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

PETITIONS—STANDING COMMITTEE—REPORT—STATEMENT BY MEMBER

Ms Belyea (Chair) presented the following documents:

Petitions—Standing Committee—Report 6: Petitions and Ministerial responses—

Report, 9 February 2026.

Petitions.

Ministers’ responses to petitions previously presented to the House.

Ms Belyea made a statement in connection with petitions.

Economics—Standing Committee —REPORT—STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS

Mr Husic (Chair) presented the following documents:

Economics—Standing Committee—Review of the Reserve Bank of Australia annual report 2024 —

Report, January 2026.

Minutes of proceedings.

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

Mr Husic and Mr Kennedy made statements in connection with the report.

Flags Amendment (Protection of Australian National Flags) Bill 2026

Mr Conaghan, pursuant to notice, presented a Bill for an Act to amend the Flags Act 1953 , and for related purposes.

Document

Mr Conaghan presented an explanatory memorandum to the bill.

Bill read a first time.

Mr Conaghan 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.

Criminal Code Amendment (Flag Protection) Bill 2026

Ms Sharkie, pursuant to notice, presented a Bill for an Act to amend the Criminal Code Act 1995 , and for related purposes.

Document

Ms Sharkie presented an explanatory memorandum to the bill.

Bill read a first time.

Ms Sharkie 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.

Medicare

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

(1) notes:

(a) that on 1 January 2026:

(i) the pharmaceutical benefits scheme co-payment for general patients was reduced to $25, the lowest price since 2004;

(ii) 1800 Medicare was launched, giving Australians access to free 24 hours a day, seven days a week quality health advice over the phone; and

(iii) Medicare Mental Health Check-In commenced, providing a new free digital mental health service offering self-help tools; and

(b) the Government’s record investment in bulk billing which has resulted in:

(i) more than 3,300 fully bulk billing general practitioner practices across Australia, with almost 1,250 of these practices previously mixed billing; and

(ii) rising bulk billing rates and a stronger Medicare; and

(2) acknowledges that only this Government can be trusted to 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 the next sitting.

Migration policy

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

(1) notes that:

(a) immigration has been, and continues to be, a fundamental contributor to Australia’s economic strength, social fabric, and national resilience; and

(b) migrants play a vital role in sustaining small businesses across Australia, including by filling skills and labour shortages, starting new enterprises, supporting regional economies and contributing to local employment growth; and

(2) calls on all Members of the House to engage in respectful, evidence-based debate on migration policy, and to reject rhetoric that inflames division or undermines the dignity and contribution of migrant communities.

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.

Government spending

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

(1) condemns the Treasurer for refusing to take responsibility for the Government’s out-of-control spending, which is fuelling inflation and interest rates;

(2) notes the:

(a) Treasurer’s own budget papers show he has added $50 billion of new discretionary spending in the current financial year alone; and

(b) average mortgage holder is already paying around $21,000 a year more in interest than under the previous Government and that burden could rise even further; and

(3) calls on the Treasurer to adopt measurable budget rules to bring discipline back to the management of our nation’s finances.

Debate ensued.

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

MESSAGE FROM THE SENATE

Message No. 73, 5 February 2026, from the Senate was reported informing the House that Senator Thorpe had been appointed a member of the Joint Standing Committee on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs.

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, 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) 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 resumed.

Ms Chaney, by leave, again addressed the House.

Debate continued.

Ms Comer addressing the House—

It being 1.30 pm, the debate was interrupted in accordance with standing order 43, Ms Comer 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 2.46 pm the Member for Chifley ( Mr Husic ) 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 3.12 pm the Member for Barker ( Mr Pasin ) 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.

COMMITTEES—MEMBERSHIP

The House was informed that the Chief Opposition Whip had nominated Members to be members of certain committees.

Mr Burke (Leader of the House), by leave, moved—That:

(1) Mr Boyce be appointed a member of the Standing Committee on Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water;

(2) Ms Penfold be appointed a member of the Standing Committee on Communications, the Arts and Sport;

(3) Mr Birrell be appointed a member of the Standing Committee on Education and the Standing Committee on Health, Aged Care and Disability;

(4) Ms Landry and Mr McCormack be appointed members of the Standing Committee on Industry, Innovation and Science;

(5) Mr Chaffey and Ms Landry be appointed members of the Standing Committee on Primary Industries;

(6) Mr McCormack be appointed a member of the Committee of Privileges and Members’ Interests, the Standing Committee on Social Policy and Legal Affairs and the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Parliamentary Standards;

(7) Ms Landry and Ms Penfold be appointed members of the Standing Committee on Regional Development, Infrastructure and Transport;

(8) Ms Landry be appointed a member of the Selection Committee; and

(9) Mr Conaghan be appointed a member of the Parliamentary Joint Committee on the National Anti‑Corruption Commission.

Question—put and passed.

ORDER OF THE DAY CALLED ON

Ordered—That order of the day No. 3, government business, be called on immediately.

Telecommunications Amendment (Enhancing Consumer Safeguards) 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 Mrs McIntosh, 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 Government’s telecommunications failure:

(1) on the botched closure of the 3G network that has left many Australians without telephone services in peri-urban, regional, rural and remote Australia;

(2) to respond to the 2024 Regional Telecommunications Independent Review Committee Report which was tabled in December last year to ensure regional communities have access to reliable telecommunications; and

(3) to release the consultation paper on the Universal Outdoor Mobile Obligation, despite committing to legislate this by the end of 2025”—

Debate resumed.

Mr Venning addressing the House—

ADJOURNMENT

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

Debate ensued.

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

DOCUMENTS

The following documents were deemed to have been presented on 9 February 2026 (An explanatory statement has been presented with each instrument unless otherwise indicated by an asterisk):

Defence Act 1903— Defence Determination, Force Commander, Multinational Force and Observers—supporting benefits Amending Determination (No. 1) 2026 [F2026L00082].

Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999—

List of Threatened Species Amendment (430) Instrument 2026 [F2026L00085].

List of Threatened Species Amendment (431) Instrument 2026 [F2026L00086].

List of Threatened Species Amendment (432) Instrument 2026 [F2026L00084].

Migration Act 1958— Statements under sections—

33—1 July to 31 December 2025 [1].

46A—1 July to 31 December 2025 [74].

46A and 46B—1 July to 31 December 2025 [1].

46B—1 July to 31 December 2025 [33].

48B—1 July to 31 December 2025 [5].

91L—1 July to 31 December 2025 [197].

195A—1 July to 31 December 2025 [42].

197AB—1 July to 31 December 2025 [2].

198AE—1 July to 31 December 2025 [17].

351—1 July to 31 December 2025 [80].

Social Security Act 1991— Social Security (AGDRP—Victoria—Bushfires) Determination (No. 8) 2026 —LIN 26/020 [F2026L00078].

ATTENDANCE

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

* On leave

Claressa Surtees

Clerk of the House of Representatives

The Federation Chamber met at 10.30 am.

MEMBERS’ CONSTITUENCY STATEMENTS

Members’ constituency statements were made.

Human rights in Iran

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

(1) notes that:

(a) the human rights situation in Iran remains of grave concern, including reports of the Iranian regime engaging in repression, violence against protestors, arbitrary arrests and communications blackouts;

(b) many members of the Iranian-Australian community are deeply distressed by the actions of the Iranian regime; and

(c) the Australian Government condemns the actions of the Iranian regime and affirms Australia’s support for the people of Iran in their struggle for freedom, democracy and human rights;

(2) recognises that:

(a) the Australian Government has taken strong action to hold those responsible for human rights abuses in Iran to account, including targeted sanctions on more than 200 Iranian individuals and entities and more than 100 Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) linked individuals and entities, as well as listing the IRGC as a state sponsor of terrorism;

(b) the Australian Government’s most recent sanctions target senior officials and entities linked to the IRGC complicit in oppressing the Iranian people, violently suppressing domestic protests, and threatening lives both inside and outside Iran; and

(c) Australia has taken significant diplomatic steps, including:

(i) the expulsion of the Iranian Ambassador; and

(ii) leadership in international efforts to hold Iran accountable through the United Nations; and

(3) affirms its:

(a) solidarity with the people of Iran; and

(b) ongoing commitment to the protection and promotion of human rights and democratic freedoms.

Debate ensued.

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

Economy

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

(1) notes that the:

(a) Consumer Price Index rose 3.8 per cent in the 12 months to December 2025, up from a 3.4 per cent rise in the 12 months to November 2025;

(b) Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) warned last year that the Australian economy could not sustainably grow faster than 2 per cent without running into inflationary pressure;

(c) RBA has downgraded Australia’s medium term productivity growth forecasts to just 0.7 per cent, per year; and

(d) Government undertook an economic reform roundtable with progress made on areas including nuisance tariffs and environmental approvals; and

(2) calls on the Government to:

(a) introduce stronger impact assessments, scrutiny and executive accountability for identifying and discontinuing costly and ineffective regulation;

(b) rein-in Government spending, reinstate fiscal rules, reform the Charter of Budget Honesty and make ministers and departments more accountable for blowouts in budget measures;

(c) identify how technology and artificial intelligence can support better provision of public services and government effectiveness; and

(d) recalibrate Australia’s patchwork of climate and industry policies to a framework that transitions the economy at the lowest cost.

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.

Education system

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

(1) acknowledges the start of the 2026 school year and the Government’s record investment in Australian public schools through the Better and Fairer Schools Agreement;

(2) notes that this agreement represents the largest Commonwealth investment in public schools by any Australian Government ever and is tied to important reforms to lift student outcomes;

(3) recognises the importance of teachers and the steps the Government is taking to tackle the teacher shortage;

(4) further notes that new data shows more Australians are choosing to study teaching, supported by important measures to help more people start and finish teaching degrees including through:

(a) Commonwealth Paid Prac for teaching students;

(b) Commonwealth Teaching Scholarships; and

(c) reforms to strengthen teacher training;

(5) further acknowledges the national effort being undertaken with states and territories to prevent and respond to bullying in schools; and

(6) affirms that the Government continues to invest in schools, support teachers, and is committed to building a better and fairer education system.

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.

Small business

Mr T Wilson, pursuant to notice, moved—That this House:

(1) condemns the Government for presiding over the insolvency of 41,749 small businesses since being elected;

(2) notes that:

(a) 2025 was the worst calendar year for business insolvencies since records began in 1999, with more than 14,649 businesses collapsing; and

(b) this Prime Minister now has the worst record of any Prime Minister for business insolvencies with an average of 2,938 businesses going under each quarter;

(3) further condemns the Government for its failure to recognise the scale of the small business crisis and its lack of urgency in responding to record insolvencies;

(4) acknowledges that behind every insolvency statistic is a family, an employee and a local community bearing the cost of the Government’s policy failures; and

(5) calls on the Minister for Small Business to urgently review the Government’s policy settings that are focused on increasing costs, complexity and uncertainty for small and family 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.

Australia Day Awards

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

(1) acknowledges:

(a) the Order of Australia is the highest national honour awarded to Australian citizens for outstanding contributions to our country or humanity at large; and

(b) community members recognised through Australia Day 2026 Local Citizen of the Year awards; and

(2) congratulates all the recipients of awards on Australia Day 2026.

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 a later hour this day.

Suspension of meeting

At 1.31 pm, the Deputy Speaker left the Chair.

Resumption of meeting

At 4.05 pm, the Deputy Speaker resumed the Chair.

MEMBERS’ STATEMENTS

Members’ statements were made.

Migration policy

The order of the day having been read for the resumption of the debate on the motion of Ms Steggall ( see item No. 7, Votes and Proceedings, page 468) —

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.

National Skills Agreement

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

(1) acknowledges that the Government inherited the most severe skill shortages in half a century, after a decade of neglect and an absence of any national skills agreement;

(2) recognises the Government for securing the landmark five-year National Skills Agreement, giving Australians easier access to training no matter where they live;

(3) emphasises that the agreement resets how Australia plans, funds and delivers vocational education and training, backed by $12.6 billion over five years, including $3.7 billion in additional funding to strengthen the skills system;

(4) observes that the Government’s training reform and investment is delivering real outcomes, with national skills shortages easing over three consecutive years, and occupations in shortage falling from 36 per cent in 2023, to 33 per cent in 2024, and 29 per cent in 2025; and

(5) commends the Government’s efforts to support Australians to upskill and reskill so more Australians get qualified for well-paid jobs in the sectors that employers and industries need including housing, care and support services, clean energy and digital capability.

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.

Bushfires

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

(1) notes that:

(a) Saturday, 7 February 2026, marks the 17th anniversary of the tragic 2009 Black Saturday bushfires; and

(b) the recent and ongoing bushfires across Victoria have devastated the state, including the heartbreaking loss of one life, the destruction of homes, farmland, livestock and agricultural livelihoods; and

(2) acknowledges the bravery and tireless dedication of local Country Fire Authority crews, emergency services and volunteers who continue to work under extreme conditions to defend Victorian lives and property, including those who met the call and travelled long distances to help support fire‑threatened communities.

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.

Natural disasters

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

(1) notes the significant natural disasters that have taken place during the summer of 2025-26, including major flooding in Queensland and fires across Victoria;

(2) expresses its condolences to the Australians who have lost their lives during these events;

(3) offers its sympathy to Australians who have lost property or livestock as a result of these events; and

(4) thanks emergency service personnel and first responders for their work in keeping Australians safe.

Debate ensued.

Suspension of meeting

At 6.05 pm, a division having been called in the House, the proceedings were suspended.

Resumption of meeting

At 6.25 pm, the proceedings were resumed.

Debate continued.

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

Energy costs

Mr Tehan, pursuant to notice, moved—That this House notes that:

(1) the Government’s energy policies have seen a record number of Australians having an energy debt and facing a 24 per cent increase in their electricity bills in the next six months;

(2) Australians were promised a $275 cut to their power bills by last Christmas and $378 lower by 2030;

(3) Australians, instead, are paying up to $1,300 more;

(4) electricity costs rose by 21.5 per cent in the 12 months to December 2025; and

(5) instead of lower energy costs, as promised by the Government, Australians are now paying more due to the policies of the Government.

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.

Victorian bushfire emergencies

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

(1) acknowledges the:

(a) devastating impact of the Victorian bushfire emergencies on regional communities;

(b) tireless work of volunteer firefighters and emergency service personnel who put themselves in danger to keep the community safe; and

(c) long-term recovery effort faced by the impacted areas to get back on their feet;

(2) notes that the:

(a) Victorian State Government is failing to properly manage public land by inadequately carrying out fuel load reducing planned burns which mitigate the bushfire risk;

(b) Victorian State Government has not learned the lessons from previous bushfires and is failing to keep people safe; and

(c) shutdown of the sustainable native hardwood timber industry in Victoria has limited the capacity to fight bushfires in the state; and

(3) urges the Commonwealth Government to:

(a) support those who have lost their homes and livelihoods;

(b) recognise the need to mitigate the bushfire risk to regional communities through planned burns;

(c) ensure Australia has the sovereign capability to fight bushfires; and

(d) co-ordinate a national response to bushfire emergencies when they occur.

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

Australia Day Awards

The order of the day having been read for the resumption of the debate on the motion of Mr Hogan ( see item No. 7, page 477) —

Debate 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.

ADJOURNMENT

On the motion of Mr Repacholi, the Federation Chamber adjourned at 7.30 pm, until 12.30 pm tomorrow.

Peter Banson

Clerk of the Federation Chamber