Defence Housing Australia Amendment Bill 2025

Stage by Stage

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

1. Thursday 24 July 2025 · House of Representatives

   Second Reading

   The Minister for Veterans' Affairs introduced legislation to expand the functions of Defence Housing Australia. The bill aims to provide housing for foreign military personnel, particularly those involved in the AUKUS partnership, as well as philanthropic organisations supporting defence members. It also creates a mechanism for the minister to extend housing services to other categories of people in the future. The debate was adjourned after the minister's opening speech.

   Outcome: Debate adjourned.

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2. Wednesday 30 July 2025 · House of Representatives

   Reference to Federation Chamber
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3. Wednesday 30 July 2025 · House of Representatives

   Report from Federation Chamber
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4. Wednesday 30 July 2025 · House of Representatives

   Second Reading

   The debate concerned the Defence Housing Australia Amendment Bill 2025, which expands the agency's remit to house allied personnel for AUKUS operations. Opposition members supported the bill's principles but moved a second reading amendment to highlight the lack of additional funding and a supply-side housing strategy. They argued that without increased defence spending and concrete delivery plans, the government risks failing to meet its alliance commitments. The opposition warned that underfunding could crowd out housing for Australian Defence Force personnel and undermine national security credibility.

   Outcome: The second reading amendment moved by Angus Taylor was noted in the debate; the transcript does not state the final vote result.

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5. Wednesday 30 July 2025 · House of Representatives

   Third Reading
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6. Thursday 31 July 2025 · Senate

   Second Reading

   Tim Ayres moved the second reading of four government bills in the Senate. He argued that the ASIO bill extends compulsory questioning powers to allow for necessary reforms, while the Defence Housing bill expands housing support to include AUKUS personnel and partner organisations. Ayres stated the pathology bill repeals outdated fees to reduce administrative burden, and the Pacific Banking Guarantee bill secures financial services in the region through Commonwealth guarantees. The debate was adjourned to the next sitting period.

   Outcome: Further consideration of the second reading was postponed until the first sitting day of the next parliamentary session.

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7. Thursday 31 July 2025 · Senate

   First Reading
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8. Monday 25 August 2025 · Senate

   In Committee

   The Senate considered amendments to the Defence Housing Australia Amendment Bill 2025, which sought to expand the agency's capacity to provide housing for foreign personnel and contractors. Senators questioned the Minister regarding funding sources, environmental impacts, and security vetting for proposed housing developments, particularly in Western Australia. The Greens moved amendments to restrict housing provision to Australian personnel and charities, but these were not passed. The bill was ultimately agreed to without amendment.

   Outcome: The amendments moved by the Greens were not passed, and the bill was agreed to without amendment.

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9. Monday 25 August 2025 · Senate

   Second Reading

   The Senate debated the Defence Housing Australia Amendment Bill 2025, which sought to expand the agency's mandate to house foreign military personnel and contractors to support AUKUS commitments. The government and coalition supported the legislation as vital for national security, while the Greens opposed it, arguing it prioritized foreign troops over Australians facing a housing crisis and raised environmental concerns at Lee Point. Crossbenchers and coalition members moved amendments to ensure priority for Australian defence members and full cost recovery, but these were rejected by the Senate. The debate concluded with the passage of the bill after the proposed amendments were defeated.

   Outcome: The Senate passed the bill with 38 votes in favour and 23 against, after rejecting two amendments with votes of 25-35 and 16-28 respectively.

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10. Monday 25 August 2025 · Senate

    Third Reading
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