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 9: Petitions and Ministerial responses—

Report, 30 March 2026.

Petition.

Ministers’ responses to petitions previously presented to the House.

Ms Belyea made a statement in connection with petitions.

AUSTRALIAN PARLIAMENTARY DELEGATION —REPORT—STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS—MOTION TO TAKE NOTE OF DOCUMENT—REFERENCE TO FEDERATION CHAMBER

Mr Neumann presented the following document:

Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Delegation to the United Kingdom and Poland, 9 to 15 November 2025—Report, March 2026.

Mr Neumann and Mr Georganas made statements in connection with the report.

Mr Neumann moved—That the House take note of the report.

In accordance with standing order 39, the debate was adjourned, and the resumption of the debate made an order of the day for the next sitting.

Mr Neumann moved—That the order of the day be referred to the Federation Chamber for debate.

Question—put and passed.

Interactive Gambling Amendment (Stop the Gambling Ads) Bill 2026

Ms Chaney, pursuant to notice, presented a Bill for an Act to amend the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 , and for related purposes.

Document

Ms Chaney presented an explanatory memorandum to the bill.

Bill read a first time.

Ms Chaney 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 Citizenship Amendment (Stripping Terrorists of Australian Citizenship) Bill 2026

Mr Joyce, pursuant to notice, presented a Bill for an Act to amend the Australian Citizenship Act 2007 , and for related purposes.

Document

Mr Joyce presented an explanatory memorandum to the bill.

Bill read a first time.

Mr Joyce 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.

fuel security

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

(1) notes that:

(a) Australia’s fuel security remains dangerously exposed, with the nation holding among the lowest levels of sovereign fuel reserves in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development;

(b) Australia imports over 90 per cent of its refined fuel, leaving critical supply chains vulnerable to geopolitical shocks, regional instability, and global market disruptions;

(c) regional, rural and transport-dependent communities are disproportionately exposed to fuel supply disruptions, particularly in the heavy vehicle and agricultural sectors;

(d) recent volatility in global fuel markets and the Government’s failure to respond has massively increased costs for households and businesses, exacerbating cost of living pressures; and

(e) the Minister for Climate Change and Energy has:

(i) failed to deliver a comprehensive, whole-of-government fuel security strategy;

(ii) prioritised the net-zero energy transition without adequately safeguarding short-term liquid fuel resilience;

(iii) provided no clear contingency plan for maintaining diesel supply in the event of major import disruption; and

(iv) failed to provide certainty or support to transport operators exposed to volatile spot market fuel pricing;

(2) acknowledges that:

(a) fuel security is a matter of national security, economic stability, and community resilience; and

(b) reliable access to diesel is essential for freight, agriculture, mining, emergency services, and regional supply chains;

(3) calls on the Government to:

(a) urgently develop and implement a national fuel security plan, including increased onshore storage and refining capability;

(b) provide targeted support to transport operators, particularly small and owner-driver businesses, impacted by fuel price volatility;

(c) establish clear minimum stockholding obligations to meet or exceed international benchmarks; and

(d) deliver transparent reporting to Parliament on Australia’s fuel security position and preparedness; and

(4) condemns the Minister for Climate Change and Energy for:

(a) failing to ensure Australia’s fuel security at a time of increasing global uncertainty;

(b) neglecting the needs of regional Australia and the transport sector;

(c) placing ideological energy priorities ahead of practical national resilience; and

(d) being absent in a time of crisis, choosing to attend Conference of the Parties (COP) meetings instead of managing the crisis facing Australia.

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-EU Free Trade Agreement

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

(1) recognises:

(a) the conclusion of negotiations between Australia and the European Union (EU) to secure a free trade agreement, which will:

(i) deliver significant economic benefits to Australian consumers, workers, producers and exporters by opening the doors of the EU’s $30 trillion economy and 450 million consumers;

(ii) eliminate tariffs on almost all Australian exports to the EU;

(iii) guarantee new and significant market access for Australian farmers and producers, creating more well paid jobs here at home; and

(iv) reduce costs for Australian consumers and businesses by making imports from the EU cheaper by cutting tariffs; and

(b) that the Australia-EU Free Trade Agreement will make EU investment in Australia easier, creating more jobs and supporting economic growth; and

(2) notes that in times of turbulence in global trade, Australia is strengthening our partnerships across the world.

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. 92, 26 March 2026, from the Senate was reported returning the Treasury Laws Amendment (Doubling Penalties for ACCC Enforcement) Bill 2026 without amendment.

SUSPENSION OF STANDING AND SESSIONAL ORDERS —Consideration of bills

Mr Burke (Leader of the House) moved—That so much of the standing and sessional orders be suspended as would prevent the following from occurring on Monday, 30 March 2026:

(1) the following bills being presented and after the second reading speech of the Minister on each bill, debate being adjourned until a later hour:

(a) Export Finance and Insurance Corporation Amendment (Strategic Reserve) Bill 2026;

(b) Appropriation (Fuel Security Response) Bill (No. 1) 2025-2026; and

(c) Appropriation (Fuel Security Response) Bill (No. 2) 2025-2026;

(2) when the order of the day for the resumption of debate on the Export Finance and Insurance Corporation Amendment (Strategic Reserve) Bill 2026 is called on, a cognate debate taking place with Appropriation (Fuel Security Response) Bill (No. 1) 2025-2026 and Appropriation (Fuel Security Response) Bill (No. 2) 2025-2026;

(3) immediately following questions without notice and any documents presented by the Speaker or Leader of the House, if the Export Finance and Insurance Corporation Amendment (Strategic Reserve) Bill 2026, Appropriation (Fuel Security Response) Bill (No. 1) 2025-2026 or Appropriation (Fuel Security Response) Bill (No. 2) 2025-2026 have not passed, debate to resume immediately;

(4) at no later than 5.30 pm, any questions necessary to complete the remaining stages of each bill being put, with any message from the Governor-General under standing order 147 being announced, and any detail amendments circulated being treated as if they had been moved [together] by the Member proposing them; and

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

Debate ensued.

Question—put and passed, with the concurrence of an absolute majority.

Export Finance and Insurance Corporation Amendment (Strategic Reserve) Bill 2026

In accordance with the resolution agreed to earlier this sitting—

Mr Bowen (Minister for Climate Change and Energy) presented a Bill for an Act to amend the Export Finance and Insurance Corporation Act 1991 , and for related purposes.

Document

Mr Bowen presented an explanatory memorandum to the bill.

Bill read a first time.

Mr Bowen 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 a later hour this day.

MESSAGE FROM THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL— Appropriation (Fuel Security Response) Bill (No. 1) 2025-2026

Message No. 60, 29 March 2026, from Her Excellency the Governor-General was announced recommending, in accordance with the requirements of section 56 of the Constitution, an appropriation for the purposes of the Appropriation (Fuel Security Response) Bill (No. 1) 2025-2026.

Dr Chalmers (Treasurer) presented a Bill for an Act to appropriate additional money out of the Consolidated Revenue Fund for the ordinary annual services of the Government for the purposes of responding to circumstances relating to the Fuel Security Response, and for related purposes.

Document

Dr Chalmers presented an explanatory memorandum to the bill.

Bill read a first time.

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

In accordance with the resolution agreed to earlier this sitting, debate adjourned and the resumption of the debate made an order of the day for a later hour this day.

MESSAGE FROM THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL— Appropriation (Fuel Security Response) Bill (No. 2) 2025-2026

Message No. 61, 29 March 2026, from Her Excellency the Governor-General was announced recommending, in accordance with the requirements of section 56 of the Constitution, an appropriation for the purposes of the Appropriation (Fuel Security Response) Bill (No. 2) 2025-2026.

Dr Chalmers (Treasurer) presented a Bill for an Act to appropriate additional money out of the Consolidated Revenue Fund for certain expenditure for the purposes of responding to circumstances relating to the Fuel Security Response, and for related purposes.

Document

Dr Chalmers presented an explanatory memorandum to the bill.

Bill read a first time.

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

In accordance with the resolution agreed to earlier this sitting, debate adjourned and the resumption of the debate made an order of the day for a later hour this day.

Export Finance and Insurance Corporation Amendment (Strategic Reserve) Bill 2026

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.

Ms Landry addressing the House—

It being 1.30 pm, the debate was interrupted in accordance with standing order 43, Ms Landry 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 were asked.

Auditor-General’s Report

The Speaker presented the following document:

Auditor-General—Audit report No. 26 of 2025-26—Performance audit—Defence’s procurement of infantry fighting vehicles (Land 400 Phase 3): Department of Defence.

The document was made a Parliamentary Paper.

DOCUMENT

The following document was presented:

Murray-Darling Basin Authority—First Nations participation in water for the environment—Report for 2024-25.

Appropriation (Fuel Security Response) Bill (No. 1) 2025-2026

In accordance with the resolution agreed to earlier this sitting—

The order of the day having been read for the second reading—

Question—That the bill be now read a second time—put and passed—bill read a second time.

Question—That the bill be now read a third time—put and passed—bill read a third time.

Appropriation (Fuel Security Response) Bill (No. 2) 2025-2026

In accordance with the resolution agreed to earlier this sitting—

The order of the day having been read for the second reading—

Question—That the bill be now read a second time—put and passed—bill read a second time.

Question—That the bill be now read a third time—put and passed—bill read a third time.

Economics—Standing Committee —REPORT—STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS—MOTION TO TAKE NOTE OF DOCUMENT—REFERENCE TO FEDERATION CHAMBER

Mr Husic (Chair) presented the following documents:

Economics—Standing Committee—Review of Australia’s four major banks: First report of the 48th Parliament —

Report, March 2026.

Minutes of proceedings.

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

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

Mr Husic moved—That the House take note of the report.

In accordance with standing order 39, the debate was adjourned, and the resumption of the debate made an order of the day for the next sitting.

Mr Husic moved—That the order of the day be referred to the Federation Chamber for debate.

Question—put and passed.

High Seas Biodiversity Bill 2026

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.

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

Australian Securities and Investments Commission Act 2001 and Corporations Act 2001— ASIC Corporations (Approved Foreign Markets—Buy-backs and Takeovers) Instrument 2026/104 [F2026L00339].

Aviation Transport Security Act 2004— Aviation Transport Security (Incident Reporting) Instrument 2026 —LIN 26/031 [F2026L00385].

Biosecurity Act 2015— Biosecurity (First Point of Entry—Port of Sydney) Amendment (2026 Measures No. 1) Determination 2026 [F2026L00380].

Civil Aviation Act 1988— Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998—Parts 91, 121, 133 and 135 Manuals of Standards Amendment Instrument 2026 [F2026L00248]—Replacement explanatory statement.

Corporations Act 2001—

ASIC Corporations (Amendment and Repeal) Instrument 2026/181 [F2026L00361].

ASIC Corporations (Amendment) Instrument 2026/116 [F2026L00366].

ASIC Corporations (Amendment) Instrument 2026/123 [F2026L00368].

ASIC Corporations (Amendment) Instrument 2026/159 [F2026L00277].

ASIC Corporations (Debenture Prospectuses) Instrument 2026/91 [F2026L00340].

ASIC Corporations (Electronic Lodgment of Financial and Sustainability Reports) Instrument 2026/59 [F2026L00362].

ASIC Corporations (Exposure Period) Instrument 2026/90 [F2026L00341].

ASIC Corporations (Foreign Licensees and ADIs) Instrument 2026/121 [F2026L00367].

ASIC Corporations (Market Research and Roadshows) Instrument 2026/93 [F2026L00343].

ASIC Corporations (Minimum Bid Price) Instrument 2026/101 [F2026L00333].

ASIC Corporations (Miscellaneous Technical Relief) Instrument 2026/115 [F2026L00365].

ASIC Corporations (Non-Traditional Rights Issues) Instrument 2026/98 [F2026L00342].

ASIC Corporations (Offers of Convertibles) Instrument 2026/97 [F2026L00338].

ASIC Corporations (Real Estate Companies) Instrument 2026/99 [F2026L00344].

ASIC Corporations (Regulatory Capital Securities) Instrument 2026/88 [F2026L00336].

ASIC Corporations (Substituted Supplementary Disclosure Documents) Instrument 2026/92 [F2026L00345].

ASIC Corporations (Unsolicited Offers—Foreign Bids) Instrument 2026/103 [F2026L00337].

Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999— Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (National Recovery Plan for the Pookila (New Holland mouse) Pseudomys novaehollandiae) Instrument 2026 [F2026L00375].

Fisheries Management Act 1991— Southern and Eastern Scalefish and Shark Fishery Management Plan 2003—

Southern and Eastern Scalefish and Shark Fishery (Total Allowable Catch for Non-Quota Species) Determination 2026 [F2026L00323].

Southern and Eastern Scalefish and Shark Fishery (Total Allowable Catch for Quota Species) Determination 2026 [F2026L00322].

Maritime Transport and Offshore Facilities Security Act 2003— Maritime Transport and Offshore Facilities Security (Incident Reporting) Instrument 2026—LIN 26/032 [F2026L00384].

Migration Act 1958—

Migration (Arrival Control) Determination 2026—LIN 26/040—

[F2026L00372].

Statement of reasons, 25 March 2026.

Migration Regulations 1994—Migration Legislation Amendment (Assessing Authorities) Instrument 2026—LIN 26/027 [F2026L00369].

My Health Records Act 2012— My Health Records Regulations 2026 [F2026L00387].

National Health Act 1953— National Health (Minimum Stockholding) Amendment Determination (No. 3) 2026—PB 39 of 2026 [F2026L00379].

Regional Investment Corporation Act 2018— Regional Investment Corporation (Drought Hardship Loans) Rules 2026 [F2026L00383].

Social Security Act 1991— Social Security (Requirements and Guidelines for Disability Support Pension Active Participation) Determination 2026 [F2026L00378].

Social Security (Administration) Act 1999— Social Security (Administration) (Exempt Welfare Payment Recipient—Principal Carer of a Child) (Activities) Instrument 2026 [F2026L00373].

Taxation Administration Act 1953— Commissioner of Taxation—Taxation Determinations—TD 2026/1, TD 2026/2.

Taxation (Multinational—Global and Domestic Minimum Tax) Act 2024— Taxation (Multinational—Global and Domestic Minimum Tax) Amendment (2026 Measures No. 1) Rules 2026 [F2026L00371].

Veterans’ Entitlements Act 1986— Veterans’ Entitlements (Eligibility for Treatment—Improved Access to Treatment for Tinnitus) Determination 2026 [F2026L00350].

ATTENDANCE

All Members attended (at some time during the sitting) except *Mr Burns, Dr Haines, Mr Katter, Mrs Phillips, Ms Price, Mr Thistlethwaite, Mr Thompson, Ms Thwaites, Mr J Wilson 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 were made.

Fuel Tax Credits scheme

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

(1) notes that:

(a) under the Fuel Tax Credits (FTC) scheme introduced in 2006, Australian consumers can claim a tax credit for certain fossil fuels used in machinery, and for certain heavy and off-road vehicles;

(b) the FTC scheme cost the Australian taxpayer $10.8 billion in 2025-26;

(c) by 2028-29, the cost of the FTC scheme is forecast to reach $13.1 billion federally, at a rate of growth higher than growth in spending on a range of social services, including disability assistance, childcare subsidies and aged care;

(d) the Government has a legislated target of achieving net zero emissions by 2050;

(e) the Department of the Treasury’s 2025 modelling shows that current government emissions reductions policies are insufficient for achieving that target;

(f) Australia’s economy continues to be subject to geopolitical shocks which impact the availability and cost of fuel; and

(g) the FTC scheme is one of the largest headwinds for the Australian economy to electrify, a critical aim for meeting both our net zero emissions targets and supporting Australia’s energy independence and therefore national security; and

(2) calls on the Government to:

(a) undertake an orderly phase-out of the FTC scheme; and

(b) consider, for that purpose, the introduction of a transition tax incentive with the following elements:

(i) a cap of $50 million annually, per consolidated corporate entity, to the FTC scheme, so that it will not apply to small users of the FTC scheme such as farmers and small businesses; and

(ii) permit receipts by consolidated corporate entities above $50 million to be retained for capital expenditure in eligible electrification infrastructure and technology investments and to enable an orderly phase-out of fuels eligible for the FTC scheme.

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.

Housing delivery

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

(1) notes that the Government is delivering on its commitments to ensure that more Australians have a safe and secure place to call home by:

(a) working with the states and territories to make renting easier, fairer, and more affordable;

(b) backing first home buyers with the expanded 5 per cent deposit scheme for first home buyers and the Help to Buy scheme; and

(c) building more homes, including more social and affordable homes around the country; and

(2) acknowledges that this housing delivery is already changing the lives of Australians who otherwise may not have had an opportunity to access home ownership or put a roof over their head.

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.

Housing

The order of the day having been read for the resumption of the debate on the motion of Mr Caldwell—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 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.

Education system

The order of the day having been read for the resumption of the debate on the motion of Ms J Ryan—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 resumed.

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—

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

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.

Neighbourhood and community centres

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

(1) recognises:

(a) the vital role of neighbourhood and community centres in providing essential social services to individuals and communities in need, particularly in the regions;

(b) neighbourhood and community centres provide critical relief and emergency support where other services do not exist; and

(c) the hard work and dedication of the staff and volunteers who work tirelessly and selflessly for others;

(2) expresses concern that many centres are underfunded and heavily reliant on ad hoc competitive grant funding from state and Commonwealth governments; and

(3) calls on the Government to provide long-term operational funding and dedicated infrastructure funding to secure the future of neighbourhood and community centres and the services each provide to people in desperate need of help.

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.

Suspension of meeting

At 1.30 pm, the Deputy Speaker left the Chair.

Resumption of meeting

At 4 pm, the Deputy Speaker resumed the Chair.

MEMBERS’ STATEMENTS

Members’ statements were made.

National Disability Insurance Scheme

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

(1) acknowledges increasing reports from participants, families and service providers that the Government’s mismanagement of the National Disability Insurance Scheme is resulting in reduced support packages, particularly for those with complex and high needs;

(2) notes evidence provided through National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) answers to Questions on Notice from Supplementary Budget Estimates showing that:

(a) eligibility reassessments increased from 12,366 in the fourth quarter of 2024-25 to 21,189 in the first quarter of 2025-26;

(b) reassessments resulting in revoked eligibility surged from 389 to 10,202 over the same period; and

(c) plan reviews led to a reduction of $436 million from participant plans in the first quarter of 2025-26;

(3) recognises the reports that these changes are often occurring behind the scenes, with limited explanation or transparency provided to participants and their families;

(4) condemns any approach to scheme sustainability that prioritises cutting participant supports over addressing systemic issues such as waste, red tape and fraud; and

(5) calls on the Government to restore transparency, consistency and accountability in decision making, including clear communication of reasons for funding changes and a renewed focus on fixing inefficiency and safeguarding the integrity of the scheme.

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.

Cultural celebrations and traditions

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

(1) notes:

(a) the rare convergence of Lunar New Year, Ramadan and Lent, which all commenced within 24 hours of 17 February 2026;

(b) this alignment has not been seen since the 19th century; and

(c) that other significant celebrations, including Holi and Passover, are also being observed by communities at this time;

(2) acknowledges and thanks the volunteers, faith leaders and community organisations who work tirelessly to mark these occasions and bring our communities together;

(3) recognises that these celebrations, across cultures and faith traditions, share common themes of reflection, generosity, renewal and hope; and

(4) affirms that Australia’s diversity is one of our great national strengths, and that moments like this remind us that our many traditions together form part of the shared Australian story.

Debate ensued.

Suspension of meeting

At 5.30 pm, a division having been called in the House, the proceedings were suspended.

Resumption of meeting

At 5.56 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.

Fuel supply

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

(1) notes reports of fuel wholesalers rationing petrol and diesel across Australia, raising serious concerns about fuel supply;

(2) condemns the Government’s failure to reassure Australians that a plan is in place to protect the nation’s fuel security;

(3) recognises Australia is a diesel-reliant economy, with fuel critical to transporting food, pharmaceuticals and essential goods;

(4) further notes the former Government introduced the Petroleum and Other Fuels Reporting Act to strengthen monitoring of Australia’s fuel supplies; and

(5) calls on the Government to urgently outline its fuel security strategy and use its powers to identify and protect industries at risk of fuel shortages, including farmers, fishers, manufacturers and transport operators.

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.

Superannuation

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

(1) acknowledges the Government’s work to make the super system fairer from top to bottom, helping workers earn more, keep more of what they earn, and retire with more;

(2) notes the passage of the Treasury Laws Amendment (Building a Stronger and Fairer Super System) Bill 2026, securing more super for around 1.3 million Australians, including around 750,000 women and 550,000 young people under the age of 30, through boosting the low income superannuation tax offset and better targeting tax concessions for large balances; and

(3) further notes that the superannuation system was built by a former Labor Government and this Government has fought to protect and strengthen it, including by:

(a) lifting the superannuation guarantee to 12 per cent;

(b) paying super on paid parental leave; and

(c) legislating payday super.

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.

Cost of living

The order of the day having been read for the resumption of the debate on the motion of Mr Rebello—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 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 7.31 pm, until 12.30 pm tomorrow.

Peter Banson

Clerk of the Federation Chamber