Members of Parliament (Staff) Amendment (Providing Certainty and Improving Integrity) Bill 2025

Stage by Stage

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

1. Monday 25 August 2025 · Senate

   First Reading
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2. Monday 25 August 2025 · Senate

   Second Reading

   Senator Wendy Askew moved the second reading of the bill, arguing that the Prime Minister had abused discretionary power over parliamentary staffing to weaken opposition scrutiny. The legislation proposes statutory minimum staffing levels for non-government parliamentarians to ensure transparency and integrity in resource distribution. Askew claimed the current system lacked clear criteria and allowed for political manipulation of staff allocations. The debate was adjourned after Askew sought leave to continue her remarks later.

   Outcome: Debate adjourned after leave was granted for the senator to continue remarks later.

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3. Thursday 28 August 2025 · Senate

   Second Reading

   The debate centred on whether the bill, which establishes minimum staffing levels for non-government parliamentarians, was necessary to prevent the Prime Minister from using staffing allocations as a political weapon. Coalition and crossbench members argued that the current discretionary system had been abused to punish dissent and reduce scrutiny, citing specific cuts to their staff. The Australian Greens opposed the bill, arguing it entrenched major party power and failed to reflect voter proportions, instead calling for an independent staffing tribunal. The Greens moved a second reading amendment urging the government to develop a fair, independent model, while other speakers highlighted workplace safety concerns and the lack of transparency in current allocations.

   Outcome: The transcript ends with the debate interrupted before a vote was taken.

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4. Wednesday 3 September 2025 · Senate

   Second Reading

   The debate concerned legislation to establish statutory minimum staffing guarantees for non-government parliamentarians, removing the Prime Minister's discretion to reduce these allocations. Senators from the Liberal Party and One Nation supported the bill, arguing that recent staffing cuts by the government were politically motivated and undermined parliamentary accountability. They contended that the Prime Minister had breached administrative law principles by failing to consult affected senators or provide reasons for reducing staff numbers. The bill aims to ensure fair resource distribution across all parties to maintain effective opposition and scrutiny. The bill passed the second reading with a vote of 40 to 23.

   Outcome: The bill passed the second reading with a division of 40 votes in favour and 23 against.

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5. Wednesday 3 September 2025 · Senate

   Third Reading
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