Bill Debate · Consideration in Detail
House of Representatives · Tuesday 4 November 2025
Official Hansard for this day (APH) · Read this debate on OpenAustralia
The House considered the Regulatory Reform Omnibus Bill 2025 in detail. Andrew Leigh moved a government amendment to limit reduction periods to six months, which was agreed to. Allegra Spender discussed a case involving Major Caitlin Pedel, who was denied paid parental leave due to overseas deployment, and noted assurances from the Deputy Prime Minister regarding legislative changes. Leigh responded that the government is exploring options to expand leave access and confirmed that the Commonwealth covered legal costs for the affected service member. The bill was passed as amended.
The government amendment was agreed to, and the bill, as amended, was agreed to.
Summary in reported speech - not a transcript. AI-generated, so check the official record before quoting.
Opened the debate
Leigh presented a supplementary explanatory memorandum and moved a government amendment to Schedule 4. The amendment inserted a provision stating that any reduction period must not exceed six months, though the Minister could make additional reductions for specific products. Leigh argued this change clarified the operational limits of the reductions under the bill. Leigh later responded to concerns raised by Spender regarding defence personnel leave entitlements.
Spender commended the government for introducing the legislation but argued it needed to be more ambitious in balancing regulation and growth. Spender discussed the case of Major Caitlin Pedel, who was denied paid parental leave due to overseas deployment, noting that Services Australia had taken the matter to the Federal Court despite an Administrative Review Tribunal ruling in her favour. Spender stated she would withdraw her proposed amendment after receiving assurances from the Deputy Prime Minister that legislative changes would be made to ensure future access to leave for defence members and their spouses.