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 7: Petitions and Ministerial responses—

Report, 2 March 2026.

Petition.

Ministers’ responses to petitions previously presented to the House.

Ms Belyea made a statement in connection with petitions.

Prime Agricultural Land Protection Bill 2026

Ms Penfold, pursuant to notice, presented a Bill for an Act to protect prime agricultural land, and for related purposes.

Document

Ms Penfold presented an explanatory memorandum to the bill.

Bill read a first time.

Ms Penfold 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.

Transparent and Quality Public Appointments Bill 2026

Dr Scamps, pursuant to notice, presented a Bill for an Act to establish a framework for transparent and quality public appointments, and to establish Independent Selection Panels and the Office of the Public Appointments Commissioner, and for related purposes.

Document

Dr Scamps presented an explanatory memorandum to the bill.

Bill read a first time.

Dr Scamps 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.

Australian Centre for Disease Control Amendment (Gambling as a Public Health Issue) Bill 2026

Dr M Ryan, pursuant to notice, presented a Bill for an Act to amend the Australian Centre for Disease Control Act 2025 , 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.

Energy affordability

The order of the day having been read for the resumption of the debate on the motion of Mr Tehan—That this House:

(1) condemns the Government for its failures regarding energy affordability and policy transparency; and

(2) notes that:

(a) Australians were promised a $275 cut to their power bills but under the Government households are instead paying on average $1,300 more;

(b) energy bills have already surged close to 40 per cent under the Government;

(c) the Government has broken its most basic promise to the Australian people; and

(d) the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water advised the Minister for Climate Change and Energy within the Incoming Government Brief of ‘a further significant increase in retail electricity prices next financial year’—

Debate resumed.

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

Women’s health

Ms Campbell, pursuant to notice, moved—That this House notes that:

(1) twelve months into the landmark $792.9 million women’s health package, the Government is continuing to deliver on its promise of more choice, lower costs and better care for Australian women and girls; and

(2) since the announcement, more than 660,000 women have accessed more than two million cheaper scripts for new contraceptives, menopausal hormone therapies and endometriosis treatment listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme.

Debate ensued.

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

Royal Commissions Legislation Amendment (Protections for Providing Information) Bill 2026

Ms Rowland (Attorney-General), by leave, presented a Bill for an Act to amend the law relating to Royal Commissions, 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 (Mrs McIntosh), and the resumption of the debate made an order of the day for the next sitting.

amendment to sessional order 65 a

Mr Burke (Leader of the House), by leave, moved—That sessional order 65 a be amended to read as follows:

65 a Opportunities for crossbench Members

Consistent with the principle that the call should alternate between government and non-government Members and to enable crossbench Members to receive the call in accordance with the crossbench proportion of the non-government membership of the House:

(a) During Question Time, priority shall be given to:

(i) a crossbench Member seeking the call on the fifth, thirteenth, seventeenth and twenty-first questions; and

(ii) an opposition Member seeking the call on the first, third, seventh, ninth, eleventh, fifteenth, nineteenth, twenty-third, twenty-fifth, twenty-seventh and twenty-ninth questions.

(b) During each period of Members’ statements in the House, priority shall be given to at least two crossbench Members seeking the call ( standing order 43 ).

(c) During each period of Members’ statements in the Federation Chamber on Mondays, priority shall be given to at least four crossbench Members seeking the call ( standing order 43 ).

(d) During each 30 minute period of Members’ constituency statements in the Federation Chamber, priority shall be given to at least one crossbench Member seeking the call ( standing order 193 ).

(e) During each one hour period of Members’ constituency statements in the Federation Chamber, priority shall be given to at least two crossbench Members seeking the call ( standing order 193 ).

(f) During the grievance debate in the Federation Chamber, every Tuesday priority shall be given to a crossbench Member seeking the call as the first speaker ( standing order 192 b ).

(g) During the adjournment debate in the House, on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays priority shall be given to a crossbench Member seeking the call as the first speaker ( standing order 31 ).

(h) During the adjournment debate in the Federation Chamber, every Thursday priority shall be given to a crossbench Member seeking the call as the first speaker (s tanding order 191 ).

(i) For the matter of public importance discussion, the Speaker shall have regard to the crossbench proportion of the non-government membership of the House in selecting matters proposed ( standing order 46 ).

Debate ensued.

Question—put and passed.

Telecommunications Legislation Amendment (Universal Outdoor Mobile Obligation) 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 Mrs McIntosh 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 is of the opinion that the bill:

(1) does not provide sufficient certainty that universal outdoor mobile connectivity for voice and SMS services will be delivered to all Australians within the requisite timeframe, particularly for those living in regional, rural and remote Australia;

(2) places a vague and uncertain obligation on telecommunications carriers to provide “reasonable access” to outdoor mobile connectivity on an “equitable basis”;

(3) legislates the use of technologies such as voice to satellite before it either exists at scale or is commercially available, fuelling uncertainty and raising false hope particularly for Australians living or working in regional Australia;

(4) does not account for the fact that many handset devices in the Australian market will not be compatible with the technology required to access universal outdoor mobile connectivity;

(5) does not include express obligations in relation to universal access to triple zero emergency voice calls and SMS messages which is crucial for the health and safety of all Australians; and

(6) should be referred to the Senate Environment and Communications Legislation Committee for inquiry, given the degree of uncertainty and cost implications for consumers, so that public submissions which will inform potential amendments to the bill can be properly considered”.

It being 1.30 pm, the debate was interrupted in accordance with standing order 43 and the resumption of the debate made an order of the day for a later hour this day.

MEMBERS’ STATEMENTS

Members’ statements were made.

RESIGNATION OF MEMBER

The Speaker announced that, on 27 February 2026, he had received from Sussan Ley, a letter resigning her seat as Member for the electoral division of Farrer, in the State of New South Wales, and that consideration was being given to possible dates for the by-election and he would inform the House in due course of the dates which he had fixed.

SHADOW MINISTRY—DOCUMENT

Mr Taylor (Leader of the Opposition) presented the following document:

Taylor Shadow Ministry, 17 February 2026.

QUESTIONS

Questions without notice being asked—

Member directed to leave

At 2.30 pm the Member for Casey ( Mr Violi ) 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.

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—Corrigendum.

The document was made a Parliamentary Paper.

DOCUMENTS

The following documents were presented:

Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Act 1998— Quarterly report of the Chief Executive Officer for the period—

1 April to 30 June 2025.

1 July to 30 September 2025.

Housing Australia—Home Guarantee Scheme trends and insights—Report for 2024-25.

Interactive Gambling Act 2001— Report of the statutory review of BetStop—the National Self-Exclusion Register—Report by Richard Eccles, December 2025.

*Royal Australian Navy Central Canteens Board—The Navy’s Anchorage—Report for 2024-25.

*The document was made a Parliamentary Paper.

Selection Committee—MEMBERSHIP

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

Mr Burke (Leader of the House), by leave, moved—That Mr Pike be discharged from the Selection Committee and that Mr Small and Ms Aldred be appointed members of the committee.

Question—put and passed.

Telecommunications Legislation Amendment (Universal Outdoor Mobile Obligation) 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—

Mrs McIntosh having moved an amendment ( see item No. 11, page 511 )—

Question—That the amendment be agreed to—stated.

Debate ensued.

Ms Roberts presented a copy of her speech for incorporation in Hansard, in accordance with the resolution agreed to on 6 November 2025.

Debate continued.

ADJOURNMENT

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

Debate ensued.

Ms Roberts presented a copy of her speech for incorporation in Hansard, in accordance with the resolution agreed to on 6 November 2025.

Debate continued.

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 2 March 2026 (An explanatory statement has been presented with each instrument unless otherwise indicated by an asterisk):

A New Tax System (Family Assistance) Act 1999—

Child Care Subsidy Amendment (Mandatory Child Safety Training) Minister’s Rules 2026 [F2026L00169].

Child Care Subsidy Amendment (Mandatory Child Safety Training) Secretary’s Rules 2026 [F2026L00172].

Age Discrimination Act 2004, Airports Act 1996 and Civil Aviation Act 1988— On-Airport Activities Legislation (Repeal and Consequential Amendments) Regulations 2026 [F2026L00131].

Aged Care Act 2024—

Aged Care (Allocation of Multi-Purpose Service Program Places for 2025-2026) Determination 2026 [F2026L00135].

Aged Care (Allocation of Multi-Purpose Service Program Places for 2026-2027) Determination 2026 [F2026L00139].

Airports Act 1996— Airports (Control of On-Airport Activities) Regulations 2026 [F2026L00124].

Australian Research Council Act 2001—

Approval of grants of financial assistance for research projects in relation to Discovery Early Career Researcher Award 2026—Determination No. 289.

Approval of grants of financial assistance for research projects in relation to Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment and Facilities 2026—Determination No. 288.

Autonomous Sanctions Act 2011— Autonomous Sanctions Regulations 2011—

Autonomous Sanctions (Designated Persons and Entities and Declared Persons—Russia and Ukraine) Amendment (No. 1) Instrument 2026 [F2026L00158].

Autonomous Sanctions (Sanctioned Vessels—Russia) Amendment (No. 1) Designation 2026 [F2026L00159].

Bankruptcy Act 1966, Superannuation Act 1976, Superannuation Guarantee (Administration) Act 1992 and Superannuation Industry (Supervision) Act 1993— Treasury Laws Amendment (Payday Superannuation) Regulations 2026 [F2026L00133].

Biosecurity Act 2015— Biosecurity (Electronic Decisions—Goods) Determination 2026 [F2026L00154].

Broadcasting Services Act 1992—

Broadcasting Services (Criteria for Radio Narrowcasting Services) Clarification Notice 2026 [F2026L00121].

Broadcasting Services (International Broadcasting) Guidelines 2026 [F2026L00122].

Civil Aviation Act 1988— Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998—

Authorised Maintenance at Unapproved Locations (Part 145 Organisations) Exemption 2026—CASA EX19/26 [F2026L00161].*

Part 145 Exposition (CAR Maintenance Activities) Exemption 2026—CASA EX11/26 [F2026L00109].*

Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918, High Court of Australia Act 1979 and Judiciary Act 1903— High Court Amendment (Fees) Rules 2026 [F2026L00102].

Currency Act 1965— Currency (Australian Coins) Amendment (2026 Perth Mint No. 1) Determination 2026 [F2026L00177].

Customs Act 1901— Customs Amendment (AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026) By-Law 2026—LIN 26/016 [F2026L00107].

Defence Act 1903— Defence Force Remuneration Tribunal Determinations—

No. 21 of 2025, Miscellaneous amendments.

No. 1 of 2026, Submarine capability assurance payment amendments.

Dental Benefits Act 2008— Dental Benefits Rules 2026 [F2026L00110].

Environment Protection Reform Act 2025— Environment Protection Reform (February Commencements) Transitional Rules 2026 [F2026L00116].

Extradition Act 1988— Extradition Legislation Amendment (Denmark, Iceland, Japan and the Republic of Fiji) Regulations 2026 [F2026L00108].

Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia Act 2021— Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Commonwealth Tenancy Disputes) Instrument 2026 [F2026L00105].

Federal Financial Relations Act 2009— Federal Financial Relations (General Purpose Financial Assistance—2025-26 Payment No. 8) Determination 2026 [F2026L00111].

Food Standards Australia New Zealand Act 1991—

Food Standards (Application A1292—Phospholipase C from Bacillus licheniformis as a processing aid) Variation [F2026L00130].

Food Standards (Application A1293—Phosphoinositide phospholipase C from Bacillus licheniformis as a processing aid) Variation [F2026L00132].

Food Standards (Application A1328—Aminopeptidase from Trichoderma reesei as a processing aid) Variation [F2026L00128].

Health Insurance Act 1973— Health Insurance (Section 3C General Medical Services—Botox Injection) Amendment (Administrative) Determination 2026 [F2026L00168].

Help to Buy Act 2024— Help to Buy Regulations 2026 [F2026L00117].

Infrastructure Australia Act 2008— Summary of proposals evaluated or endorsed by Infrastructure Australia—25 February 2026.

Legislation Act 2003—

Legislation (Deferral of Sunsetting—Passports Instruments) Certificate 2025 [F2025L00042]—Supplementary explanatory statement.

Legislation Rules 2026 [F2026L00129].

Migration Act 1958—

Migration Agents Regulations 2026 [F2026L00118].

Migration Legislation (Migration Agents) (Repeal and Consequential Amendments) Regulations 2026 [F2026L00120].

Migration Regulations 1994—Migration (Temporary Visa Subclasses for PIC 4005 and 4007) Instrument 2026—LIN 26/021 [F2026L00112].

Migration Agents Registration Application Charge Act 1997— Migration Agents Registration Application Charge Regulations 2026 [F2026L00119].

Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004— Military Rehabilitation and Compensation (Small Amounts of Compensation—Definition of Specified Number) Instrument 2026 [F2026L00157].

National Health Act 1953—

National Health (Botulinum Toxin Program) Special Arrangement Amendment Instrument (No. 1) 2026—PB 22 of 2026 [F2026L00164].

National Health (Commonwealth Price and Conditions for Commonwealth Payments for Supply of Pharmaceutical Benefits) Amendment Determination 2026 (No. 2)—PB 19 of 2026 [F2026L00175].

National Health (Highly Specialised Drugs Program) Special Arrangement Amendment (March Update) Instrument 2026—PB 20 of 2026 [F2026L00176].

National Health (Immunisation Program—Designated Vaccines) Amendment Determination 2026 [F2026L00113].

National Health (Listed Drugs on F1 or F2) Amendment Determination (No. 2) 2026—PB 23 of 2026 [F2026L00179].

National Health (Minimum Stockholding) Amendment Determination (No. 2) 2026—PB 27 of 2026 [F2026L00156].

National Health (Pharmaceutical Benefits—early supply) Amendment Instrument 2026 (No. 2)—PB 18 of 2026 [F2026L00174].

National Health (Price and Special Patient Contribution) Amendment Determination (No. 2) 2026—PB 24 of 2026 [F2026L00170].

Private Health Insurance Act 2007—

Private Health Insurance Legislation Amendment Rules (No. 1) 2026 [F2026L00127].

Private Health Insurance Legislation Amendment Rules (No. 2) 2026 [F2026L00167].

Private Health Insurance (Medical Devices and Human Tissue Products) Rules (No. 1) 2026 [F2026L00115].

Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013—

Notice under section 72—Commonwealth acquired shares in Marinus Link Pty Ltd—23 February 2026.

PGPA Act Determination (AGS Client Funds Special Account Amendment 2026) [F2026L00134].

PGPA Act Determination (Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water SOETM Special Account Amendment 2026) [F2026L00104].

Public Governance, Performance and Accountability (Financial Reporting) Amendment (2026 Measures No. 1) Rules 2026 [F2026L00101].

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

Social Security Act 1991— Social Security (Deeming Threshold Rates) Determination 2026 [F2026L00137].

Taxation Administration Act 1953—

Commissioner of Taxation—Class Rulings—

CR 2024/73 (Erratum).

CR 2026/3, CR 2026/4, CR 2026/5, CR 2026/6, CR 2026/7, CR 2026/8.

Taxation Administration (Community Charity Trusts and Corporations) Amendment (2026 Measures No. 1) Declaration 2026 [F2026L00160].

Telecommunications (Interception and Access) Act 1979— Telecommunications (Interception and Access) (Communications Access Coordinator) Amendment Instrument 2026—LIN 26/022 [F2026L00106].

Therapeutic Goods Act 1989—

Therapeutic Goods (Permissible Ingredients) Determination (No. 1) 2026 [F2026L00162].

Therapeutic Goods (Serious Scarcity and Substitutable Medicine) (Simvastatin) Amendment Instrument 2026 [F2026L00114].

Torres Strait Fisheries Act 1984— Torres Strait Fisheries (Quotas for Tropical Rock Lobster (Kaiar)) Management Plan 2018—Torres Strait Fisheries (Quotas for Tropical Rock Lobster (Kaiar)) (Total Allowable Catch) Amendment Determination 2026 [F2026L00100].

Veterans’ Entitlements Act 1986—

Statement of Principles concerning accidental hypothermia (Balance of Probabilities)—No. 24 of 2026 [F2026L00148].

Statement of Principles concerning accidental hypothermia (Reasonable Hypothesis)—No. 23 of 2026 [F2026L00147].

Statement of Principles concerning accommodation disorder (Balance of Probabilities)—No. 22 of 2026 [F2026L00146].

Statement of Principles concerning accommodation disorder (Reasonable Hypothesis)—No. 21 of 2026 [F2026L00145].

Statement of Principles concerning cataract (Balance of Probabilities)—No. 16 of 2026 [F2026L00140].

Statement of Principles concerning cataract (Reasonable Hypothesis)—No. 15 of 2026 [F2026L00138].

Statement of Principles concerning haemorrhoids (Balance of Probabilities)—No. 20 of 2026 [F2026L00144].

Statement of Principles concerning haemorrhoids (Reasonable Hypothesis)—No. 19 of 2026 [F2026L00143].

Statement of Principles concerning malaria (Balance of Probabilities)—No. 26 of 2026 [F2026L00151].

Statement of Principles concerning malaria (Reasonable Hypothesis)—No. 25 of 2026 [F2026L00149].

Statement of Principles concerning malignant neoplasm of the brain (Balance of Probabilities)—No. 18 of 2026 [F2026L00142].

Statement of Principles concerning malignant neoplasm of the brain (Reasonable Hypothesis)—No. 17 of 2026 [F2026L00141].

Statement of Principles concerning schizophrenia (Balance of Probabilities)—No. 28 of 2026 [F2026L00153].

Statement of Principles concerning schizophrenia (Reasonable Hypothesis)—No. 27 of 2026 [F2026L00152].

ATTENDANCE

All Members attended (at some time during the sitting) except *Mr Burns, *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.

Cost of living and inflation

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

(1) acknowledges that:

(a) Australians are still battling a cost of living crisis, with many low and middle income families already unable to absorb surging mortgages, rent, energy bills and everyday essentials as annual inflation sits at about 3.8 per cent, above the Reserve Bank’s 2 to 3 per cent target band;

(b) the higher-than-expected inflation outcome has increased the likelihood of a further cash rate rise next month, which would push already stretched households to the brink, forcing many to choose between meeting their mortgage, paying the rent or covering basic necessities; and

(c) high mortgage stress electorates such as the electoral division of Fowler, where many families are on low and modest incomes and have little to no financial buffer, are among the hardest hit by the combination of higher prices, higher interest rates and shrinking household budgets; and

(2) calls on the Government to ensure that any policies it introduces tackle the roots of cost of living, does not further exacerbate inflation rates and that it works with, and not against, the Reserve Bank’s efforts to bring inflation back to target.

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.

Five per cent deposit scheme

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

(1) notes that:

(a) on 1 October 2025, the Government expanded the 5 per cent deposit scheme to all Australian first home buyers, three months ahead of schedule; and

(b) more than 220,000 Australians have now bought their first home with a small deposit of 5 per cent or less thanks to the expanded 5 per cent deposit scheme;

(2) acknowledges that this housing challenge has been 40 years in the making, thanks in part to underinvestment and under-delivery of previous governments; and

(3) commends the Government’s $45 billion housing agenda, which is focused on building more homes, making it easier to buy, and making it better to rent.

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.

Australian War Memorial

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

(1) acknowledges:

(a) the Australian War Memorial (AWM) was built to recognise the service and sacrifice of Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel following the Great War;

(b) the role of the AWM has grown to encompass all ADF service including major conflicts, peacekeeping missions, humanitarian aid and disaster relief;

(c) the AWM combines a shrine, a world-class museum, and an extensive archive; and

(d) its mission is leading remembrance and understanding of Australia’s wartime experience;

(2) notes that:

(a) the former Government committed to a major redevelopment of the AWM with early construction work commencing in 2020 and scheduled for completion in 2028; and

(b) the key reason for the former Government funding the redevelopment of the AWM was to provide additional exhibition space to tell the stories of contemporary service in the ADF in a timely and appropriate manner; and

(3) urges the Government to ensure the independent AWM Council remains true to its mission without political interference.

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.

Apprenticeships in the construction sector

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

(1) acknowledges the Government’s Key Apprenticeship Program (KAP) is delivering real outcomes, with over 11,400 housing apprentice commencements in the first six months;

(2) commends the Government for prioritising apprentices to build more houses through providing $10,000 incentive payments for apprentices in housing construction trades in instalments across the apprenticeship to support commencements and completions;

(3) recognises the Government’s other measures to support apprentices, including increasing the allowance for apprentices living away from home for the first time in more than 20 years, while also doubling support for employers hiring apprentices with a disability;

(4) supports these measures as vital steps towards building a skilled workforce and addressing the worst skills shortage in 50 years which was left unaddressed by the previous Government; and

(5) further recognises that National Centre for Vocational Education Research data shows there were 22 per cent more apprentices in training within the construction sector at 30 June 2025 compared to 30 June 2019.

Debate ensued.

Ms Roberts presented a copy of her speech for incorporation in Hansard, in accordance with the resolution agreed to on 6 November 2025.

Debate continuing—

Suspension of meeting

At 12.58 pm, a division having been called in the House, the proceedings were suspended.

Resumption of meeting

At 1.21 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.

Chargeback theft

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

(1) notes that small and family businesses are being harmed by a rise in e-shoplifting, or chargeback theft, where goods are delivered but the big banks are illegitimately processing refunds;

(2) calls:

(a) on the Government and the big banks to urgently examine chargeback theft and its impact on small businesses;

(b) for the establishment of an urgent parliamentary inquiry into e-shoplifting through chargebacks; and

(c) on the Minister for Small Business to demonstrate action the Government has taken to support small and family businesses; and

(3) recognises the need for banks, card schemes and payment platforms to introduce fair, evidence-based chargeback processes that protect small businesses from chargeback theft.

Mr T Wilson addressing the Federation Chamber—

The time allotted for private Members’ business having expired, the debate was interrupted, Mr T Wilson 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 the next sitting.

Suspension of meeting

At 1.30 pm, the Deputy Speaker left the Chair.

Resumption of meeting

At 3.59 pm, the Deputy Speaker resumed the Chair.

MEMBERS’ STATEMENTS

Members’ statements were made.

Australia-Indonesia Treaty on Common Security

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

(1) affirms the significance of the recent signing of the Australia-Indonesia Treaty on Common Security, also known as the Jakarta Treaty 2026;

(2) notes this treaty reflects:

(a) the close friendship, partnership and deep trust between Australia and Indonesia and our leaders under our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership; and

(b) a major extension of the cooperation between Australia and Indonesia, for the benefit of our shared security and that of the region; and

(3) acknowledges Indonesia’s strong economic growth represents an enormous opportunity for Australian businesses and investors, which the Government is working to realise including through Invested: Australia’s Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040 .

Debate ensued.

Mr Gosling, by leave, again addressed the Federation Chamber without closing the debate.

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.

Small and family businesses

The order of the day having been read for the resumption of the debate on the motion of Mr T Wilson—That this House:

(1) notes that small and family business insolvencies have exploded since the election of the Government, as its policies crush confidence and drive businesses to close;

(2) recognises that:

(a) the Government’s industrial relations changes have replaced flexibility and fairness with confusion and compliance;

(b) the Government’s energy policies have driven up power bills for shops, cafes, workshops and family enterprises; and

(c) small and family business are being forced to work longer hours for less return, while competing against government-subsidised sectors and ever increasing compliance costs;

(3) further notes that the voices of small and family businesses have been drowned out by union and big-corporate interests within the Government’s decision making;

(4) condemns the Government for abandoning small and family businesses by:

(a) ignoring calls for tax relief and simpler regulation;

(b) pursuing workplace laws that punish entrepreneurship and flexibility; and

(c) failing to provide a clear pathway for small businesses to grow and employ more Australians; and

(5) affirms that the Opposition stands with small and family businesses who back themselves, create jobs and keep communities strong—

Debate resumed.

Mr McCormack, by leave, again addressed the Federation Chamber.

Debate continuing—

Mr Venning, by leave, again addressed the Federation Chamber.

Debate continued.

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

Regional air travel

Mr M Smith, pursuant to notice, moved—That this House:

(1) acknowledges the significant role of air travel and air freight in keeping regional communities connected;

(2) commends the commitment of the Government to support air travel through regional Australia through:

(a) supporting the conclusion and purchase of Rex Airlines through a commercial loan of $60 million and the restructuring of $108 million in existing debt to keep regional air routes running during the voluntary administration process;

(b) an additional $50 million over three years in the 2024-25 budget to extend the Regional Airstrip Upgrade program;

(c) the extension of the Regional Airports Program for three years with an additional $40 million for competitive grant funding in the 2024-25 budget; and

(d) the establishment of the $5 million Regional and Remote Airport Support Program for local government and regional and remote airports impacted by the Rex Airlines voluntary administration; and

(3) recognises the ongoing commitment of the Government to representing regional Australians and investing in the services they deserve.

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.

Government spending

The order of the day having been read for the resumption of the debate on the motion of Mr Ted O’Brien—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 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.

Consumer protection

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

(1) notes that the Government is taking strong action to protect Australian consumers and ensure fairer markets by:

(a) banning unfair trading practices economy wide that cost Australians time and money;

(b) ending dodgy subscription traps by ensuring that consumers get clear information upfront, timely reminders before free trials end, and a cancellation process that is just as easy as signing up;

(c) ending drip pricing by requiring businesses to display the full transaction costs upfront ensuring consumers know exactly what they are paying for;

(d) strengthening consumer guarantees so Australians get products that work, repairs that are fair, and refunds they are entitled to;

(e) banning supermarket price gouging from l July 2026 to prohibit very large retailers from charging excessive prices;

(f) cracking down on shrinkflation, so companies cannot disguise price increases by reducing package sizes while charging the same, or more;

(g) making unit pricing clearer and more consistent, backed by penalties for non-compliance, so consumers can spot real value at a glance and are not misled by tricky labels; and

(h) consulting on the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s recommendations to boost transparency on prices, promotions and loyalty programs at supermarkets, making it easier for Australians to assess value for money; and

(2) supports this comprehensive consumer protection agenda designed to deliver fairer prices, more competition, and a better deal for Australians.

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.

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