Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility Amendment Bill 2026

Stage by Stage

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

1. Wednesday 4 March 2026 · House of Representatives

   Second Reading

   The debate concerned amendments to the Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility Act 2016 to extend its investment window and improve governance. The Minister for Northern Australia moved the bill, highlighting its role in supporting economic growth and job creation in the north. Key changes included extending the facility's operational period by ten years and strengthening accountability mechanisms. The Minister cited successful investments in critical minerals, housing, and agriculture as evidence of the facility's value. The debate concluded with the motion being carried without opposition.

   Outcome: The debate was adjourned and the bill was passed.

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2. Tuesday 10 March 2026 · House of Representatives

   Second Reading

   The debate concerned the extension of the Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility for ten years, covering the period between 30 June 2026 and 30 June 2036. David Littleproud, representing the federal coalition, argued in favour of the bill, citing an independent review that highlighted the facility's economic importance and stakeholder trust. He noted that the review recommended removing the time limit entirely, though the bill proposed a ten-year extension. Littleproud emphasised the facility's track record of delivering public benefit and supporting jobs in northern Australia. The debate concluded with the motion being supported by the coalition.

   Outcome: The debate was adjourned with the federal coalition supporting the legislation.

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3. Tuesday 10 March 2026 · House of Representatives

   Reference to Federation Chamber
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4. Wednesday 11 March 2026 · House of Representatives

   Consideration in Detail

   The debate focused on amendments to the Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility Amendment Bill 2026, specifically regarding the prohibition of funding for gas facilities and mandatory consultation with First Nations Australians. Independent members Zali Steggall and Kate Chaney moved amendments to align the facility with climate targets and prevent public subsidy of profitable fossil fuel projects. The Minister for Northern Australia, Madeleine King, opposed these changes, arguing that existing mandates already ensure Indigenous engagement and that gas infrastructure supports grid stability during the energy transition. Bob Katter raised concerns about environmental management in northern Queensland, while Elizabeth Watson-Brown moved a separate amendment to ban funding for coal, gas, and native forest logging. The amendments were not passed.

   Outcome: The amendments moved by Steggall and Watson-Brown were not passed, with divisions resulting in 7 votes against and 68 votes for the government position.

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5. Wednesday 11 March 2026 · House of Representatives

   Report from Federation Chamber
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6. Wednesday 11 March 2026 · House of Representatives

   Second Reading

   The debate centred on extending the Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility (NAIF) operations until 2036 and strengthening its governance. Government members argued the extension was vital for northern economic development, job creation, and social infrastructure, citing significant returns on investment. Opposition and independent members supported the extension but raised concerns about the lack of permanent status and the potential for public funds to support fossil fuel projects. The Greens and an independent member moved amendments to prohibit funding for coal, gas, and native logging, which were not accepted. The bill passed its second reading.

   Outcome: The bill was read a second time and passed.

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7. Wednesday 11 March 2026 · House of Representatives

   Third Reading
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8. Thursday 12 March 2026 · Senate

   First Reading
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9. Thursday 12 March 2026 · Senate

   Second Reading

   The Senate debated the Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility Amendment Bill 2026, which sought to extend the facility's investment window and improve governance. Minister Jess Walsh moved the bill, highlighting its role in supporting economic growth and job creation in Northern Australia. The speech detailed specific amendments regarding accountability, ministerial oversight, and future statutory reviews. No other members spoke, and the debate was adjourned without a recorded vote in the transcript.

   Outcome: The debate was adjourned.

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10. Monday 29 June 2026 · Senate

    Second Reading

    The Senate debated the extension of the Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility (NAIF) for ten years, with the government supporting the bill to provide certainty for regional development. The Coalition supported the extension but foreshadowed amendments to make the facility permanent, citing an independent review recommendation. The Greens opposed the unamended bill, proposing changes to prevent funding for fossil fuel and native logging projects. One Nation supported the bill but moved an amendment to remove net zero and First Nations outcome mandates from the NAIF's investment criteria. The debate concluded with the Liberal Party associating with the Coalition's position.

    Outcome: The transcript ends during the speech of Senator Dean Smith; no final vote result is recorded.

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11. Tuesday 30 June 2026 · Senate

    In Committee

    The Senate debated amendments to the Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility Amendment Bill 2026 during consideration in detail. The National Party moved amendments to adjust the timing and frequency of statutory reviews, while the Greens proposed banning public funding for coal, gas, and native forest logging projects. The government opposed the Greens' amendment, arguing that the existing investment mandate and ministerial veto powers were sufficient to ensure alignment with climate goals and economic transition. The National Party's amendments were defeated, the Greens' amendment was rejected, and the bill was subsequently passed.

    Outcome: The National Party amendments were not passed, the Greens amendment was not passed, and the bill was passed.

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12. Tuesday 30 June 2026 · Senate

    Second Reading

    The Senate debated the Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility Amendment Bill 2026, which proposes extending the facility's operation for ten years. Coalition senators supported the bill's principles but moved an amendment to make the facility permanent, citing independent review recommendations. The government minister defended the ten-year extension as a measured approach that ensures accountability. The amendment to make the facility permanent was defeated, and the bill was subsequently passed.

    Outcome: The amendment to make the facility permanent was defeated, and the bill was passed.

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13. Tuesday 30 June 2026 · Senate

    Third Reading
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