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.

National Commission for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children and Young People Bill 2026

Ms Plibersek (Minister for Social Services), pursuant to notice, presented a Bill for an Act about the National Commission for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children and Young People, and for related purposes.

Document

Ms Plibersek presented an explanatory memorandum to this bill and the National Commission for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children and Young People (Transitional Provisions) Bill 2026 .

Bill read a first time.

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

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

National Commission for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children and Young People (Transitional Provisions) Bill 2026

Ms Plibersek (Minister for Social Services), pursuant to notice, presented a Bill for an Act to deal with transitional matters arising from the enactment of the National Commission for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children and Young People Act 2026 , and for related purposes.

Bill read a first time.

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

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

Social Security and Other Legislation Amendment (Technical Changes No. 1) Bill 2026

Ms Plibersek (Minister for Social Services), pursuant to notice, presented a Bill for an Act to amend the law relating to social security and child support, and for related purposes.

Document

Ms Plibersek presented an explanatory memorandum to the bill.

Bill read a first time.

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

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

MESSAGE FROM THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL— Appropriation Bill (No. 3) 2025-2026

Message No. 41, 2 February 2026, from Her Excellency the Governor-General was announced recommending, in accordance with the requirements of section 56 of the Constitution, an appropriation for the purposes of the Appropriation Bill (No. 3) 2025-2026.

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

Document

Dr Mulino presented an explanatory memorandum to the bill.

Bill read a first time.

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

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

MESSAGE FROM THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL— Appropriation Bill (No. 4) 2025-2026

Message No. 42, 2 February 2026, from Her Excellency the Governor-General was announced recommending, in accordance with the requirements of section 56 of the Constitution, an appropriation for the purposes of the Appropriation Bill (No. 4) 2025-2026.

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

Document

Dr Mulino presented an explanatory memorandum to the bill.

Bill read a first time.

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

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

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

Message No. 43, 2 February 2026, from Her Excellency the Governor-General was announced recommending, in accordance with the requirements of section 56 of the Constitution, an appropriation for the purposes of the Appropriation (Parliamentary Departments) Bill (No. 2) 2025-2026.

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

Document

Dr Mulino presented an explanatory memorandum to the bill.

Bill read a first time.

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

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

National Health Amendment (Passive Immunological Products) Bill 2026

Ms White (Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care), pursuant to notice, presented a Bill for an Act to amend the National Health Act 1953 , and for related purposes.

Document

Ms White presented an explanatory memorandum to the bill.

Bill read a first time.

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

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

Translating and Interpreting Services 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 Dr Aly (Minister for Multicultural Affairs), by leave, the bill was read a third time.

Universities Accord (Australian Tertiary Education Commission) Bill 2025

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

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

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

(1) notes with concern that:

(a) Australia’s tertiary education sector is significantly over-regulated;

(b) providers report to multiple competing and overlapping bodies; and

(c) some providers are required by law to deal with more than 300 different pieces of legislation and regulation;

(2) affirms that the objective of tertiary education in Australia must focus on teaching, learning and research, and should otherwise be aimed at promoting a dynamic and innovative sector that provides a positive student experience, delivers value for money, improves Australia’s productivity and supports Australian values;

(3) further notes widespread concern among the tertiary sector and expert stakeholders about the drafting of this legislation; and

(4) calls for this legislation to be the subject of proper and thorough scrutiny”.

Debate ensued.

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 2.55 pm the Member for Cowper ( Mr Conaghan ) 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 continued.

Auditor-General’s Report

The Speaker presented the following document:

Auditor-General—Audit report No. 22 of 2025-26—Performance statements audit—Performance statements of major Australian Government entities—Outcomes from the 2024-25 audit program: Across entities.

The document was made a Parliamentary Paper.

Appropriations and Administration—Standing Committee —REPORT

The Speaker presented the following document:

Appropriations and Administration—Standing Committee—Report No. 34: Additional estimates 2025-26—Report, February 2026.

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

DOCUMENTS

The following documents were presented:

Australian Law Reform Commission—Report for 2024-25.

Copyright Agency Limited—Report for 2024-25.

Family Law Council—Report for 2024-25.

Independent Parliamentary Expenses Authority—Report for 2024-25.

National Archives of Australia—Report for 2024-25, incorporating the report of the National Archives of Australia Advisory Council.

The documents were made Parliamentary Papers.

DISCUSSION OF MATTER OF PUBLIC IMPORTANCE— Government spending

The House was informed that Mr T Wilson had proposed that a definite matter of public importance be submitted to the House for discussion, namely, “The Government’s decision to punish Australian families and small business by failing to rein in reckless spending resulting in higher interest rates”.

The proposed discussion having received the necessary support—

Mr T Wilson addressed the House.

Discussion ensued.

Discussion concluded.

MESSAGE FROM THE SENATE— Administrative Review Tribunal and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2025

Message No. 72, 5 February 2026, from the Senate was reported returning the Administrative Review Tribunal and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2025 with amendments.

Ordered—That the amendments be considered immediately.

On the motion of Ms Rowland (Attorney-General), the amendments were agreed to.

Universities Accord (Australian Tertiary Education Commission) 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 Leeser (see item No. 11, page 462) —

Debate resumed.

Debate adjourned (Dr Leigh—Assistant Minister for Productivity, Competition, Charities and Treasury), and the resumption of the debate made an order of the day for a later hour this day.

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

Mr Laxale presented the following document:

Intelligence and Security—Parliamentary Joint Committee—Advisory report on the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation Amendment Bill (No. 2) 2025: Also reporting on review of Division 3 of Part III of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation Act 1979 (compulsory questioning powers)—Report, February 2026.

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

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

Universities Accord (Australian Tertiary Education Commission) 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 Leeser (see item No. 11, page 462) —

Debate resumed.

Ms Chaney 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, 9 February 2026.

DOCUMENTS

The following documents were deemed to have been presented on 5 February 2026 (An explanatory statement has been presented with each instrument unless otherwise indicated by an asterisk):

Corporations Act 2001— ASIC Corporations (Amendment) Instrument 2026/48 [F2026L00080].

Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999— Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (Mogurnda adspersa) (Murray-Darling Basin population) (433) Determination 2026 [F2026L00081].

Federal Financial Relations Act 2009— Federal Financial Relations (National Partnership Payments—2025-26 Payment No. 8) Determination 2026 [F2026L00079].

Radiocommunications (Transmitter Licence Tax) Act 1983— Radiocommunications (Transmitter Licence Tax) Amendment Determination 2026 (No. 1) [F2026L00072].

ATTENDANCE

All Members attended (at some time during the sitting) except *Mr Burns, Ms M M H King, *Mr Neumann, *Ms Payne, *Dr Reid and Ms Wells.

* On leave

Claressa Surtees

Clerk of the House of Representatives

The Federation Chamber met at 9.30 am.

MEMBERS’ CONSTITUENCY STATEMENTS

Members’ constituency statements were made.

DEATH OF FORMER Senator (the Honourable Nick Bolkus)—CONDOLENCE MOTION

The order of the day having been read for the resumption of the debate on the motion of Mr Albanese (Prime Minister)—That the House record its deep regret at the death, on 25 December 2025, of the Honourable Nick Bolkus, a former Minister and Senator for the State of South Australia from 1981 to 2005, place on record its appreciation of his long and meritorious public service, and tender its profound sympathy to his family in their bereavement—

Debate resumed.

Suspension of meeting

At 11.23 am, a division having been called in the House, the proceedings were suspended.

Resumption of meeting

At 11.43 am, the proceedings were resumed.

Debate continued.

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

death of Ljupco (Luch) Jonceski—STATEMENTS

Statements were made.

ADJOURNMENT

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

Debate ensued.

Question—put and passed.

At 1.32 pm, the Deputy Speaker adjourned the Federation Chamber until 10.30 am on Monday, 9 February 2026.

Peter Banson

Clerk of the Federation Chamber