Australian Centre for Disease Control Bill 2025

Stage by Stage

Summaries in reported speech - not a transcript. In date order, both chambers.

1. Wednesday 3 September 2025 · House of Representatives

   Second Reading

   The debate focused on the establishment of a statutory Australian Centre for Disease Control to strengthen national public health capability and pandemic preparedness. The sole speaker, Mark Butler, argued that the bill addresses critical gaps identified in the independent COVID-19 response inquiry, particularly regarding data sharing and fragmented planning. He outlined the agency's independence, funding commitments, and phased implementation strategy, including a review in 2028. The debate concluded with the bill being commended to the chamber and the debate adjourned.

   Outcome: The debate was adjourned after the bill was commended to the chamber.

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2. Wednesday 8 October 2025 · House of Representatives

   Second Reading

   The debate concerned the establishment of a statutory Australian Centre for Disease Control to improve national health preparedness. Government members argued the agency was necessary to address coordination failures exposed during the pandemic and to align Australia with international standards. Opposition members opposed the bills, citing concerns over transparency, the concentration of power, and the lack of public hearings during the committee inquiry. The debate concluded with the adjournment of discussion, with the opposition indicating they would vote against the legislation.

   Outcome: The debate was adjourned.

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3. Thursday 9 October 2025 · House of Representatives

   Second Reading

   Members debated the establishment of an independent Australian Centre for Disease Control to improve pandemic preparedness and public health coordination. Government members supported the bill as a necessary response to pandemic lessons, while the National Party and Opposition opposed it due to concerns over transparency, excessive bureaucratic power, and the exclusion of chronic disease prevention. Independent and Greens members welcomed the agency but raised issues regarding leadership independence, scope limitations, and the need for explicit climate change mandates. The debate concluded without a final vote being recorded in the provided transcripts.

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4. Monday 27 October 2025 · House of Representatives

   Consideration in Detail

   Independent members moved amendments to broaden the scope of the proposed Australian Centre for Disease Control, mandate biennial reporting on climate change and pandemic preparedness, and enforce independent selection processes for leadership and statutory reviews. The Minister acknowledged the crossbench's expertise and expressed sympathy for some proposals but opposed changes regarding occupational health, citing existing responsibilities of Safe Work Australia. The Minister committed to ongoing dialogue as the bill progresses through the Senate. All amendments moved by the independent members were defeated in divisions.

   Outcome: Amendments moved by Monique Ryan, Helen Haines, and Sophie Scamps were not passed, with divisions resulting in votes of 12-75 and 11-64 against the amendments.

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5. Monday 27 October 2025 · House of Representatives

   Second Reading

   The debate centred on establishing an independent Australian Centre for Disease Control to improve pandemic preparedness and public health coordination. Government members argued the agency would address gaps identified in the COVID-19 Response Inquiry, ensuring transparent, evidence-based advice and better data management. Opposition members raised concerns about the bill's interaction with biosecurity laws and warned against excessive state power and spending, citing past pandemic responses as overly restrictive. The legislation passed the House of Representatives with a division result of 101 to 38.

   Outcome: The bill passed the House of Representatives with a division result of 101 votes in favour and 38 against.

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6. Monday 27 October 2025 · House of Representatives

   Consideration in Detail
   See who spoke

7. Monday 27 October 2025 · House of Representatives

   Third Reading
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8. Thursday 30 October 2025 · Senate

   Second Reading

   The debate concerned the establishment of a statutory Australian Centre for Disease Control to improve national health preparedness. The Shadow Minister for Health opposed the legislation, citing concerns over transparency, data privacy, and the structure of the agency, while moving amendments to address these issues. The Labor senator supported the bills, arguing they fulfilled a government commitment to create an independent body for evidence-based health advice and data coordination. The debate highlighted divergent views on the necessity of the agency and the adequacy of existing safeguards.

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9. Wednesday 5 November 2025 · Senate

   In Committee

   The Senate debated amendments to the Australian Centre for Disease Control Bill 2025 during consideration in committee. Senator Steele-John moved amendments to mandate disability representation on the advisory council, require annual reporting on pandemic preparedness and climate health impacts, and strengthen public health research functions. The government accepted these amendments, with Minister McAllister confirming the inclusion of a disabled representative and the broader goals of the new agency. Senator Roberts opposed the bill, raising concerns about lack of scrutiny, potential for dangerous research, and freedom of information exemptions, while Senator Thorpe questioned the exclusion of racism as a specific health determinant. Senator Pocock supported the bill and the decision to locate the centre in Canberra, highlighting the need for climate health advice and broader prevention strategies.

   Outcome: The amendments moved by Senator Steele-John were accepted by the government and proceeded to be considered.

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10. Wednesday 5 November 2025 · Senate

    Limitation of Debate

    The Senate debated amendments to the Australian Centre for Disease Control Bill 2025 and its consequential amendments bill. Various groups, including the Australian Greens, Pauline Hanson's One Nation, and Independent Senator David Pocock, moved amendments addressing issues such as the appointment processes for the Director-General and Advisory Council, information-gathering powers, and data sharing. The government tabled an addendum to the explanatory memorandum addressing concerns from scrutiny committees. The bills were ultimately passed with amendments.

    Outcome: The bills were agreed to with amendments, reported with amendments, and the report was adopted.

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11. Thursday 6 November 2025 · House of Representatives

    Consideration of Senate Message

    The Prime Minister moved that the House agree to the amendments proposed by the Senate regarding the Australian Centre for Disease Control Bill 2025. Albanese argued that the legislation fulfilled a long-standing commitment to establish an independent statutory agency to improve national health preparedness, drawing on lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent inquiry. He highlighted that the agency would provide consistent advice and coordinate responses to public health threats. The amendments were agreed to, and the bill passed the House.

    Outcome: The amendments were agreed to and the bill passed with a division of 99 to 37.

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