Australia’s banana industry but also to Australia’s virgin nature wonderland as Philippine banana imports will be the vector of a myriad of diseases including Black Sigatoka, Moko Disease and Banana Freckle;

(ii) the economic impact of decimating Australia’s $1.3 billion banana industry, specifically considering the huge social and economic impact on communities where bananas are grown;

(iii) the devastating environmental impacts of bananas grown in the Philippines that have vastly different chemical and pesticide usage and lower overall environmental standards;

(iv) the difference in cost of production including wages and working conditions, for example, the average wage of $50 per week in the Philippines versus $1,153.30 per week in Australia; and

(v) significant evidence of child labour throughout Philippine banana plantations, as reported by the US Department of Labor, CTUHR and EILER, with studies indicating that 22.5 per cent of households in banana growing regions have a child working in banana plantations;

(b) Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry immediately reject the import application as there is no overriding need nor demand for the imported product; and

(c) Government immediately introduce legislation that acknowledges our other international obligations including, but not restricted to, slavery, child labour and other unfair working conditions and wages, and environmental impacts including pesticide and chemical usage.

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.

9

Government spending

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

(1) notes that:

(a) the Government’s spending will reach its highest level outside of recession since 1986;

(b) since the Government came to office, it has added $100 billion to the national debt, set to breach $1 trillion this financial year and $1.2 trillion by the time of the next election;

(c) the Government’s new decisions since coming to office total a shocking $22 billion, and, had the Government shown any fiscal discipline to find savings to fund the new commitments, the Government would be delivering a healthy surplus today;

(d) we are spending $50,000 on interest every minute, which is money that cannot be spent on essential services;

(e) the persistence in inflation has pushed out the prospect of further interest rate relief with markets now expecting it may be ‘one and done’, that is, for interest rates to remain at around 3.25 per cent indefinitely, little more than one rate cut lower than the current level; and

(f) millions of Australian mortgage holders will have repayments on the average mortgage set to remain at $1,700 higher per month indefinitely under this Government than under the previous Government; and

(2) calls on the Government to reintroduce the quantifiable fiscal rules that every recent government of either political persuasion has adopted, and to heed the calls of leading economists like former Treasury Secretary Ken Henry, and former Reserve Bank of Australia Governor Phillip Lowe, as well as leading international organisations like the International Monetary Fund to introduce such rules.

Debate ensued.

Debate adjourned and the resumption of the debate made an order of the day for a later hour this day.

10

MESSAGE FROM THE SENATE

Message No. 31, 4 September 2025, from the Senate was reported informing the House that Senator Shoebridge had been appointed a member of the Joint Standing Committee on Implementation of the National Redress Scheme.

11

Australian Centre for Disease Control 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 Dr M Ryan, viz.— 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 the serious mental health and broader health impact of gambling addiction in Australia, and calls on the Australian Centre for Disease Control to prioritise health prevention strategies that include the prevention of gambling harm”—

And on the amendment moved thereto by Dr Scamps, viz. —That all words after “House” be omitted with a view to substituting the following words:

“(1) notes that:

(a) chronic conditions:

(i) are the biggest killer in Australia, contributing to nearly 9 out of 10 deaths;

(ii) result in 6.4 million preventable hospitalisations per year costing approximately $82 billion in health expenditure; and

(iii) are estimated to cost $67.7 billion in lost labour force participation by 2030; and

(b) preventing and reducing this burden of disease would provide an estimated $8 billion in extra earnings, and $6.3 billion in welfare support and hospital admission savings annually; and

(2) calls on the Government to include prevention of chronic conditions as part of the Australian Centre for Disease Control’s mission from the outset”—

Debate resumed.

Question—That the amendment moved by Dr Scamps to the amendment proposed by Dr M Ryan be agreed to—put and negatived.

Question—That the amendment moved by Dr M Ryan be agreed to—put and negatived.

Question—That the bill be now read a second time—put.

Message from the Governor-General

Message No. 22, 28 August 2025, from Her Excellency the Governor-General was announced recommending an appropriation for the purposes of the bill.

Consideration in detail

Bill, by leave, taken as a whole.

Dr M Ryan, by leave, moved amendments (1) to (5) together.

Debate ensued.

Question—That the amendments be agreed to—put.

Dr Haines moved an amendment.

Question—That the amendment be agreed to—put.

Dr Scamps, by leave, moved amendments (1) to (5) together.

Dr Scamps addressing the House—

It being 1.30 pm, the debate was interrupted in accordance with standing order 43, Dr Scamps 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.

12

MEMBERS’ STATEMENTS

Members’ statements were made.

13

DEATH OF FORMER SENATOR ( Stanley (Stan) James Collard )

The Speaker informed the House of the death, on 13 August 2025, of Stanley (Stan) James Collard OAM, a Senator for the State of Queensland from 1975 to 1987.

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

14

MINISTERIAL ARRANGEMENTS

Mr Marles (Acting Prime Minister) informed the House that, during the absence overseas of Mr Albanese (Prime Minister), he would answer questions on his behalf.

15

SHADOW MINISTRY—DOCUMENT

Ms Ley (Leader of the Opposition) presented the following document:

Ley Shadow Ministry, 13 October 2025.

16

QUESTIONS

Questions without notice being asked—

Member directed to leave

At 2.02 pm the Member for McEwen ( Mr Mitchell ) 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—

Member directed to leave

At 2.55 pm the Member for Macnamara ( Mr Burns ) was directed, under standing order 94, to leave the Chamber for one hour for interjecting and he accordingly left the Chamber.

Questions without notice continued.

17

Department of Parliamentary Services annual report

The Speaker presented the following document:

Department of Parliamentary Services—Report for 2024-25.

The document was made a Parliamentary Paper.

18

Auditor-General’s Report

The Speaker presented the following document:

Auditor-General—Audit report No. 2 of 2025-26—Performance audit—Effectiveness of the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission’s regulatory functions: NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission—Corrigendum.

The document was made a Parliamentary Paper.

19

DOCUMENTS

The following documents were presented:

*Aboriginal Land Commissioner—Report for 2024-25.

*Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission—Report for 2024-25.

*Attorney-General’s Department—Report for 2024-25.

*Australian Bureau of Statistics—Report for 2024-25.

*Australian Competition and Consumer Commission—Report for 2024-25, incorporating report of the Australian Energy Regulator.

*Australian Digital Health Agency—Report for 2024-25.

*Australian Fisheries Management Authority—Report for 2024-25.

*Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership—Report for 2024-25.

Australian Institute of Health and Welfare—

*Australia’s welfare—2025 in brief.

*Report for 2024-25.

*Australian Maritime Safety Authority—Report for 2024-25.

*Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation—Report for 2024-25.

Australian Public Service Commission—Capability review—Department of Social Services.

*Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency—Report for 2024-25.

*Australian Research Council—Report for 2024-25.

*Australian Statistics Advisory Council—Report for 2024-25.

*Australian War Memorial—Report for 2024-25.

*Bureau of Meteorology—Report for 2024-25.

*Cancer Australia—Report for 2024-25.

*Central Land Council—Report for 2024-25.

Clean Energy Regulator—

Renewable Energy Target administrative report for 2024.

*Report for 2024-25.

*Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions—Report for 2024-25.

Commonwealth Ombudsman—

*Public Interest Disclosure Scheme—Report for 2024-25.

*Report for 2024-25.

*Creative Australia—Report for 2024-25.

Crimes Act 1914— National Anti-Corruption Commission—Reports for 2024-25—

Controlled operations.

Witness identity protection certificates.

*Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry—Report for 2024-25.

*Department of Education—Report for 2024-25, incorporating report of the Tuition Protection Service.

*Department of Industry, Science and Resources—Report for 2024-25.

*Department of the Treasury—Report for 2024-25.

*Fair Work Ombudsman—Report for 2024-25.

*Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia—Reports for 2024-25.

*Federal Court of Australia—Report for 2024-25.

*Financial Reporting Council—Report for 2024-25.

*Future Fund—Report for 2024-25.

* Healthcare Identifiers Act 2010— Healthcare Identifiers Service—Report for 2024-25.

Healthcare Identifiers Act 2010 and My Health Records Act 2012— Australian Information Commissioner—Activities in relation to digital health—Report for 2024-25.

*Indigenous Business Australia—Report for 2024-25.

*Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security—Report for 2024-25.

*National Blood Authority—Report for 2024-25.

*National Competition Council—Report for 2024-25.

*National Health and Medical Research Council—Report for 2024-25.

*National Health Funding Body—Report for 2024-25.

*National Health Funding Pool—Report for 2024-25.

*National Intermodal Corporation Limited—Report for 2024-25.

*National Museum of Australia—Report for 2024-25.

*National Rural Health Commissioner—Report for 2024-25.

*National Student Ombudsman—Report for 2024-25.

*National Transport Commission—Report for 2024-25.

*Net Zero Economy Authority—Report for 2024-25.

*Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility—Report for 2024-25.

*Office of Parliamentary Counsel—Report for 2024-25.

*Office of the Australian Anti-Slavery Commissioner—Report for 2024-25.

Proceeds of Crime Act 2002— National Cooperative Scheme on Unexplained Wealth—Reports for 2024-25—

Australian Capital Territory Policing.

New South Wales Crime Commission.

Northern Territory Police Force.

South Australia Police.

*Professional Services Review—Report for 2024-25.

Public Accounts and Audit—Joint Committee—Report 505: Inquiry into policy and program design and implementation—Government response, September 2025.

*Repatriation Commission, Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Commission and the Department of Veterans’ Affairs—Reports for 2024-25.

*Royal Australian Air Force Veterans’ Residences Trust—Report for 2024-25.

*Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation (AgriFutures Australia)—Report for 2024-25.

*Safe Work Australia—Report for 2024-25.

*Screen Australia—Report for 2024-25.

*Services Australia—Report for 2024-25.

*Takeovers Panel—Report for 2024-25.

*The documents were made Parliamentary Papers.

20

PUBLIC WORKS—PARLIAMENTARY STANDING COMMITTEE—REPORT—STATEMENT BY MEMBER

Mr Zappia (Chair) presented the following document:

Public Works—Parliamentary Standing Committee—Referral made in July 2025 (3rd report of 2025)—Report, October 2025.

In accordance with standing order 39(e) the report was made a Parliamentary Paper.

Mr Zappia, by leave, made a statement in connection with the report.

21

Australian Centre for Disease Control Bill 2025

The order of the day having been read for the further consideration in detail of the bill—

Bill, as a whole—

Question—That the amendments moved together by Dr Scamps ( see item No. 11, page 230 ) be agreed to—put and negatived.

Question—That the bill be agreed to—put.

Consideration in detail concluded.

On the motion of Mr Butler (Minister for Health and Ageing), by leave, the bill was read a third time.

22

Australian Centre for Disease Control (Consequential Amendments and Transitional Provisions) 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.

Leave granted for third reading to be moved immediately.

On the motion of Mr Butler (Minister for Health and Ageing), the bill was read a third time.

23

Social Security and Other Legislation Amendment (Technical Changes No. 2) 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. 23, 28 August 2025, from Her Excellency the Governor-General was announced recommending an appropriation for the purposes of the bill.

Ms Plibersek (Minister for Social Services) moved—That further consideration of the bill be made an order of the day for the next sitting.

Question—put and passed.

25

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 27 October 2025 (An explanatory statement has been presented with each instrument unless otherwise indicated by an asterisk):

A New Tax System (Goods and Services Tax) Act 1999, Electronic Transactions Act 1999, Foreign Acquisitions and Takeovers Act 1975, Health Insurance Act 1973, Healthcare Identifiers Act 2010, Human Services (Medicare) Act 1973, Migration Act 1958, National Consumer Credit Protection Act 2009 and National Health Act 1953— Aged Care Legislation Consequential Amendments Regulations 2025 [F2025L01239].

Acts Interpretation Act 1901— Statements relating to extension of time for presentation of periodic reports—

Australian Transport Safety Bureau—Report for 2024-25.

Department of the House of Representatives—Report for 2024-25.

National Archives of Australia—Report for 2024-25.

Royal Australian Mint—Report for 2024-25.

Wreck Bay Aboriginal Community Council—Report for 2024-25.

Aged Care Act 2024— Aged Care (Leave from Approved Residential Care Homes) (Situation of Emergency—Human Coronavirus with Pandemic Potential) Determination 2025 [F2025L01242].

Air Services Act 1995— Statement of Expectations for Airservices Australia from 1 November 2025 to 30 June 2027 [F2025L01245].

Australian Bureau of Statistics Act 1975— Conduct the Survey of Foreign Currency Exposure—MS25‑000044.

Australian Education Act 2013— Australian Education Amendment (CTC Scores and Other Measures) Regulations 2025 [F2025L01275].

Australian Hearing Services Act 1991— Australian Hearing Services (Declared Hearing Services) Determination 2025 [F2025L01241].

Australian Securities and Investments Commission Act 2001 and Corporations Act 2001—

Auditing Standard ASA 240 The Auditor’s Responsibilities Relating to Fraud in an Audit of a Financial Report [F2025L01262].

Auditing Standard AUASB 2025-6 Amendments to Australian Auditing Standards [F2025L01261].

Christmas Island Act 1958 and Cocos (Keeling) Islands Act 1955— List of Acts of the Western Australian Parliament for the period 14 March to 30 September 2025.

Civil Aviation Act 1988—

Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998—Serviceability of Equipment (Combination Flight Data and Voice Recorders) (CASA EX14/25)—Amendment Instrument 2025—CASA EX81/25 [F2025L01254].

Statement of Expectations for the Civil Aviation Safety Authority from 1 November 2025 to 30 June 2027 [F2025L01247].

Competition and Consumer Act 2010— Competition and Consumer (Industry Codes—Franchising) Amendment (Franchise Disclosure Register) Regulations 2025 [F2025L01250].

Currency Act 1965—

Currency (Australian Coins) Amendment (2025 Perth Mint No. 5) Determination 2025 [F2025L01273].

Currency (Australian Coins) Amendment (2025 Royal Australian Mint No. 10) Determination 2025 [F2025L01240].

Defence Act 1903—

Defence Determination, Conditions of service Amendment (Air Mission Travel) Determination (No. 17) 2025 [F2025L01259].

Defence Determination, Conditions of service Amendment Determination (No. 16) 2025 [F2025L01236].

Woomera Prohibited Area Rule 2014—

Woomera Prohibited Area (Exclusion Periods for the Green Zone for 27 October 2025 to 16 November 2025) Amendment Determination 2025 [F2025L01271].

Woomera Prohibited Area (Suspension of Standing Permission in the Woomera Prohibited Area for 27 October 2025 to 16 November 2025) Instrument 2025 [F2025L01272].

Dental Benefits Act 2008— Dental Benefits Amendment Rules (No. 2) 2025 [F2025L01238].

Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999—

Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (2026 Conservation Theme for Prioritising Nominations of Threatened Species, Threatened Ecological Communities and Key Threatening Processes) Determination 2025 [F2025L01268].

List of Exempt Native Specimens Amendment (Commonwealth Western Tuna and Billfish Fishery) Instrument, October 2025 [F2025L01270].

List of Exempt Native Specimens Amendment (Western Australian Marine Aquarium Fish Managed Fishery) Instrument, October 2025 [F2025L01257].

Export Control Act 2020— Export Control Legislation Amendment (Tariff Rate Quotas) Rules 2025 [F2025L01244].

Fair Work (Registered Organisations) Act 2009— Fair Work (Registered Organisations) (CFMEU Construction and General Division Administration) Determination 2024 [F2024L01056]—Replacement explanatory statement.

Federal Financial Relations Act 2009— Federal Financial Relations (General Purpose Financial Assistance—2025-26 Payment No. 4) Determination 2025 [F2025L01246].

Food Standards Australia New Zealand Act 1991— Food Standards (Application A1318—Steviol glycosides produced by enzymatic conversion using enzymes produced by GM Escherichia coli BL21) Variation [F2025L01258].

Future Made in Australia (Guarantee of Origin Charges) Act 2024— Future Made in Australia (Guarantee of Origin Charges) Regulations 2025 [F2025L01267].

Health Insurance Act 1973— Health Insurance (Section 3C General Medical Services—Proton-Photon Comparison Plan) Repeal Determination 2025 [F2025L01256].

Higher Education Support Act 2003— Higher Education Provider Approval (No. 6 of 2012) Amendment Instrument 2025 [F2025L00764]—Replacement explanatory statement.

Income Tax Assessment Act 1997— Income Tax Assessment (1997 Act) Amendment (Term Subordinated Note) Regulations 2025 [F2025L01248].

Migration Act 1958—

Migration Regulations 1994—Migration (Disclosure of Information to Prescribed International Organisations) Instrument 2025—LIN 25/076 [F2025L01234].

Notice under section 501(3)—8 October 2025.

National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting Act 2007—

National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting Amendment (Audits and Other Matters) Regulations 2025 [F2025L01266].

National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting (Audit) Amendment (Biodiversity and Guarantee of Origin Audits) Determination 2025 [F2025L01264].

Primary Industries Levies and Charges Disbursement Act 2024— Primary Industries Levies and Charges Disbursement Amendment (Wool and Goat Fibre) Rules 2025 [F2025L01243].

Private Health Insurance Act 2007—

Private Health Insurance (Data Provision) Amendment Rules (No. 2) 2025 [F2025L01255].

Private Health Insurance Legislation Amendment Rules (No. 8) 2025 [F2025L01278].

Private Health Insurance (Medical Devices and Human Tissue Products) Rules (No. 2) 2025 [F2025L01277].

Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013—

Commonwealth Procurement Rules 17 November 2025 [F2025L01263].

Notices under section 72—Commonwealth acquired shares in—

Marinus Link Pty Ltd—18 October 2025 [3].

NBN Co Limited—4 September 2025 [2].

WSA Co Limited—4 September 2025.

Public Governance, Performance and Accountability (Section 75 Transfers) Amendment Determination 2025-2026 (No. 3) [F2025L01274].

Public Service Act 1999— Public Service (Terms and Conditions of Employment) (Australian Naval Nuclear Power Safety Regulator) Determination 2025 [F2025L01265].

Radiocommunications Act 1992—

Australian Radiofrequency Spectrum Plan Variation 2025 (No. 1) [F2025L01230].

Radiocommunications Advisory Guidelines (Managing Interference from Spectrum Licensed Transmitters—700 MHz Band) Variation 2025 (No. 1) [F2025L01252].

Social Security Act 1991— Social Security (Exempt Lump Sum—Bali Commemoration Services Travel Assistance Payment) Determination 2025 [F2025L01253].

Sydney Airport Curfew Act 1995— Dispensation report—06/25.

Sydney Airport Demand Management Act 1997—

Sydney Airport Demand Management Regulations 2025 [F2025L01249].

Sydney Airport Slot Management Scheme 2025 [F2025L01237].

Taxation Administration Act 1953— Commissioner of Taxation—

Class Rulings—

CR 2025/67 (Erratum).

CR 2025/70, CR 2025/71, CR 2025/72, CR 2025/73, CR 2025/74.

Product Ruling—PR 2025/14.

Taxation Rulings—

TR 2006/11 (Addendum).

TR 2025/2 (Erratum).

Telecommunications (Consumer Protection and Service Standards) Act 1999— Telecommunications (Emergency Call Service) Amendment Determination 2025 (No. 2) [F2025L01229].

Universities Accord (National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-based Violence) Act 2025— National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-based Violence 2025 [F2025L01251].

Veterans’ Entitlements Act 1986—

Statement of Principles concerning cardiac myxoma (Balance of Probabilities)—No. 84 of 2025 [F2025L01286].

Statement of Principles concerning cardiac myxoma (Reasonable Hypothesis)—No. 83 of 2025 [F2025L01285].

Statement of Principles concerning fibromuscular dysplasia (Balance of Probabilities)—No. 82 of 2025 [F2025L01284].

Statement of Principles concerning fibromuscular dysplasia (Reasonable Hypothesis)—No. 81 of 2025 [F2025L01283].

ATTENDANCE

All Members attended (at some time during the sitting) except Mr Albanese, *Ms Fernando and *Ms Payne.

* On leave

Claressa Surtees

Clerk of the House of Representatives

Federation Chamber

2025

2025

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

SUPPLEMENT TO VOTES AND PROCEEDINGS

No. 19

FEDERATION CHAMBER

MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS

Monday, 27 October 2025

1

The Federation Chamber met at 10.30 am.

2

MEMBERS’ CONSTITUENCY STATEMENTS

Members’ constituency statements being made—

Document

Ms Claydon, by leave, presented the following document:

Save Shortland Post Office—( Receipt of document as a petition subject to approval by the Standing Committee on Petitions ).

Members’ constituency statements continued.

3

Regional and rural hospitals

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

(1) recognises that:

(a) 28 per cent of the Australian population live outside major cities;

(b) people living in rural and remote areas have higher rates of hospitalisations, deaths and injury and also have poorer access to, and use of, primary health care services, than people living in major cities, yet investment in regional and rural health is falling behind, leaving regional communities with outdated facilities, insufficient training places and healthcare students struggling to train locally; and

(c) the lack of open, competitive and needs-based hospital infrastructure funds means regional and rural hospitals have no transparent, competitive Commonwealth funding pathways to build critical infrastructure to deliver health services for the growing border population into the future;

(2) notes that premiers are calling for increased funding from the Commonwealth Government for hospitals, including specifically for infrastructure; and

(3) calls on the Government to establish a $2 billion Building Regional and Rural Hospitals Fund to provide competitive and needs-based investment for new buildings, equipment and planning, so health services in regional, rural and remote areas classified as MM2 and higher can apply for hospital infrastructure funding to meet the needs of their communities now and into the future.

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.

4

First home buyers

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

(1) acknowledges the Government’s commitment to help first home buyers realise their dream of ownership by:

(a) bringing forward the launch of the 5 per cent deposits scheme for all first home buyers to 1 October 2025, instead of next year;

(b) expanding the 5 per cent deposits scheme with unlimited places and increased property price caps;

(c) guaranteeing a portion of a first home buyer’s home loan through the 5 per cent deposits scheme, so they can purchase with a lower deposit and avoid lenders’ mortgage insurance; and

(d) offering eligible single parent families with a saved 2 per cent deposit access to the Family Home Guarantee; and

(2) notes that 180,000 Australians have already been helped into home ownership through the Government’s housing policies.

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.

5

Timber industry

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

(1) acknowledges that:

(a) some of Australia’s leading forest scientists have acknowledged we have the knowledge, practical skills and regulatory framework to sustainably manage our native forests, including for timber harvesting on small, carefully targeted areas;

(b) we have a world-class and sustainable native hardwood timber industry in Australia which delivers social, economic, cultural and environmental benefits for our nation;

(c) timber industry workers provide invaluable skills and practical support to their communities during times of natural disasters, particularly bushfires;

(d) banning native timber harvesting in Australia will result in more imported timber products, often sourced from countries with poorer environmental protocols; and

(e) a sustainable native hardwood timber industry is part of the answer to reducing Australia’s carbon emissions as timber products sequester carbon in our floorboards, furniture and other timber products;

(2) notes that the Victorian and New South Wales state governments have made illogical decisions to ban native hardwood timber harvesting which is based on political science, not environmental science; and

(3) urges the Government to:

(a) recognise that the sovereign capability to maintain a sustainable native hardwood timber industry is an issue of national importance because of the impact on house prices, supply chain considerations, carbon sequestration, biodiversity and community safety;

(b) support a taxpayer-funded public information campaign to explain the importance of the native hardwood timber industry and dispel the myths perpetuated by environmental activists; and

(c) resist any further attempts to ban the sustainable harvesting of native hardwood timber.

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.

6

Defence spending

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

(1) acknowledges the Government will make available an initial $12 billion towards the Henderson Defence Precinct to deliver continuous naval shipbuilding and an AUKUS presence in Western Australia, meaning:

(a) record investments across shipbuilding and in AUKUS in the west;

(b) support for approximately 10,000 direct jobs over the next two decades;

(c) opportunities for small and medium sized businesses across the state and Australia; and

(d) certainty for industry that will partner on the construction of infrastructure and facilities; and

(2) notes that the Government continues to increase defence spending to record levels to deliver the capabilities Australia needs through measures like:

(a) the arrival of the first two of 29 Apache attack helicopters;

(b) $1.7 billion for a new fleet of autonomous maritime vehicles including Ghost Shark for the navy;

(c) selection of the Mogami-class frigate as our new general purpose frigates;

(d) boosting Australia’s long-range strike capability with the Precision Strike Missiles and $2.12 billion in additional stocks of advanced medium-range missiles to strengthen Australia’s air defence and aerial strike capability; and

(e) $1.3 billion investment over the next ten years in counter-drone capabilities and technologies.

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.

7

Skills and training

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

(1) notes:

(a) the National Centre for Vocational Education Research advises that there are 320,830 active apprentices and trainees in training, representing a drop of 107,320 apprentices and trainees in training compared to when the Opposition was last in office;

(b) that new data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics released in September 2025 shows Australia’s building approvals are collapsing, with total dwelling approvals down by 8.2 per cent and private sector apartment approvals down by 22 per cent; and

(c) the critical link between the collapse in apprentice and trainee numbers and the shortage of skilled workers needed to address Australia’s growing housing crisis, with fewer tradespeople available to build the homes Australians desperately need;

(2) recognises that the housing crisis is being compounded by this failure in skills and training, leading to higher costs, longer delays, and fewer Australians able to achieve the dream of home ownership;

(3) condemns the Government for failing to ensure an adequate pipeline of skilled workers to meet Australia’s needs, and for overseeing a collapse in both apprentice numbers and housing approvals at a time when the nation can least afford it; and

(4) calls on the Government to take immediate and urgent action to:

(a) rebuild apprentice and trainee numbers across the economy, particularly in construction and housing trades;

(b) work with industry and employers to support real pathways into skills and training; and

(c) develop a credible strategy to ensure Australia has the skilled workforce required to meet current and future housing demand.

Debate ensued.

Suspension of meeting

At 12.47 pm, a division having been called in the House, the proceedings were suspended.

Resumption of meeting

At 12.58 pm, the proceedings were resumed.

Debate continuing—

Suspension of meeting

At 1.04 pm, a division having been called in the House, the proceedings were suspended.

Resumption of meeting

At 1.17 pm, the proceedings were resumed.

Debate continuing—

Suspension of meeting

At 1.20 pm, a division having been called in the House, the proceedings were suspended.

Resumption of meeting

At 1.30 pm, the proceedings were resumed.

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

4aa9be53-9ccf-4785-a29e-b4eda58ea918 1

Suspension of meeting

At 1.30 pm, the Deputy Speaker left the Chair.

Resumption of meeting

At 4 pm, the Deputy Speaker resumed the Chair.

8

MEMBERS’ STATEMENTS

Members’ statements were made.

9

Government spending

The order of the day having been read for the resumption of the debate on the motion of Mr Violi ( see item No. 9, Votes and Proceedings, page 229) —

Debate resumed.

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

10

Artificial intelligence

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

(1) acknowledges the enormous changes that artificial intelligence (AI) will create for Australia and Australians;

(2) welcomes the Government’s commitment to ensuring that AI:

(a) contributes positively to a Future Made in Australia;

(b) delivers benefits to all Australians, not just a small number of individuals and businesses; and

(c) is developed, deployed and used in a way that keeps Australians safe; and

(3) recognises the work being led by the Government to ensure that Australians are ready to take advantage of AI, including, more than:

(a) $47 million for the Next Generation Graduates program;

(b) one million free ‘introduction to AI’ scholarships delivered from TAFE NSW to give Australians the fundamental skills to adopt and use AI; and

(c) $17 million to create four AI Adopt Centres, which are supporting businesses across the country to use responsible AI enabled services to enhance their 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.

11

Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program

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

(1) notes that:

(a) a Royal Automobile Club of Victoria ‘My Country Road’ survey in July 2024 of over 7,000 Victorians saw 64 per cent of respondents identify potholes and poor road conditions as their top safety issue, up from 46 per cent in 2021;

(b) a National Transport Research Organisation survey found 91 per cent of Victoria’s 8,400 kilometre road network is rated poor or very poor;

(c) the Audit Office of New South Wales identified in November 2024 that in the last available reporting year the estimated total replacement cost of council road assets across New South Wales was around $102 billion but in the same year local councils reported collective road asset maintenance expenditure of around $1 billion;

(d) according to the Australian Local Government Association (ALGA), local roads make up 77 per cent of Australia’s road network by length, with 678,000 kilometres managed by local governments, only 39 per cent of which are sealed roads;

(e) ALGA president Matt Burnett described the former Government’s $3.25 billion Local Roads and Community Infrastructure (LRCI) program as a ‘game-changer’, adding that ‘reinstating the LRCI program will support every council, and more importantly, provide tangible benefits to every Australian community’;

(f) former ALGA president Linda Scott said in 2023, ‘making the LRCI permanent would be an investment in Australia’s future productivity’;

(g) Local Government Association of South Australia CEO Clinton Jury said the LRCI program ‘made a significant, positive impact on our neighbourhoods by uplifting our regional roads, making them safer for everyone’; and

(h) despite the very strong endorsements of LRCI and the road maintenance burden on local governments across regional Australia, the Government axed LRCI with final payments due this financial year and have not provided an alternative to make our roads safer and improve regional productivity; and

(2) calls upon the Government to outline how it will fund local roads to improve road safety and productivity for regional Australians.

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.

12

Climate change target

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

(1) notes the:

(a) Government has accepted the Climate Change Authority’s independent advice and has set Australia’s climate change target at a range of between 62 to 70 per cent on 2005 emissions;

(b) release of the National Climate Risk Assessment, which found that no Australian community will be immune from climate risks that will be cascading, compounding and concurrent; and

(c) release of the Department of the Treasury’s modelling on 18 September, which found Australia’s ambitious and achievable plan to reduce emissions will support continued economic growth, higher living standards and employment, including 2.3 million more people being employed by 2035, and Australia’s economy being up to $2 trillion worse off cumulatively by 2050 compared to a disorderly transition scenario;

(2) recognises the Government is delivering on its promises which Australians voted for to act on climate change, upgrade our energy system and seize the economic opportunity before our nation; and

(3) calls on the Opposition to leave the climate wars in the past, solve its internal divisions and join the rest of the Parliament in taking meaningful action on climate change.

Debate ensued.

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

13

Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month

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

(1) notes that:

(a) October is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month and that Wednesday, 15 October 2025 marks Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day; and

(b) this day acknowledges the shared loss experienced by parents, friends, and healthcare workers of babies lost through miscarriage, stillbirth and neonatal death;

(2) acknowledges:

(a) that there is a significant impact on families who have lost a baby;

(b) that every year 110,000 Australians experience a miscarriage, more than 2,000 experience stillbirth, and almost 700 lose a baby within the first 28 days;

(c) that stillbirth occurrence is higher in Aboriginal and culturally diverse communities; and

(d) all families who have experienced loss, either recently or over time; and

(3) commends the Government for providing more than $40 million to organisations to support women and families following stillbirth, neonatal death or miscarriage.

Debate ensued.

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

14

ADJOURNMENT

On the motion of Mr Repacholi, the Federation Chamber adjourned at 7.33 pm, until 12.30 pm tomorrow.

Peter Banson

Clerk of the Federation Chamber

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