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.

Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Commission’s Yearly Report to Parliament —STATEMENT ON A SIGNIFICANT MATTER— Reference to Federation Chamber

Ms Plibersek (Minister for Social Services), pursuant to notice, made a statement in relation to the Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Commission’s yearly report to Parliament, and presented the following document:

Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Commission—Yearly report to Parliament—October 2025.

The document was made a Parliamentary Paper.

Mrs McIntosh addressed the House in reply.

Ms Plibersek moved—That further statements on the Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Commission’s yearly report to Parliament be permitted in the Federation Chamber.

Question—put and passed.

50th anniversary of the Racial Discrimination Act —STATEMENT ON A SIGNIFICANT MATTER— Reference to Federation Chamber

Ms Rowland (Attorney-General), pursuant to notice, made a statement in relation to the 50th anniversary of the Racial Discrimination Act.

Mr Wallace addressed the House in reply.

Ms Rowland moved—That further statements on the 50th anniversary of the Racial Discrimination Act be permitted in the Federation Chamber.

Question—put and passed.

Customs Tariff Amendment (Geelong Treaty Implementation) Bill 2025

Mr Hill (Assistant Minister for Citizenship, Customs and Multicultural Affairs), pursuant to notice, presented a Bill for an Act to amend the Customs Tariff Act 1995 , and for related purposes.

Document

Mr Hill presented an explanatory memorandum to the bill.

Bill read a first time.

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

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

Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts—Proposed fit-out of new leased premises at 7 London Circuit, Canberra City—APPROVAL OF WORK

Dr Leigh (Assistant Minister for Productivity, Competition, Charities and Treasury), pursuant to notice, moved—That, in accordance with the provisions of the Public Works Committee Act 1969 , it is expedient to carry out the following proposed work which was referred to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works and on which the committee has duly reported to Parliament: Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts—Proposed fit-out of new leased premises at 7 London Circuit, Canberra City.

Question—put and passed.

Education Legislation Amendment (Integrity and Other Measures) 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 Bowen (Minister for Climate Change and Energy), by leave, the bill was read a third time.

Home Affairs Legislation Amendment (2025 Measures No. 2) 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 Bowen (Minister for Climate Change and Energy), by leave, the bill was read a third time.

Treasury Laws Amendment (Payday Superannuation) 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 Ted O’Brien, 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 that:

(1) the Opposition strongly supports the principle of Payday Super;

(2) superannuation is part of an employee’s wage and must be paid on time;

(3) around $5 billion of superannuation goes unpaid every year;

(4) the Government has ignored Treasury advice which suggests Digital Service Providers require 18 months from legislating the changes before implementation;

(5) the Government is putting small business at risk by rushing the bill’s implementation;

(6) the Opposition is calling on the Government to delay the start date for small businesses with fewer than 20 employees for 18 months to provide them adequate time to adapt; and

(7) the Opposition is calling on the Government to legislate protections for small businesses who have made good faith efforts to comply”—

Debate resumed.

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

NOTICE CALLED ON

Ordered—That notice No. 5, government business, be called on immediately.

Environment Protection Reform Bill 2025

Mr Burke (Minister representing the Minister for the Environment and Water), pursuant to notice, presented a Bill for an Act to amend the law relating to the environment, and for related purposes.

Document

Mr Burke presented an explanatory memorandum to the bill.

Bill read a first time.

Mr Burke 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.

National Environmental Protection Agency Bill 2025

Mr Burke (Minister representing the Minister for the Environment and Water), pursuant to notice, presented a Bill for an Act to establish the National Environmental Protection Agency, and for related purposes.

Document

Mr Burke presented an explanatory memorandum to the bill.

Bill read a first time.

Mr Burke 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.

Environment Information Australia Bill 2025

Mr Burke (Minister representing the Minister for the Environment and Water), pursuant to notice, presented a Bill for an Act to establish the Head of Environment Information Australia, and for related purposes.

Document

Mr Burke presented an explanatory memorandum to the bill.

Bill read a first time.

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

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

Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (Restoration Charge Imposition) Bill 2025

Mr Burke (Minister representing the Minister for the Environment and Water) presented a Bill for an Act to impose charges relating to restoration of the environment, and for related purposes.

Document

Mr Burke presented an explanatory memorandum to the bill.

Bill read a first time.

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

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

Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (General Charges Imposition) Bill 2025

Mr Burke (Minister representing the Minister for the Environment and Water) presented a Bill for an Act to impose charges that are neither duties of customs nor duties of excise in relation to matters connected with the administration of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 , and for related purposes.

Document

Mr Burke presented an explanatory memorandum to this bill, the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (Customs Charges Imposition) Bill 2025 and the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (Excise Charges Imposition) Bill 2025 .

Bill read a first time.

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

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

Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (Customs Charges Imposition) Bill 2025

Mr Burke (Minister representing the Minister for the Environment and Water) presented a Bill for an Act to impose charges that are duties of customs in relation to matters connected with the administration of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 , and for related purposes.

Bill read a first time.

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

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

Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (Excise Charges Imposition) Bill 2025

Mr Burke (Minister representing the Minister for the Environment and Water) presented a Bill for an Act to impose charges that are duties of excise in relation to matters connected with the administration of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 , and for related purposes.

Bill read a first time.

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

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

Superannuation Guarantee Charge 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 third reading to be moved immediately.

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

Administrative Review Tribunal 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.

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

It being 1.30 pm, in accordance with standing order 43 the further consideration of the bill was 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 2.35 pm the Member for Macarthur ( Dr Freelander ) 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 3.10 pm the Member for Page ( Mr Hogan ) was directed, under standing order 94, to leave the Chamber for one hour for continuing to interject after a warning had been given by the Chair and he accordingly left the Chamber.

Questions without notice concluded.

Department of the House of Representatives Annual Report

The Speaker presented the following document:

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

The document was made a Parliamentary Paper.

DOCUMENTS

The following documents were presented:

*Asbestos and Silica Safety and Eradication Agency—Report for 2024-25.

*ASC Pty Ltd—Report for 2024-25.

*Australia Post—Report for 2024-25.

*Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission—Report for 2024-25.

*Australian Film, Television and Radio School—Report for 2024-25.

*Australian Institute of Criminology—Report for 2024-25.

*Australian Security Intelligence Organisation—Report for 2024-25.

*Australian Submarine Agency—Report for 2024-25.

*Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre—Report for 2024-25.

*Cotton Research and Development Corporation—Report for 2024-25.

*Department of Defence—Report for 2024-25.

*Department of Employment and Workplace Relations—Report for 2024-25.

*Department of Home Affairs—Report for 2024-25.

*Indigenous Land and Sea Corporation—Report for 2024-25.

*National Australia Day Council—Report for 2024-25.

*National Emergency Management Agency—Report for 2024-25.

National Security Information (Criminal and Civil Proceedings) Act 2004 —Non-disclosure and witness exclusion certificates, special court orders and special advocates—Report for 2024-25.

*Northern Land Council—Report for 2024-25.

*Office of the Inspector-General of Aged Care—Report for 2024-25.

*Office of the Official Secretary to the Governor-General—Report for 2024-25.

Product Stewardship (Oil) Act 2000 —Fifth independent review of the Act—Prepared by the University of Technology Sydney for the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water—Report, 2025.

*Public Lending Right Committee—Report for 2024-25.

Statutory Declarations Act 1959— Commonwealth statutory declaration digital service—Services Australia—Report for 2024-25.

Treaties— Text, together with associated documents —

Agreement to Establish the Pacific Resilience Facility (Honiara, 10 September 2025).

Council of Europe Convention on the Manipulation of Sports Competitions (Magglingen, 18 September 2014).

*The documents were made Parliamentary Papers.

DISCUSSION OF MATTER OF PUBLIC IMPORTANCE— Government spending

The House was informed that Mr Ted O’Brien (Deputy Leader of the Opposition) had proposed that a definite matter of public importance be submitted to the House for discussion, namely, “How the Government’s spending spree is being paid for by everyday Australians in their tax returns, electricity bills, mortgage statements and their difficulty finding a job”.

The proposed discussion having received the necessary support—

Mr Ted O’Brien addressed the House.

Discussion ensued.

Discussion concluded.

MESSAGE FROM THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL—ASSENT TO BILLS

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

29 October 2025 —Message No. 25 —

Appropriation (No. 1) 2025-2026 .

Appropriation (No. 2) 2025-2026 .

Appropriation (Parliamentary Departments) (No. 1) 2025-2026 .

Intelligence and Security—Parliamentary Joint Committee—MEMBERSHIP

The House was informed that Mr Wallace had resigned his position on the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security.

MESSAGES FROM THE SENATE

Messages from the Senate, 30 October 2025, were reported returning the following bills without amendment:

No. 43— Private Health Insurance (National Joint Replacement Register Levy) Amendment Bill 2025 .

No. 44— Health Legislation Amendment (Miscellaneous Measures No. 1) Bill 2025 .

Competition and Consumer Amendment (Australian Energy Regulator Separation) Bill 2025

The order of the day having been read for the second reading—

Document

Mr J Wilson (Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy) presented an explanatory memorandum to the bill.

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

Debate ensuing—

Mr Tehan addressing the House—

ADJOURNMENT

It being 4.30 pm—The question was proposed—That the House do now adjourn.

Debate ensued.

The House continuing to sit until 5 pm—The Speaker adjourned the House until 10 am on Monday, 3 November 2025.

DOCUMENTS

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

Public Interest Disclosure Act 2013— Public Interest Disclosure Standards Determination 2025 [F2025L01307].

Veterans’ Entitlements Act 1986— Veterans’ Entitlements (Family Law Affected Income Streams) Principles Amendment Instrument 2025 [F2025L01309].

ATTENDANCE

All Members attended (at some time during the sitting) except Mr Albanese, *Ms Fernando, Mr Joyce, Mr Katter, Ms M M H King, Mr L O’Brien and *Ms Payne.

* On leave

Claressa Surtees

Clerk of the House of Representatives

2025

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

SUPPLEMENT TO VOTES AND PROCEEDINGS

No. 22

FEDERATION CHAMBER

MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS

Thursday, 30 October 2025

The Federation Chamber met at 9.30 am.

MEMBERS’ CONSTITUENCY STATEMENTS

Members’ constituency statements being made—

Document

Mr Dreyfus, by leave, presented the following document:

Urge action on Cambodia-Thailand border clashes—( Receipt of document as a petition subject to approval by the Standing Committee on Petitions ).

Members’ constituency statements continued.

50th anniversary of the Racial Discrimination Act—STATEMENTS

Statements were made.

Defence Amendment (Parliamentary Joint Committee on Defence) 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, 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 that:

(1) Australia faces the most challenging strategic environment since World War II, increasing the importance of bipartisan support for our ADF and strategic priorities;

(2) AUKUS represents a generational opportunity to:

(a) transform Australia’s defence capability and industries;

(b) create highly skilled jobs; and

(c) deepen investment links between Australia and our security partners;

(3) the scope of Australia’s strategic challenges will require increased defence spending over the next decade;

(4) membership of this committee should be predicated on support of higher spending on defence, a recognition of the threat environment, and support for the success of AUKUS;

(5) this bill has been modelled on the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security, which has operated consistently and successfully scrutinised Australia’s intelligence community on a bipartisan basis for decades with membership exclusively composed of the Opposition and Government parties of the day; and

(6) any breaching of similar appointment conventions would represent a serious departure and politicisation of our defence force at a time of increasing danger for our region”—

Debate resumed.

Suspension of meeting

At 11.51 am, a division having been called in the House, the proceedings were suspended.

Resumption of meeting

At 12.03 pm, the proceedings were resumed.

Debate continued.

Ms Spender addressing the Federation Chamber—

Debate adjourned, Ms Spender 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 the next sitting.

ADJOURNMENT

Mr Ng moved—That the Federation Chamber do now adjourn.

Debate ensued.

Question—put and passed.

At 1.29 pm, the Deputy Speaker adjourned the Federation Chamber until 10.30 am on Monday, 3 November 2025.

Peter Banson

Clerk of the Federation Chamber