Defence Amendment (Parliamentary Joint Committee on Defence) Bill 2025

Stage by Stage

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

1. Wednesday 8 October 2025 · House of Representatives

   Second Reading

   The debate concerned the establishment of a dedicated parliamentary joint committee to oversee defence matters, addressing recommendations that existing oversight was inadequate. The Assistant Minister for Defence argued the bill would enhance accountability and transparency while maintaining national security through strict safeguards similar to those for intelligence oversight. The speech highlighted significant government investments in defence capabilities and infrastructure as context for the need for rigorous scrutiny. The debate concluded with the motion being adjourned, with no other members speaking.

   Outcome: The debate was adjourned.

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2. Tuesday 28 October 2025 · House of Representatives

   Reference to Federation Chamber
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3. Wednesday 29 October 2025 · House of Representatives

   Second Reading

   The debate focused on the establishment of a parliamentary joint committee for defence oversight. The Shadow Minister for Defence moved an amendment to ensure the committee's membership remained bipartisan, excluding crossbenchers, to prevent politicisation. He argued that the current strategic environment required increased defence spending and strict adherence to conventions similar to those governing intelligence committees. The speaker emphasised the need for sovereign capability, agility, and adequate funding to avoid a 'paper ADF'.

   Outcome: The amendment was moved by Angus Taylor to substitute the second reading address with a note on bipartisan membership and defence spending priorities.

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4. Thursday 30 October 2025 · House of Representatives

   Second Reading

   Members debated the Defence Amendment (Parliamentary Joint Committee on Defence) Bill 2025, which aimed to establish a new committee for classified oversight of defence operations and expenditure. Government members, including Tania Lawrence and Allegra Spender, supported the bill as a necessary reform to enhance transparency and accountability amidst a deteriorating strategic environment. Opposition and independent members raised concerns regarding the committee's composition, specifically the lack of guaranteed crossbench representation, and criticised the government's handling of separate veterans' legislation. The debate highlighted the tension between rigorous scrutiny of major investments like AUKUS and the need for bipartisan cooperation.

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5. Wednesday 5 November 2025 · House of Representatives

   Consideration in Detail

   The debate focused on amendments moved by Independent member Nicolette Boele to ensure crossbench representation on the new Parliamentary Joint Committee on Defence. Boele argued that excluding Independents and minor party members was undemocratic given their significant share of the primary vote. Assistant Minister Peter Khalil opposed the changes, citing the existing model of the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security as the appropriate standard. Independent Andrew Gee supported the amendments, criticising the major parties for marginalising crossbench voices. The amendments were ultimately defeated in a division.

   Outcome: The amendments were defeated in a division with 10 votes in favour and 98 against.

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6. Wednesday 5 November 2025 · House of Representatives

   Report from Federation Chamber
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7. Wednesday 5 November 2025 · House of Representatives

   Second Reading

   The debate concerned the establishment of a new Parliamentary Joint Committee on Defence to enhance oversight of defence decisions. The government supported the bill as a necessary measure for transparency in a complex strategic environment. Opposition members supported the principle of the committee but insisted it remain bipartisan, excluding crossbenchers and Greens members due to policy differences on defence spending and alliances. One independent member opposed the bill, arguing it undermined individual rights and criticised current defence procurement and gun laws.

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8. Wednesday 5 November 2025 · House of Representatives

   Third Reading
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9. Thursday 6 November 2025 · Senate

   First Reading
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10. Thursday 6 November 2025 · Senate

    Second Reading

    The Minister for Industry and Innovation introduced two bills to the Senate. The first bill implements customs duty waivers for goods related to the Nuclear-powered Submarine Partnership under the Geelong Treaty. The second bill establishes the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Defence to enhance oversight of defence matters, including the ability to handle classified information. The Minister argued these measures improve transparency and fulfill international obligations. The debate was adjourned without further speeches, and the bills were listed as separate orders of the day.

    Outcome: The debate was adjourned and the bills were ordered to be listed on the Notice Paper as separate orders of the day.

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11. Thursday 5 February 2026 · Senate

    In Committee

    The debate focused on amendments to expand the membership of the new Parliamentary Joint Committee on Defence to include crossbench and minor party representatives. Senator Shoebridge moved an amendment to guarantee seats for non-government and non-opposition members, arguing that excluding them undermined democratic scrutiny. Senator Roberts moved a separate amendment requiring representation from every minority party with at least five members. The government, represented by Senator McAllister, opposed both changes, maintaining that the existing framework allowing Prime Ministerial appointment in consultation with party leaders provided sufficient flexibility and followed established conventions. Both amendments were defeated in division.

    Outcome: The Greens amendment was not passed (12-26) and the One Nation amendment was not passed (13-28).

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12. Thursday 5 February 2026 · Senate

    Second Reading

    The Senate debated the establishment of a dedicated parliamentary joint committee on defence, modelled on the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security. The government and the Liberal Party supported the bill, arguing it would strengthen oversight of defence spending and strategy while protecting national security through classified briefings. The Greens opposed the legislation, characterising it as a mechanism for secrecy that would rubber-stamp major procurement decisions without genuine accountability. Independent Senator David Pocock indicated conditional support, requiring amendments to guarantee crossbench representation. The bill passed the Senate with a vote of 31 to 10.

    Outcome: The bill passed the Senate with a division result of 31 votes in favour and 10 against.

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13. Monday 2 March 2026 · Senate

    In Committee

    The Senate considered Amendment 1 to the Defence Amendment (Parliamentary Joint Committee on Defence) Bill 2025, moved by Senator Shoebridge. A division was required but could not be taken immediately due to the time. Senator Shoebridge argued against the bill, claiming it would facilitate secret pro-war groupthink and align Australia too closely with US military interests. The proceedings were paused to confirm procedural next steps.

    Outcome: The division on Amendment 1 was deferred to a later date because the time exceeded 6.30 pm.

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14. Tuesday 3 March 2026 · Senate

    In Committee

    The Senate considered an amendment moved by Senator Shoebridge to expand the membership of the proposed secret parliamentary committee on defence. Senator Shoebridge questioned whether the executive would consult the committee before supporting military actions, citing concerns about transparency and legality. Minister McAllister defended the executive prerogative over war powers and the necessity of classified oversight for national security. Senator Hanson-Young argued that the committee structure facilitated collusion between major parties and lacked public accountability. The amendment was defeated, and the bill was reported without amendment.

    Outcome: The amendment was defeated by a vote of 16 to 28, and the bill was reported without amendment.

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15. Tuesday 3 March 2026 · Senate

    Third Reading

    The Senate debated the third reading of the Defence Amendment (Parliamentary Joint Committee on Defence) Bill 2025. The Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme moved the motion for the bill to be read a third time. Two Greens senators opposed the bill, arguing it reduced transparency and accountability regarding military interventions, particularly in the context of recent US and Israeli strikes on Iran. They contended that the bill would create a secretive committee structure that fails to provide adequate public oversight of defence decisions and Australia's involvement in conflicts.

    Outcome: The transcript does not state the final result of the vote.

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16. Wednesday 4 March 2026 · Senate

    Third Reading
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