General Debate

Our Ways--Strong Ways--Our Voices

House of Representatives · Monday 23 March 2026

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

At a glance

The debate centred on a motion moved by the member for Lingiari and supported by the member for Bonner, which commended the new national plan backed by $218.3 million in funding. The member for McPherson opposed the motion, arguing that the government had a poor track record of delivering outcomes and had reduced parliamentary scrutiny of Indigenous programs. Other speakers, including members from Solomon, Kooyong, Hunter and Barton, supported the plan, highlighting its community-led approach, alignment with Closing the Gap targets, and specific interventions such as mobile outreach teams and programs for men and boys. The debate concluded without a recorded vote, as the session was adjourned.

Outcome

The debate was adjourned without a recorded vote.

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

How the debate unfolded

Opened the debate

Kara Cook (Bonner) (Australian Labor Party) ALP

Cook argued that the plan was a critical response to a national crisis, noting that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women faced a sevenfold higher risk of intimate partner homicide and were 27 times more prone to hospitalisation from family violence. Cook emphasised that the plan was developed in partnership with First Nations peoples and funded as many as 40 Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations to provide culturally safe services. Cook highlighted specific measures including mobile teams for remote areas, emergency accommodation, community playgroups, and behavioural change programs for men and boys. Cook stated that the plan addressed recommendations from Senate inquiries and contributed to Closing the Gap targets on family violence and out-of-home care.

Opposition response

Leon Rebello (McPherson) (Liberal National Party) LNP

Rebello argued that acknowledging the problem was not equivalent to solving it, stating that the government had consistently failed to deliver real outcomes despite numerous announcements. Rebello criticised the removal of standalone Senate estimates hearings for Indigenous matters, claiming this reduced accountability for taxpayer spending. Rebello pointed to worsening indicators in Closing the Gap targets, including incarceration and suicide rates, and questioned the effectiveness of previous funding initiatives. Rebello stated that the coalition would not support a motion that merely congratulated the government on spending without evidence of improved results.

Luke Gosling (Solomon) (Australian Labor Party) ALP support

Gosling supported the motion, noting that the plan was endorsed by all states and territories, including those led by the Liberal Party. Gosling highlighted the importance of community-led solutions and mentioned the Turtle Back program in Palmerston, which received federal funding to support adolescent boys. Gosling criticised the Northern Territory government for delays in establishing a youth engagement hub, arguing that jurisdictions must be held accountable for their lack of action.
Monique Ryan (Kooyong) (Independent) Ind support

Ryan supported the motion, citing statistics that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women were significantly more likely to experience violence and that family violence was a primary driver of child removal in Victoria. Ryan noted that while funding for Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations had increased, structural issues such as short-term funding cycles and lack of cultural safety in mainstream services persisted. Ryan argued that the plan provided a necessary framework to address these long-standing problems and respond to inquiry recommendations.
Dan Repacholi (Hunter) (Australian Labor Party) ALP support

Repacholi supported the motion, emphasising the need to engage men and boys in prevention efforts as part of his role as Special Envoy for Men's Health. Repacholi argued that addressing poor mental health, trauma, and rigid ideas about masculinity was essential to stopping violence before it started. Repacholi highlighted the importance of men's wellness centres and culturally grounded initiatives in helping men own up to their behaviour and foster respectful connections.
Ash Ambihaipahar (Barton) (Australian Labor Party) ALP support

Ambihaipahar supported the motion, stressing that the plan placed Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices at the centre of the response. Ambihaipahar referenced conversations with local organisations in Barton, noting the complex barriers women faced, including access to safe housing and culturally appropriate support. Ambihaipahar argued that the plan's focus on prevention, early intervention, and community-led healing was vital for translating policy into real outcomes for families.

Opened by

Kara Cook (Bonner) (Australian Labor Party)

ALP

Speeches

6 speeches, 4 other contributors

Topics

Family & Domestic Violence First Nations Women & Gender Equality

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About House of Representatives debates

The House of Representatives debates bills, motions and matters of public importance in its main chamber. Members from all parties can take part, and the responsible minister usually replies for the government. Summaries are in reported speech, not transcripts; always check the official record before quoting.