Question Time AU

Bill Debate · First Reading

Fair Work Amendment (Fairer Fuel) Bill 2026; First Reading

Senate · Thursday 26 March 2026

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

At a glance

The Senate considered the first reading of the Fair Work Amendment (Fairer Fuel) Bill 2026. The Minister for Early Childhood Education and Youth moved that the bill proceed without formalities and be read a first time. A statement of reasons was tabled to justify urgent consideration during the current sittings, citing rising fuel costs and their impact on the road transport industry. The Senate granted leave for the statement to be incorporated into Hansard and agreed to the motion.

Outcome

The bill was read a first time and leave was granted to consider it during the current sittings.

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

How the debate unfolded

Opened the debate

Jess Walsh (VIC) (Australian Labor Party) ALP

Walsh moved that the bill proceed without formalities and be read a first time. Walsh also sought leave to suspend standing order 111 to allow consideration during the current sittings. Walsh tabled a statement of reasons explaining that the bill would amend the Fair Work Act 2009. The amendment would allow the Fair Work Commission to issue road transport contractual chain orders quickly. This power would only be exercisable if the Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations deemed it in the public interest and expressly authorised the Commission.