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 8: Petitions and Ministerial responses—

Report, 23 March 2026.

Petitions.

Ministers’ responses to petitions previously presented to the House.

Ms Belyea made a statement in connection with petitions.

Protecting Australia’s Prime Agricultural Land Bill 2026

Mr Gee, pursuant to notice, presented a Bill for an Act to protect Australia’s prime agricultural land, and for related purposes.

Document

Mr Gee presented an explanatory memorandum to the bill.

Bill read a first time.

Mr Gee 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.

PRIVATE MEMBERS’ BUSINESS NOTICE

Upon notice No. 2, private Members’ business being called on, Ms Chaney, in the absence of Dr Haines, and at her request, fixed Monday, 25 May 2026 as the day for presenting the Telecommunications Legislation Amendment (Strengthening Communications in Natural Disasters) Bill 2026.

Housing

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

(1) acknowledges that the Government has made Australia’s housing crisis worse than ever by:

(a) expanding the 5 per cent deposit scheme from a sensible and targeted approach, to an uncapped and non-means tested free-for-all which has supercharged house prices by 3.6 per cent in just one quarter, and exposed first home buyers including young Australians to larger mortgages;

(b) creating the failing Housing Australia Future Fund which has $11.4 billion within it but has built only 895 houses in two and a half years of operation; and

(c) proposing to fiddle with the capital gains tax and negative gearing, which is dressed up as an equity measure but will not actually result in the construction of new dwellings;

(2) notes that the Government is overseeing a historic collapse of housing construction, with dwelling completions now running at around 170,000 each year, whereas 200,000 dwellings were completed annually under the previous Government, while the population has grown by more than 1.6 million since the Government came to power; and

(3) further notes that the Government is already running more than 80,000 dwellings short of the National Housing Accord target of 1.2 million homes by mid-2029, and modelling by the National Housing Supply and Affordability Council says the Government will not reach its own target, falling more than 60,000 dwellings short.

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.

Free TAFE program

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

(1) recognises the Government’s Free TAFE program has, for three years, expanded opportunity and opened new pathways for Australians to gain the skills they want for the jobs we need;

(2) notes that, despite opposition from the Opposition, the Government has successfully legislated to make the Free TAFE program permanent, securing its future and ensuring this pathway is not taken away from the next generation;

(3) observes that, through the Fee-Free TAFE Skills Agreement, the Government has partnered with state and territory governments to invest over $1.5 billion in Free TAFE program places across the country; and

(4) reflects that, unlike their federal colleagues, the Victorian State Opposition will not oppose a bill to guarantee Free TAFE.

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.

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

MESSAGES FROM THE SENATE

Messages from the Senate, 12 March 2026, were reported returning the following bills without amendment:

No. 80— Royal Commissions Legislation Amendment (Protections for Providing Information) Bill 2026 .

No. 81— Migration Amendment (2026 Measures No. 1) Bill 2026 .

No. 82— Parliamentary Frameworks Legislation Amendment (Reviews) Bill 2026 .

MESSAGE FROM THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL—ASSENT TO BILLS

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

13 March 2026 —Message No. 58 —

Defence Amendment (Parliamentary Joint Committee on Defence) 2026 .

Corporations (Review Fees) Amendment (Technical Amendments) 2026 .

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

Treasury Laws Amendment (Building a Stronger and Fairer Super System) 2026 .

Superannuation (Building a Stronger and Fairer Super System) Imposition 2026 .

Migration Amendment (2026 Measures No. 1) 2026 .

Parliamentary Frameworks Legislation Amendment (Reviews) 2026 .

COMMITTEES—MEMBERSHIP

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

Mr J Wilson (Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy), by leave, moved—That:

(1) Mr Burnell be discharged from the Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters and that, in his place, Ms Payne be appointed a member of the committee;

(2) Ms Payne be appointed a member of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade; and

(3) Ms Scrymgour be discharged from the Joint Standing Committee on the National Capital and External Territories and that, in her place, Ms Payne be appointed a member of the committee.

Question—put and passed.

Address by Her Excellency Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission

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

(1) the House invite Her Excellency Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, to attend and address the House on Tuesday, 24 March 2026;

(2) unless otherwise ordered, at the sitting on 24 March:

(a) the House shall meet, at the ringing of the bells, at no earlier than 11.55 am and the proceedings shall be welcoming remarks by the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition and an address by the President of the European Commission;

(b) at the conclusion of the address by the President of the European Commission the House shall suspend until the ringing of the bells, at no earlier than 2.55 pm when business shall be Questions without notice;

(c) immediately after Question Time the House shall resume business in accordance with standing order 34;

(d) the provisions of standing order 257(c) relating to good order shall apply to the areas of Members’ seats as well as the galleries for the period set out at (3); and

(e) that so much of the standing and sessional orders be suspended as would prevent the Federation Chamber from meeting at approximately 5 pm and the order of business being as follows:

(i) one hour of Members’ constituency statements; and

(ii) one hour of grievance debate; and

the Federation Chamber then adjourning immediately without debate;

(3) a message be sent to the Senate inviting Senators to attend the House as guests for the welcoming remarks by the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition and address by the President of the European Commission; and

(4) any variation to the arrangement be made only by an action by the Speaker or by a motion moved by a Minister.

Question—put and passed.

Treasury Laws Amendment (Genetic Testing Protections in Life Insurance and Other 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.

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 being made—

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

Members’ statements continued.

SHADOW MINISTRY—DOCUMENT

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

Taylor Shadow Ministry, 16 March 2026.

QUESTIONS

Questions without notice being asked—

Document

Mr Albanese (Prime Minister) presented the following document:

Energy security—Joint statement—Anthony Albanese MP, Prime Minister of Australia and Lawrence Wong, Prime Minister of Singapore, 23 March 2026.

Questions without notice continuing—

Member directed to leave

At 2.10 pm the Member for Lyne ( Ms Penfold ) was directed, under standing order 94, to leave the Chamber for one hour for interjecting and she accordingly left the Chamber.

Questions without notice continued.

Auditor-General’s Reports

The Speaker presented the following documents:

Auditor-General—Audit reports of 2025-26—

No. 17—Financial statements audit—Audits of the financial statements of Australian Government entities for the period ended 30 June 2025—Corrigenda.

No. 25—Performance audit—Procurement and contract management by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade for its Security Enhancement Program: Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

The documents were made Parliamentary Papers.

DOCUMENTS

The following documents were presented:

Australian Commission for Law Enforcement Integrity—Parliamentary Joint Committee—

Examination of the annual report of the Integrity Commissioner 2020-21—Government response, 12 March 2026.

Inquiry into the jurisdiction of the Australian Commission for Law Enforcement Integrity—Government response, 12 March 2026.

Integrity of overseas Commonwealth law enforcement operations—Government response, 12 March 2026.

Corporations and Financial Services—Parliamentary Joint Committee—Statutory inquiry into ASIC, the Takeovers Panel, and the corporations legislation: ASIC licence transfers—Government response, March 2026.

Crimes Act 1914— Australian Taxation Office—Assumed identities—Report for 2024-25.

Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade—Joint Standing Committee—Second interim report: Freedom of religion and belief, the Australian experience: Inquiry into the status of the human right to freedom of religion or belief—Government response, 16 March 2026.

Human Rights—Parliamentary Joint Committee—

Inquiry into antisemitism at Australian universities—Government response, March 2026.

Inquiry report: Religious Discrimination Bill 2021 and related bills—Government response, 16 March 2026.

Intelligence and Security—Parliamentary Joint Committee—Advisory report on the Intelligence Oversight and Other Legislation Amendment (Integrity Measures) Bill 2020—Government response, 12 March 2026.

National Anti-Corruption Commission Legislation—Joint Select Committee—Advisory report on the provisions of the National Anti-Corruption Commission Bill 2022 and the National Anti-Corruption Commission (Consequential and Transitional Provisions) Bill 2022—Government response, 28 November 2022.

Security of Critical Infrastructure Act 2018— Independent review of the Act—Report by Dr Jill Slay AM.

MESSAGE FROM THE SENATE

Message No. 83, 23 March 2026, from the Senate was reported returning the Treasury Laws Amendment (Supporting Choice in Superannuation and Other Measures) Bill 2025 without amendment.

Treasury Laws Amendment (Genetic Testing Protections in Life Insurance and Other 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.

Dr M Ryan 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 that:

(a) genetic testing and genomic research are essential to improving prevention, care and treatment and reducing Australia’s chronic disease burden;

(b) Australia has made remarkable progress on carrier and newborn reproductive genetic testing;

(c) genomic sequencing technology means that conditions can be easily added to a screening panel without significant increases in test costs;

(d) world-leading Australian medical research has demonstrated that such programs have real-world feasibility and demonstrable cost-effectiveness; and

(e) pathology items 73451 and 73452, covering genetic carrier testing for spinal muscular atrophy, cystic fibrosis and fragile X syndrome, were welcome inclusions to the Medicare Benefits Schedule in November 2023;

(2) calls upon the Government to heed expert calls to expand the Medicare Benefits Schedule to:

(a) develop, support, and fund population programs for carrier testing and genomic screening; and

(b) identify couples and individuals at high risk of medically actionable conditions before conception or disease onset; and

(3) further notes that the above measures, along with restrictions on the use of genetic testing by the insurance industry contained in this bill, will encourage a greater uptake of genetic testing”.

Debate ensued.

Mr Abdo 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 no earlier than 11.55 am tomorrow, in accordance with the resolution agreed to earlier this sitting.

DOCUMENTS

The following documents were deemed to have been presented on 23 March 2026 (An explanatory statement has been presented with each instrument unless otherwise indicated by an asterisk):

Aged Care Act 2024 and Aged Care (Consequential and Transitional Provisions) Act 2024— Aged Care Legislation Amendment (March Indexation and Other Measures) Rules 2026 [F2026L00292].

Airspace Act 2007— Australian Airspace Policy Statement (AAPS) 2026 [F2026L00238].

Australian Citizenship Act 2007—

Australian Citizenship (special residence requirement) Amendment (Measures No. 1) Instrument 2026 —LIN 26/024 [F2026L00276].

Exercise of ministerial discretion under subsection 22A(1A)—23 February 2026.

Australian Research Council Act 2001— Discovery Program: Discovery Indigenous Grant Opportunity Guidelines (2026 edition) [F2026L00296].

Aviation Transport Security Act 2004—

Aviation Transport Security (Prohibited Cargo—Somalia) Instrument 2026—LIN 26/028 [F2026L00281].

Aviation Transport Security (Prohibited Cargo—Syria) Instrument 2026—LIN 26/029 [F2026L00282].

Aviation Transport Security (Prohibited Cargo—Yemen) Instrument 2026—LIN 26/030 [F2026L00283].

Biosecurity Act 2015— Biosecurity Amendment (Australian Centre for Disease Control and Other Measures) Regulations 2026 [F2026L00249].

Charter of the United Nations Act 1945— Charter of the United Nations (UN Sanction Enforcement Law) Amendment (No. 1) Instrument 2026 [F2026L00299].

Civil Aviation Act 1988— Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998—

Aircraft Used for Low-visibility Approaches (Radio Altimeters) Exemption 2026—CASA EX15/26 [F2026L00246].

Foreign Registered Aircraft in Australian Territory (Radio Altimeters) Direction 2026—CASA 06/26 [F2026L00297].*

Part 61 Flight Crew Licensing (Prescribed Aircraft and Type Ratings) (Edition 11) Instrument 2026 [F2026L00270].

Parts 91, 121, 133 and 135 Manuals of Standards Amendment Instrument 2026 [F2026L00248].

Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918— Commonwealth Electoral (Logo Requirements) Determination 2026 [F2026L00261].

Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918 and Referendum (Machinery Provisions) Act 1984— Electoral and Referendum Regulations 2026 [F2026L00295].

Corporations Act 2001—

ASIC Corporations (Generic Calculators) Instrument 2026/41 [F2026L00271].

ASIC Corporations (Intra-Fund Transfers) Instrument 2026/688 [F2026L00274].

ASIC Corporations (Securitisation Special Purpose Vehicles) Instrument 2026/175 [F2026L00265].

ASIC Derivative Trade Repository Rules (Amendment) Instrument 2026/52 [F2026L00263].

ASIC Derivative Transaction Rules (Clearing) 2026 [F2026L00262].

Currency Act 1965— Currency (Australian Coins) Amendment (2026 Royal Australian Mint No. 2) Determination 2026 [F2026L00259].

Customs Act 1901— Customs (Deployment of Approved Firearms and Other Approved Items of Personal Defence Equipment) Directions 2026—LIN25/032 [F2026L00254].

Defence Act 1903—

Defence Determination, Conditions of service Amendment Determination (No. 2) 2026 [F2026L00217]—

Rectified authorised version.

Replacement explanatory statement.

Defence Determination, Conditions of service Amendment Determination (No. 3) 2026 [F2026L00252].

Defence (Security Authorised Member of the Defence Force—Training and Qualification Requirements for Military Working Dog Handlers) Determination 2026 [F2026L00269].

Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999—

Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Amendment (List of Threatened Ecological Communities (EC185)) Instrument 2026 [F2026L00288].

Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Amendment (List of Threatened Ecological Communities (EC186)) Instrument 20266 [F2026L00230].

Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Amendment (List of Threatened Ecological Communities (EC187)) Instrument 2026 [F2026L00287].

Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Amendment (List of Threatened Ecological Communities (EC190)) Instrument 2026 [F2026L00286].

Federal Financial Relations Act 2009— Federal Financial Relations (General Purpose Financial Assistance—2025-26 Payment No. 9) Determination 2026 [F2026L00260].

Fisheries Management Act 1991— Small Pelagic Fishery Management Plan 2009—

Small Pelagic Fishery (Overcatch and Undercatch) Determination 2026 [F2026L00304].

Small Pelagic Fishery (Total Allowable Catch) Determination 2026 [F2026L00302].

Food Standards Australia New Zealand Act 1991— Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code—Schedule 20—Maximum residue limits Variation Instrument No. APVMA 1, 2026 [F2026L00212].

Fuel Quality Standards Act 2000— Fuel Quality Standards (Petrol) Amendment Determination (No. 1) 2026 [F2026L00264].

Fuel Security Act 2021—

Fuel Security (Fuel Security Services Payment) Amendment Rules 2026 [F2026L00308].

Fuel Security (Temporary Reduction—Securing Regional Supply) Instrument 2026 [F2026L00256].

Health Insurance Act 1973—

Health Insurance (Accredited Pathology Laboratories—Approval) Amendment (Relevant Standards) Principles (No. 1) 2026 [F2026L00285].

Health Insurance (Eligible Pathology Laboratories) Determination 2026 [F2026L00272].

Income Tax Assessment Act 1936— Income Tax Assessment (1936 Act) Regulations 2025 [F2025L01060]— Replacement explanatory statement.

Legislation Act 2003—

Legislation (Biosecurity Goods Determinations) Sunset-altering Declaration 2026 [F2026L00268].

Legislation (Deferral of Sunsetting—AusCheck Regulations) Certificate 2026 [F2026L00267].

Legislation (Deferral of Sunsetting—Australian Citizenship Regulation) Certificate 2026 [F2026L00258].

Legislation (Deferral of Sunsetting—Marriage Act (Proclaimed Overseas Countries) Proclamation) Certificate 2026 [F2026L00266].

Marriage Act 1961— Marriage Regulations 2017—Marriage (Celebrant Professional Development) Statement 2026 [F2026L00294].

Migration Act 1958—

Direction under section 499—Consideration of Protection visa applications, reviewable protection decisions, and exercise of powers under section 197D—No. 113.

Migration Agents Regulations 1998 and Migration Agents Regulations 2026—

Migration Agents (CPD Activities, Approval of CPD Providers and CPD Provider Standards) Instrument 2026—LIN 26/001 [F2026L00244].

Migration (Specified Courses and Exams for Registration as a Migration Agent) Instrument 2026 —LIN 26/002 [F2026L00245].

Migration (United Nations Security Council Resolutions) Regulations 2007—Migration (United Nations Security Council Resolutions) Instrument 2026—LIN 26/008 [F2026L00280].

Notices under section 501C—

16 March 2026 [2].

17 March 2026.

National Measurement Act 1960—

National Measurement (Recognized-Value Standard of Measurement of Acceleration due to Gravity —Lindfield, NSW) Determination 2026 [F2026L00237].

National Measurement (Recognized-Value Standard of Measurement of Position) Determination 2026 [F2026L00235].

National Measurement (Recognized-Value Standard of Measurement of the Density of Water) Determination 2026 [F2026L00240].

Occupational Health and Safety (Maritime Industry) Act 1993— Occupational Health and Safety (Maritime Industry) Regulations 2026 [F2026L00241].

Private Health Insurance Act 2007—

Private Health Insurance Legislation Amendment Rules (No. 3) 2026 [F2026L00273].

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

Private Health Insurance (National Joint Replacement Register Levy) Act 2009— Private Health Insurance (National Joint Replacement Register Levy) Rules 2026 [F2026L00250].

Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013— Notices under section 72—

Commonwealth acquired shares in—

Australian Naval Infrastructure Pty Ltd—15 December 2025.

ITC Technologies Pty Ltd and CEA Technologies Pty Ltd—12 March 2026.

NBN Co Limited—16 March 2026 [2].

WSA Co Limited—4 March 2026.

Commonwealth deregistered ITC Technologies Pty Ltd—12 March 2026.

Public Health (Tobacco and Other Products) Act 2023 and Trans-Tasman Mutual Recognition Act 1997— Trans‑Tasman Mutual Recognition Amendment (Tobacco Laws) Regulations 2026 [F2026L00306].

Radiocommunications Act 1992—

Radiocommunications (Maritime Licensing) Amendment Instrument 2026 (No. 1) [F2026L00242].

Radiocommunications (Qualified Operators—Maritime) Determination 2026 [F2026L00243].

Radiocommunications (Radio Altimeter Measures) Amendment Instrument 2026 (No. 1) [F2026L00301].

Road Vehicle Standards Act 2018—

Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 98/02—Advanced Emergency Braking for Passenger Vehicles and Light Goods Vehicles) 2026 [F2026L00284].

Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 107/00—Emergency Lane Keeping Systems for Passenger Vehicles and Light Goods Vehicles) 2026 [F2026L00278].

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988— Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation (Rates of Interest Payable) Notice 2026 [F2026L00303].

Seafarers Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1992— Seafarers Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Specified Diseases and Employment) Amendment Instrument 2026 [F2026L00289].

Social Security Act 1991—

Social Security (AGDRP—Northern Territory—Flooding—February to March) Determination 2026—LIN 26/043 [F2026L00255].

Social Security (Exempt Lump Sum—South Australia Taxi Industry Reform Package Prescribed Compensation Payment) Determination 2026 [F2026L00253].

Taxation Administration Act 1953—

Commissioner of Taxation—Taxation Ruling—TR 2017/1 (Addendum).

Taxation Administration (Withholding Variation for Certain Payments to Religious Practitioners) Legislative Instrument 2026 [F2026L00251].

Taxation Administration (Withholding Variation for Payments to Indigenous Artists who do not Quote an ABN) Legislative Instrument 2026 [F2026L00231].

Taxation (Multinational—Global and Domestic Minimum Tax) Act 2024— Taxation (Multinational—Global and Domestic Minimum Tax) Rules 2024—Taxation (Multinational—Global and Domestic Minimum Tax) (Qualified GloBE Taxes) Amendment (Measures No. 1) Determination 2026 [F2026L00291].

Terrorism and Cyclone Insurance Act 2003— Terrorism and Cyclone Insurance (Declared Terrorist Incident—Perth CBD) Declaration 2026 [F2026L00293].

ATTENDANCE

All Members attended (at some time during the sitting) except *Mr Burns, Dr Haines, Ms McBain, Mrs Phillips, Ms Scrymgour, Mr M Smith and Mr Wood.

* On leave

Claressa Surtees

Clerk of the House of Representatives

The Federation Chamber met at 10.30 am.

MEMBERS’ CONSTITUENCY STATEMENTS

Members’ constituency statements being made—

Document

Mr Wilkie, by leave, presented the following document:

Create a national climate disaster levy—( Receipt of document as a petition subject to approval by the Standing Committee on Petitions ).

Members’ constituency statements continued.

Women’s health

The order of the day having been read for the resumption of the debate on the motion of Ms Campbell—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 2 million cheaper scripts for new contraceptives, menopausal hormone therapies and endometriosis treatment listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme—

Debate resumed.

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

Artificial intelligence

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

(1) acknowledges the rapid changes artificial intelligence (AI) is driving across Australian workplaces, including:

(a) automation of routine tasks;

(b) augmenting jobs and increasing productivity;

(c) creating new jobs and skill sets; and

(d) workplace restructuring and business changes;

(2) notes that the Government has not developed an AI transition plan for Australian workers adversely affected by workplace restructuring and business changes, meaning the Government is silent on how Australians who lose their job because of AI will be supported or transitioned to another industry;

(3) recognises that conflict and tension between Government ministers and members is causing:

(a) AI policy inertia and delays;

(b) uncertainty for business to invest in AI technology; and

(c) serious unknowns for Australian workers impacted by potential workplace changes;

(4) further notes that after the Government won the 2025 election, it suddenly scrapped an expert AI advisory body after spending 15 months and $188,000 finding experts to join it; and

(5) calls upon the Government to resolve its internal conflicts and act now so Australian businesses, workers, and investors have certainty and clarity over Australia’s AI policy direction.

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.

National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander plan to end family, domestic and sexual violence

Ms K Cook, by leave, for Ms Scrymgour, pursuant to notice, moved—That this House:

(1) commends the Government for launching Our Ways—Strong Ways—Our Voices: National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Plan to End Family, Domestic and Sexual Violence 2026‑2036 , a plan which is:

(a) Australia’s first standalone plan that strives for a future where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and children can live free from violence;

(b) developed in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and state and territory governments; and

(c) backed by $218.3 million in new funding, that as an immediate step will invest in a national network of up to 40 Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations to deliver community-led specialist support services;

(2) recognises that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women have been:

(a) steadfast in their advocacy to be safe and to be heard; and

(b) calling for strong action;

(3) further recognises that the Government is doing just that by funding support programs like:

(a) mobile teams in remote areas to work with families after a violent incident, or offer safe transport and emergency accommodation;

(b) plans to help victims leave violence safely and continued support once they have;

(c) community playgroups where mums and bubs can connect with elders, receive parenting support, and be linked to early help and healing; and

(d) behavioural change and education, like outreach programs for men and boys;

(4) notes that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women face unique and significant barriers to getting help, and are:

(a) seven times more likely to be victims of intimate partner homicide; and

(b) 27 times more likely to be hospitalised due to family violence, which increases to 41 times more likely in regional and very remote communities;

(5) further notes that this plan:

(a) will make real progress in addressing Target 13 (family violence) of the National Agreement on Closing the Gap and contribute to Target 12 (out-of-home care);

(b) responds to eight recommendations in the Missing and murdered First Nations women and children inquiry report of the Senate Legal and Constitutional Affairs Reference Committee; and

(c) responds to 12 recommendations in the report of the Rapid Review of Prevention Approaches, Unlocking the Prevention Potential: Accelerating action to end domestic, family and sexual violence ; and

(6) calls on the Parliament to support this vital plan to ensure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and children can live free from violence.

Debate ensued.

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

Suicide prevention

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

(1) notes the findings of the Australian National Audit Office performance audit Suicide Prevention Policy Development and Monitoring , which:

(a) found that the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing’s approach to developing and monitoring suicide prevention policy to be only partly effective;

(b) raised serious concerns about the accountability and effectiveness of nearly $1 billion in Commonwealth spending on suicide prevention programs; and

(c) found that the grant agreements examined did not include clear performance indicators to measure effectiveness or efficiency;

(2) acknowledges that around nine Australians die by suicide each day and more than 150 attempt to take their own lives;

(3) raises serious concerns of the lack of measurable outcomes and clear accountability by the Government in national suicide prevention efforts; and

(4) calls on the Government to strengthen accountability and transparency in suicide prevention funding by ensuring programs are supported by clear targets, robust evaluation and measurable outcomes.

Debate ensued.

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

Suspension of meeting

At 1.17 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.

Agriculture, fisheries and forestry

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

(1) notes recently released forecasts from the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences show that:

(a) Australia’s farm gate production value is forecast to exceed $100 billion this financial year, four years ahead of the National Farmers Federation’s 2030 target; and

(b) agriculture, fisheries and forestry exports will reach a record high of almost $85 billion in 2025-26, with more demand than ever for Australia’s world-class food and fibre;

(2) recognises that this significant milestone was achieved with the hard work, resilience and skill of Australia’s primary producers; and

(3) acknowledges the significant investments the Government has made in agriculture, fisheries and forestry since coming to Government in support of the industry’s target including:

(a) strengthening biosecurity with more than $2 billion in new funding to keep Australia free from the world’s most invasive pests and diseases;

(b) boosting the agricultural workforce bringing employers, unions and government together to tackle the workforce challenges impacting Australia’s agriculture and processing industry;

(c) making agricultural trade the most diversified it has ever been through 256 market access achievements since July 2022; and

(d) building a climate resilient agriculture sector through the Agriculture and Land Sector Plan backed by more than $2 billion in investment to ensure our farmers and producers can confidently face our climate future.

Debate ensued.

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

Women in defence

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

(1) acknowledges that for over a century, Australian women have played an integral role in Australia’s defence forces;

(2) recognises that women have served with exceptional skill, sacrifice, bravery and dedication across all theatres of war; and

(3) thanks all the women who served and continue to serve for their contribution to the safety and security of our nation.

Debate ensued.

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

Income splitting

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

(1) acknowledges that:

(a) an Australian couple both in paid employment without kids can have a combined income of $250,000 and pay approximately $67,634 in combined tax;

(b) an Australian couple with only one person in paid employment while the other is looking after the kids can also have an income of $250,000 yet have to pay $88,167 in tax, over $20,000 more than other couples; and

(c) income splitting:

(i) would allow the couple in the second scenario to pay the same amount of tax as the couple in the first scenario;

(ii) would also acknowledge and give monetary value to the incredible work done by stay‑at‑home parents; and

(iii) might also allow couples to start and/or grow their families so our nation stops relying on migration for growth; and

(2) calls on the Government to take immediate and decisive action to introduce income splitting to:

(a) more fairly share the taxation burden between couples with kids and couples without kids;

(b) acknowledge and value the contribution made by stay-at-home parents; and

(c) address Australia’s declining birth rate.

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.

Osborne Submarine Construction Yard

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

(1) acknowledges the Government’s initial $3.9 billion investment in the Submarine Construction Yard at Osborne in South Australia, to deliver the infrastructure needed to build at least eight nuclear-powered SSN-AUKUS class submarines, meaning:

(a) record support for the creation of significant direct employment opportunities, numbering approximately 4,000 for the construction phase and 5,500 for the peak submarine production phase;

(b) opportunities for small and medium sized businesses to contribute to, and benefit from, this significant investment over a period of decades; and

(c) confidence for industry and workers of significant and durable opportunities for partnership and growth through the construction and build phases; and

(2) notes the Government’s commitment to ensuring Australia has both the capability and the skilled workforce needed as outlined in the 2024 National Defence Strategy, through measures like:

(a) calling for and supporting partnerships with the private sector;

(b) investing $480 million in the Skills and Training Academy Campus at Osborne to train the skilled workforce for constructing and maintaining nuclear-powered submarines; and

(c) providing young Australians pathways in the AUKUS submarines industry through skills and training programs.

Debate ensued.

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

Cost of living

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

(1) notes that the cash rate has risen to 3.85 per cent, marking the 13th interest rate increase under the Government;

(2) recognises new data showing a record 760,100 Australians aged 65 and over are now in the workforce, the highest level since records began in 1995;

(3) expresses concern that nearly 100,000 more older Australians feel it necessary to work or delay retirement or are returning to work due to cost of living pressures;

(4) condemns the Government’s economic mismanagement and unchecked debt fuelled spending, which has contributed to rising inflation and increasing household costs for power, rent, groceries and mortgages; and

(5) calls on the Government to take urgent action to address the cost of living crisis, curb spending pressures driving inflation, and ensure older Australians are not forced to delay retirement due to financial hardship.

Debate ensued.

Debate adjourned 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 7.17 pm, until 5 pm tomorrow, in accordance with the resolution agreed to earlier this sitting.

Peter Banson

Clerk of the Federation Chamber