National Health Amendment (Passive Immunological Products) Bill 2026

Stage by Stage

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

1. Thursday 5 February 2026 · House of Representatives

   Second Reading

   The debate concerned a bill to expand the definition of vaccine in the National Health Act 1953. This change aims to allow new therapies, such as monoclonal antibodies, to be listed on the National Immunisation Program. The government argued this would improve access to treatments like Beyfortus for respiratory syncytial virus. The debate was adjourned without further speeches.

   Outcome: The debate was adjourned.

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2. Tuesday 10 February 2026 · House of Representatives

   Reference to Federation Chamber
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3. Tuesday 10 February 2026 · House of Representatives

   Second Reading

   The debate concerned a technical amendment to allow passive immunological products, such as those for respiratory syncytial virus, to be considered for listing on the National Immunisation Program. The sole speaker, Melissa Price, supported the bill as a necessary reform to ensure national consistency and affordable access for families. She argued that the legislation updates definitions to include products providing ready-made antibodies, which were previously excluded. While endorsing the bill, she criticised the government for delays in health technology assessments and an aged-care crisis that pressures hospitals.

   Outcome: The debate was adjourned.

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4. Wednesday 11 February 2026 · House of Representatives

   Second Reading

   The debate centred on amending the National Health Act 1953 to include passive immunological products, such as monoclonal antibodies, in the National Immunisation Program. Monique Ryan supported the bill but moved an amendment highlighting inequities in vaccine funding across jurisdictions and declining immunisation rates. Rebecca White, representing the government, acknowledged the concerns but opposed the amendment to ensure the bill's passage. The amendment was defeated, and the bill was read a second time.

   Outcome: The amendment was negated, the original question was agreed to, and the bill was read a second time.

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5. Thursday 12 February 2026 · House of Representatives

   Report from Federation Chamber
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6. Thursday 12 February 2026 · House of Representatives

   Third Reading
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7. Tuesday 3 March 2026 · Senate

   Second Reading

   Assistant Minister Anthony Chisholm moved the second reading of four government bills in the Senate. The legislation covered national security powers, immunisation program definitions, social security technical corrections, and veterans' affairs reforms. Chisholm argued that the measures were necessary to update legal frameworks, improve service delivery, and implement previous reform commitments. The debate was adjourned without a vote, with the bills listed for future consideration.

   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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8. Tuesday 3 March 2026 · Senate

   First Reading
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9. Wednesday 1 April 2026 · Senate

   Limitation of Debate
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