Question Time AU

Bill Debate · Consideration of Senate Message

Australian Centre for Disease Control Bill 2025; Consideration of Senate Message

House of Representatives · Thursday 6 November 2025

Official Hansard for this day (APH) · Read this debate on OpenAustralia

At a glance

The Prime Minister moved that the House agree to the amendments proposed by the Senate regarding the Australian Centre for Disease Control Bill 2025. Albanese argued that the legislation fulfilled a long-standing commitment to establish an independent statutory agency to improve national health preparedness, drawing on lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent inquiry. He highlighted that the agency would provide consistent advice and coordinate responses to public health threats. The amendments were agreed to, and the bill passed the House.

Outcome

The amendments were agreed to and the bill passed with a division of 99 to 37.

Summary in reported speech - not a transcript. AI-generated, so check the official record before quoting.

How the debate unfolded

Opened the debate

Anthony Albanese (Grayndler) (Australian Labor Party) ALP

Albanese supported the amendments, stating they improved the legislation based on advice received during the policy development process. Albanese argued that establishing the Australian Centre for Disease Control addressed a critical gap in Australia's health infrastructure, noting the country was the only OECD nation without such an agency. Albanese linked the bill to recommendations from the COVID-19 inquiry, emphasizing the need for better preparedness, including drills and a robust National Medical Stockpile. Albanese confirmed the agency would operate as an independent statutory body led by a director-general, commencing operations on 1 January.

Votes during this debate

Division 1: Australian Centre for Disease Control Bill 2025; Consideration of Senate Message Passed 99–37