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. 5 relating to the consideration of committee and delegation business and private Members’ business on Monday, 24 November 2025.

Suspension of standing and sessional orders—Time and order of business for this sitting

Mr Burke (Leader of the House), pursuant to notice, moved—That so much of the standing and sessional orders be suspended as would prevent the following from occurring on Wednesday, 5 November 2025:

(1) standing order 33 (limit on business after normal time of adjournment) being suspended for the sitting;

(2) at 8 pm, notwithstanding standing order 31, the adjournment debate being interrupted and government business having priority until:

(a) business concludes, if earlier than 10 pm; or

(b) 10 pm; or

(c) a later time specified by a Minister prior to 10 pm;

at which point, the debate being adjourned and the House immediately adjourning until Thursday, 6 November at 9 am;

(3) in the Federation Chamber, government business being given priority until the Federation Chamber adjourns at approximately 9.30 pm; and

(4) any variation to this arrangement being made only on a motion moved by a Minister.

Question—put and passed.

BILLS DECLARED REFERRED TO FEDERATION CHAMBER

Mr Burke (Leader of the House) declared that, unless otherwise ordered, the following bills stand referred to the Federation Chamber for further consideration at the adjournment of the debate on the motion for the second reading of each bill:

VET Student Loans (Miscellaneous Measures) Bill 2025 ; and

Veterans’ Affairs Legislation Amendment (Miscellaneous Measures No. 1) Bill 2025 .

Order of the day returned to the House

Mr Burke (Leader of the House) declared the Freedom of Information Amendment Bill 2025 returned to the House for further consideration.

Resumption of the debate was made an order of the day for a later hour this day.

Copyright Amendment Bill 2025

Ms Rowland (Attorney-General), pursuant to notice, presented a Bill for an Act to amend the Copyright Act 1968 , 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 Buchholz), and the resumption of the debate made an order of the day for the next sitting.

Intelligence and Security—Parliamentary Joint Committee —REPORT—STATEMENT BY MEMBER

Dr Reid presented the following document:

Intelligence and Security—Parliamentary Joint Committee—Advisory report on the Strengthening Oversight of the National Intelligence Community Bill 2025—Report, November 2025.

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

Dr Reid, by leave, made a statement in connection with the report.

VET Student Loans (Miscellaneous 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.

Debate adjourned (Ms C King—Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government), and the resumption of the debate made an order of the day for a later hour this day.

Veterans’ Affairs Legislation Amendment (Miscellaneous Measures No. 1) 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 C King—Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government), and the resumption of the debate made an order of the day for a later hour this day.

Freedom of Information 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 Ms Chaney, viz.— That all words after “That” be omitted with a view to substituting the following words:

“the House declines to give the bill a second reading, and calls for an independent review of the Freedom of Information Act 1982 , with terms of reference to provide recommendations on how best to:

(1) encourage greater proactive disclosure of information to the public, and thus reduce the need for formal freedom of information requests;

(2) maximise accessibility, transparency and efficiency for genuine and lawful freedom of information requests, including through setting an appropriate fee structure;

(3) improve the timeliness of dealing with freedom of information requests, including review processes;

(4) ensure that exemptions to disclosure requirements do not go further than is required for good government;

(5) create a robust system for the resourcing, training, auditing, and oversight of authorised officers responsible for freedom of information decisions;

(6) manage vexatious and frivolous requests;

(7) address the potential impact of artificial intelligence, both to improve freedom of information processing and to mitigate the impact of its use in generating vexatious and frivolous requests; and

(8) provide structural support for public servants to provide frank, honest, timely and evidence-based advice”—

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

“declines to give the bill a second reading, and:

(1) notes that:

(a) freedom of information laws are there to serve the public, not make the lives of Ministers or public servants easier;

(b) in designing this bill, the Government failed to consult any members of the public, journalists or other stakeholders who use the freedom of information legislation, only government departments;

(c) the Centre for Public Integrity has ‘fact-checked’ four claims the Government has made relating to this bill they argue are false; and

(d) the Centre for Public Integrity has recently released its Integrity Report Card that gave the Government a ‘fail’ on five out of six integrity measures, including a fail on ‘Commitment to Transparency’; and

(2) urges the Government to urgently address the issues raised in the Integrity Report Card and prioritise restoring public trust in government”—

Debate resumed.

Debate adjourned (Mr Khalil—Assistant Minister for Defence), and the resumption of the debate made an order of the day for a later hour this day.

BILL DECLARED REFERRED TO FEDERATION CHAMBER

Ms J Ryan (Chief Government Whip) declared the Freedom of Information Amendment Bill 2025 referred to the Federation Chamber for further consideration.

Environment Protection Reform 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 Ms Chaney, 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:

(1) acknowledges that we need to achieve better outcomes for business and the environment;

(2) further acknowledges it is in the interest of the Government, Opposition and crossbench to work constructively to pass these reforms; and

(3) calls on the Government to amend this bill to resolve significant flaws, including loopholes in the offsets framework”—

Debate resumed.

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

BILL DECLARED REFERRED TO FEDERATION CHAMBER

Mr Burke (Leader of the House) declared the Freedom of Information Amendment Bill 2025 referred to the Federation Chamber for further consideration.

Environment Protection Reform 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 Ms Chaney (see item No. 13, page 304) —

Debate resumed.

Mr Rebello addressing the House—

It being 1.30 pm, the debate was interrupted in accordance with standing order 43, Mr Rebello was granted leave to continue his 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 2.48 pm the Member for Forrest ( Mr Small ) 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.

Inspector of the National Anti-Corruption Commission Annual Report

The Speaker presented the following document:

Inspector of the National Anti-Corruption Commission—Report for 2024-25.

The document was made a Parliamentary Paper.

DOCUMENTS

The following documents were presented:

Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research—Report for 2024-25.

Comcare and Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Commission—Reports for 2024-25.

Geoscience Australia—Report for 2024-25.

IP Australia—Report for 2024-25.

National Disability Insurance Agency—Report for 2024-25.

Office of the Australian Information Commissioner—Report for 2024-25—

Volume 1.

Volume 2: Report on information provided by agencies and ministers subject to the Freedom of Information Act 1982 .

Seafarers Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Authority—Report for 2024-25.

Wine Australia—Report for 2024-25.

The documents were made Parliamentary Papers.

DISCUSSION OF MATTER OF PUBLIC IMPORTANCE— Regional Australia

The House was informed that Mr Hogan had proposed that a definite matter of public importance be submitted to the House for discussion, namely, “This Government’s betrayal of regional Australia hurting family budgets and businesses”.

The proposed discussion having received the necessary support—

Mr Hogan addressed the House.

Discussion ensuing—

Documents

Ms McBain (Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories) presented the following documents:

National Road Safety Action Plan 2018-2020—Transport and Infrastructure Council, May 2018.

Communiqué— Transport and Infrastructure Council, 18 May 2018.

Discussion continued.

Discussion concluded.

MESSAGE FROM THE SENATE— Australian Centre for Disease Control Bill 2025

Message No. 48, 5 November 2025, from the Senate was reported returning the Australian Centre for Disease Control Bill 2025 with amendments.

Ordered—That the amendments be considered at a later hour this day.

MESSAGE FROM THE SENATE

Message No. 49, 5 November 2025, from the Senate was reported returning the Australian Centre for Disease Control (Consequential Amendments and Transitional Provisions) Bill 2025 without amendment.

Customs Tariff Amendment (Geelong Treaty 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 Giles (Minister for Skills and Training), by leave, the bill was read a third time.

Environment Protection Reform 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 Ms Chaney (see item No. 13, page 304) —

Debate resumed.

Mr McCormack addressing the House—

ADJOURNMENT DEBATE

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

Debate ensued.

Environment Protection Reform Bill 2025

It being 8 pm—In accordance with the resolution agreed to earlier this sitting—

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 Ms Chaney (see item No. 13, page 304) —

Debate resumed.

Mr Caldwell addressing the House—

It being 10 pm, debate was adjourned and the resumption of the debate made an order of the day for the next sitting.

ADJOURNMENT

At 10 pm, the Speaker adjourned the House until 9 am tomorrow, in accordance with the resolution agreed to earlier this sitting.

DOCUMENTS

The following documents were deemed to have been presented on 5 November 2025 (An explanatory statement has been presented with each instrument unless otherwise indicated by an asterisk):

Aged Care Act 1997, Aged Care Act 2024, Aged Care (Consequential and Transitional Provisions) Act 2024, Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission Act 2018 and Aged Care (Transitional Provisions) Act 1997— Aged Care (Consequential and Transitional Provisions) Rules 2025 [F2025L01305]—Replacement explanatory statement.

Defence (Visiting Forces) Act 1963— Defence (Visiting Forces) Amendment (Australia-Fiji Status of Visiting Forces Agreement) Regulations 2025 [F2025L01353].

Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999— List of Exempt Native Specimens Amendment (Commonwealth Southern Bluefin Tuna Fishery) Instrument, October 2025 [F2025L01357].

Federal Financial Relations Act 2009— Federal Financial Relations (National Partnership Payments—2025-26 Payment No. 5) Determination 2025 [F2025L01355].

Health Insurance Act 1973—

Health Insurance (Extended Medicare Safety Net) Amendment (Indexation) Determination 2025 [F2025L01356].

Health Insurance (Extended Medicare Safety Net) Amendment (Indexation No. 2) Determination 2025 [F2025L01359].

Migration Act 1958— Migration Regulations 1994—Migration (2027 Men’s Rugby World Cup—Class of Persons for Nil VAC) Instrument 2025—LIN 25/115 [F2025L01354].

Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013— Notices under section 72—Corporate Commonwealth entity disposed of shares in—

AdAlta Limited—27 October 2025.

Cann Group Limited—27 October 2025.

PolyNovo Limited—27 October 2025.

Starpharma Holdings Limited—27 October 2025.

Veterans’ Entitlements Act 1986— Veterans’ Entitlements (Income Exempt Lump Sums) Amendment (Special Assistance) Determination 2025 [F2025L01352].

ATTENDANCE

All Members attended (at some time during the sitting) except Dr Aly, Mr Conaghan, *Ms Fernando, *Ms Payne, Mr Taylor, Mr Thompson, Mr J Wilson and Mr Wood.

* On leave

Claressa Surtees

Clerk of the House of Representatives

2025

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

SUPPLEMENT TO VOTES AND PROCEEDINGS

No. 25

FEDERATION CHAMBER

MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS

Wednesday, 5 November 2025

( Order of business for this sitting—see item No. 3, Votes and Proceedings, page 301. )

The Federation Chamber met at 9.30 am.

MEMBERS’ CONSTITUENCY STATEMENTS

Members’ constituency statements being made—

Suspension of meeting

At 10.26 am, a division having been called in the House, the proceedings were suspended.

Resumption of meeting

At 10.37 am, the proceedings were resumed.

Members’ constituency statements continued.

Freedom of Information 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 by Ms Spender to the amendment proposed by Ms Chaney (see item No. 10, Votes and Proceedings, page 302) —

Suspension of meeting

At 10.44 am, the Deputy Speaker left the Chair due to the lack of a quorum.

Resumption of meeting

At 10.48 am, the Deputy Speaker resumed the Chair, and a quorum being present—

Debate resumed.

Suspension of meeting

At 11.11 am, the Deputy Speaker left the Chair due to the lack of a quorum.

Resumption of meeting

At 11.13 am, the Deputy Speaker resumed the Chair, and a quorum being present—

Debate continued.

Question—That the amendment moved by Ms Spender to the amendment proposed by Ms Chaney be agreed to—put and not being resolved—bill to be returned to the House with an unresolved question.

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.

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

Customs Tariff Amendment (Geelong Treaty Implementation) 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 12.34 pm, a division having been called in the House, the proceedings were suspended.

Resumption of meeting

At 12.45 pm, the proceedings were resumed.

Debate continued.

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.

VET Student Loans (Miscellaneous 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.

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.

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

Freedom of Information Amendment Bill 2025

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

Consideration in detail

Bill, by leave, taken as a whole.

Dr Haines, by leave, moved amendments (1) and (2) together.

Debate ensued.

Question—That the amendments be agreed to—put and not resolved.

Dr Haines, by leave, moved amendments (3) and (4) together.

Debate ensued.

Suspension of meeting

At 4.37 pm, a division having been called in the House, the proceedings were suspended.

Resumption of meeting

At 4.55 pm, the proceedings were resumed.

Question—That the amendments be agreed to—put and not resolved.

Dr Scamps moved an amendment.

Dr Scamps addressing the Federation Chamber—

Suspension of meeting

At 5 pm, a division having been called in the House, the proceedings were suspended.

Resumption of meeting

At 5.13 pm, the proceedings were resumed.

Debate ensued.

Question—That the amendment be agreed to—put and not resolved.

Dr M Ryan, by leave, moved amendments (1) to (6) together.

Debate ensued.

Question—That the amendments be agreed to—put and not resolved.

Document

Ms Rowland (Attorney-General) presented a supplementary explanatory memorandum to the bill.

On the motion of Ms Rowland, by leave, Government amendments (1) and (2) were made together, after debate.

Ms Chaney, by leave, moved amendments (1) to (3) together.

Question—That the amendments be agreed to—put and not resolved.

Debate ensued.

Ordered—That the bill be returned to the House with amendments and unresolved questions.

VET Student Loans (Miscellaneous 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.

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

mental health month—STATEMENTS

Statements were made.

ADJOURNMENT

On the motion of Mr French, the Federation Chamber adjourned at 7.28 pm, until 9.30 am tomorrow.

Peter Banson

Clerk of the Federation Chamber