Take Note Debate
Senate · Thursday 24 July 2025
Official Hansard for this day (APH) · Read this debate on OpenAustralia
Senators debated the government's responses to questions on childcare protections, superannuation policy, and industrial challenges. The opposition criticised the lack of specific timelines for state-level childcare reforms and argued that high energy prices threatened jobs at copper smelters. Government senators defended their record on budget repair and superannuation increases, while welcoming bipartisan cooperation on child safety. The debate concluded with the motion being agreed to.
The question was agreed to.
Summary in reported speech - not a transcript. AI-generated, so check the official record before quoting.
Opened the debate
Antic moved the motion to take note of the answers given by ministers. Antic argued that the government had failed to address critical issues including housing affordability, energy market stability, and manufacturing decline. Antic contended that parliament had become dominated by lobbyists and bureaucrats rather than serving the public interest. Antic suggested that ministers were more focused on self-promotion than on governing effectively.
Government response
Darmanin defended the government's economic management, highlighting three rounds of tax cuts and progress in reducing debt. Darmanin emphasised that productivity improvements were a key focus for the second term, with a roundtable planned for August. Regarding superannuation, she noted that the guarantee had reached 12 per cent, adding significant value for average workers. Darmanin clarified that proposed changes to concessions would affect only a small fraction of high-balance accounts.
Opposition response
Kovacic addressed concerns about child safety in early education settings, noting that while funding withdrawal powers were positive, they were insufficient. Kovacic criticised the government for failing to set clear deadlines for states and territories to implement stronger protections. Kovacic argued that better information sharing between jurisdictions was urgently needed to prevent individuals with misconduct histories from working with children. Kovacic called for immediate leadership to ensure these reforms were enacted without delay.
Cox welcomed the opposition's bipartisan approach to child safety reforms and confirmed that urgent meetings were scheduled to address the issue. Cox stated that the government was working on a national child safety package to support the early childhood workforce. Cox also addressed questions regarding the minerals and metals processing sector, noting that the government was collaborating with states and industry to secure long-term viability.
Canavan criticised the Minister for Industry and Innovation for failing to provide a concrete plan to save jobs at the Townsville copper refinery and Mount Isa smelter. Canavan argued that skyrocketing energy prices, resulting from government policy, were threatening the viability of these facilities. Canavan cited union concerns about the impact of energy costs and trade issues on the industry. Canavan demanded an admission of fault and a tangible strategy to protect employment in North Queensland.