Alison Byrnes
Australian Labor Party Member for Cunningham
Currently sitting
Photo: Commonwealth of Australia (Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water), CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Seat and party history (1)
- Australian Labor Party - Cunningham (House) - 21 May 2022 to present
- Seat and party records: OpenAustralia member data.
Contact
Electorate office: (02) 4228 5899
74 Crown Street, Wollongong NSW 2500
Office details: Parliament of Australia, CC BY-NC-ND 4.0.
Contact details on aph.gov.au Profile on OpenAustraliaNot sure if this is your member? Find your electorate (AEC)
These counts cover what is on this site only. They do not measure electorate work or committee work.
Compared with other members
Alison Byrnes compared with all 150 sitting House members.
Questions asked in Question Time
Same as the median- This member
- 12
- Average
- 11.2
- Median
- 12
Debates spoken in
Lower than 53% of House members- This member
- 28
- Average
- 35.9
- Median
- 30.5
Votes cast
Higher than 92% of House members- This member
- 324
- Average
- 253.0
- Median
- 265
Share of divisions voted in
Higher than 81% of House members- This member
- 98%
- Average
- 79%
- Median
- 81%
Read these with care
- The median is the middle member: half did more, half did less. It is less affected by a few very active members than the average.
- Ministers answer questions rather than ask them, and the presiding officers rarely vote, so their patterns differ.
- Government backbenchers are often given arranged "Dorothy Dixer" questions, which raises their question counts.
- Votes only record ayes and noes, so a missed vote cannot be told apart from a pair (an agreed absence).
- Counts cover only what is on this site, and do not measure electorate or committee work. New members have less history.
Question Time
Question from Alison Byrnes
The member asked how the proposed digital duty of care would help tackle gender-based violence and better protect children.
Background: The government proposed a digital duty of care to address online harms linked to real-world violence.
Answer from Tanya Plibersek
The minister cited a 70 per cent increase in sexual violence rates, particularly among young people, and noted that almost 60 per cent of young Australians had experienced sexual strangulation. She argued that online content feeds real-world harm, with misogynistic content appearing within 23 minutes of account creation. The government had already introduced age verification for pornography and restrictions on social media for under-16s. The digital duty of care would obligate platforms to keep users safe, addressing the algorithmic promotion of harmful content.
Question from Alison Byrnes
The member asked how the government was delivering higher wages and more jobs, and what the biggest threats to this progress were.
Background: The member asked about government delivery on wages and jobs, and threats to this progress.
Answer from Amanda Rishworth
The Minister highlighted annual minimum wage increases, same job same pay reforms, and new standards for gig workers. She noted that over 1.3 million jobs had been added since the government was elected and that unemployment remained low. The Minister identified the potential formation of a government by the Liberal, National, and One Nation parties as the biggest threat to wages and jobs, citing their opposition to wage increases and worker protections.
Question from Alison Byrnes
The member asked how the government is delivering on commitments to strengthen paid parental leave and support families.
Background: The government has expanded paid parental leave entitlements.
Answer from Tanya Plibersek
The minister stated that families now receive around $30,000 in paid parental leave, more than double the amount when the government took office, with higher rates and longer durations for subsequent children. She highlighted increases in family tax benefits, higher wages, lower taxes, and free power. She criticized the opposition and One Nation for opposing these measures and advocating for lower wages.
Question from Alison Byrnes
The member asked how the government is finishing the rollout of a reliable broadband network and what other approaches have been considered.
Background: A government member asked the Minister for Communications about the rollout of the national broadband network.
Answer from Anika Wells
The Minister reported that 90 per cent of the fixed-line network now accesses gigabit speeds, following the upgrade of 1.5 million premises from copper to fibre. She noted that the Fixed Wireless and Satellite Upgrade Program, funded by $480 million, is complete, providing faster speeds. She highlighted an investment of up to $3 billion to upgrade the final 622,000 premises. She emphasized that the government opposes privatization of the NBN, unlike the opposition.
Question from Alison Byrnes
The member asked how the government was addressing family, domestic, and sexual violence.
Background: A government member asked the Minister for Social Services how the government was working to reduce family, domestic, and sexual violence.
Answer from Tanya Plibersek
The Minister highlighted consultations on the second action plan under the National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children. She noted legislative work to prevent perpetrators from receiving superannuation death benefits and reforms to the child support system. The Minister mentioned a $4.4 billion investment in violence prevention, including funding for the 500 Workers program and 1800RESPECT, and emphasized the need to address evolving threats like tech-facilitated abuse.
Question from Alison Byrnes
The member asked what action the government was taking to reform higher education and build the future workforce.
Background: Reforms to higher education were underway.
Answer from Jason Clare
The Minister referenced the Australian Universities Accord and listed actions including cutting student debt, rolling out paid pracs, and expanding free TAFE. He noted the passage of legislation to establish the Australian Tertiary Education Commission (ATEC) to break down barriers between TAFE and university. He mentioned upcoming legislation to guarantee university places for students from disadvantaged backgrounds and regions. He also highlighted the National Student Ombudsman and stronger powers for TEQSA.
Question from Alison Byrnes
The member asked how the government is supporting working Australians and how this compares to other approaches.
Background: Support for working Australians.
Answer from Amanda Rishworth
The Minister highlighted the introduction of the right to disconnect and strengthened access to flexible work, noting that work-from-home policies can save workers up to $110 per week. She criticized the opposition for voting against these measures and for previously committing to abolish work-from-home arrangements, a policy their own election review deemed unsympathetic to women's needs. She argued that only Labor supports work-life balance.
Question from Alison Byrnes
The member asked about the outcomes of the Prime Minister's visit to Indonesia and the importance of regional relationships for Australians.
Background: The Prime Minister had recently visited Indonesia to strengthen bilateral ties.
Answer from Anthony Albanese
The Prime Minister highlighted the signing of the Treaty of Jakarta 2026 with President Prabowo Subianto, building on three decades of defence cooperation. He announced new defence measures, including embedding a senior Indonesian officer in the Australian Defence Force, supporting joint training facilities, and expanding military education exchanges. He emphasised that these partnerships enhance regional peace, security, and prosperity.
Question from Alison Byrnes
The member asked what the government was doing to build more houses and whether there were any risks to the delivery of these homes.
Background: The housing crisis was a key issue. The question sought to outline government actions to build homes and identify risks to delivery.
Answer from Clare O'Neil
The minister stated that the government was reforming environmental laws to reduce approval times for housing from years to weeks. She highlighted the delivery of 55,000 social and affordable homes and a 15 per cent increase in building approvals. She identified the opposition's division and failure to support environmental reforms as a risk to delivery.
Question from Alison Byrnes
The member asked how the government's investment in urgent care clinics was helping Australians access care and how these clinics strengthened Medicare after years of neglect.
Background: The government had invested in Medicare urgent care clinics to strengthen healthcare access. Two clinics were already operating in the Illawarra region, serving thousands of patients.
Answer from Mark Butler
The minister noted that bulk-billing clinics in the member's electorate had quadrupled in a week. He highlighted that the Corrimal urgent care clinic had treated 30,000 people, including a health reporter who praised the service. The Dapto clinic had treated 20,000 people. He announced that a provider for the Shellharbour clinic would be named soon. He stated that once all 50 clinics were open, two million people annually would receive high-quality urgent care.
Question from Alison Byrnes
The member asked what the government was doing to provide improved options, reduced expenses, and enhanced healthcare for women.
Background: The government was promoting its investments in women's health services and cost reductions.
Answer from Catherine King
The minister highlighted a $790 million women's health package announced earlier in the year. This included cheaper contraceptives on the PBS, expanded Medicare support for menopause, and new rebates for menopause health assessments. Over 22 endometriosis and pelvic pain clinics had opened, with 11 more planned. The minister noted that over 212,000 women had accessed the new menopause assessment scheme since 1 July 2025, and a new menopausal hormone therapy had been listed on the PBS.
Question from Alison Byrnes
The member asked how the government was helping people with housing stress, what challenges existed, and whether alternative approaches would leave people worse off.
Background: A government member asked about assistance for those facing housing stress.
Answer from Clare O'Neil
The Minister highlighted the $32 billion investment in housing, including 55,000 social and affordable homes through the Housing Australia Future Fund. She noted that the first round would deliver 13,700 new homes. She criticized the opposition for blocking the Housing Australia Future Fund, build-to-rent schemes, and the Help to Buy program, stating these actions would leave people worse off.
Other Parliamentary Activity
-
Wage Justice for Early Childhood Education and Care Workers (Special Account) (Extending Support and Strengthening Safety) Bill 2026; Second Reading
House of Representatives · Monday 7 September 2026 · Second Reading
Opened this debate
-
Wage Justice for Early Childhood Education and Care Workers (Special Account) (Extending Support and Strengthening Safety) Bill 2026; Second Reading
House of Representatives · Thursday 20 August 2026 · Second Reading
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Aged Care
House of Representatives · Monday 17 August 2026 · General Debate
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Interactive Gambling Amendment (Gambling Reform) Bill 2026, National Self-exclusion Register (Cost Recovery Levy) Amendment Bill 2026; Second Reading
House of Representatives · Wednesday 12 August 2026 · Second Reading
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Electric Vehicles
House of Representatives · Monday 22 June 2026 · General Debate
Opened this debate
-
Appropriation Bill (No. 1) 2026-2027; Consideration in Detail
House of Representatives · Wednesday 3 June 2026 · Consideration in Detail
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026; Second Reading
House of Representatives · Wednesday 27 May 2026 · Second Reading
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Appropriation Bill (No. 1) 2026-2027, Appropriation Bill (No. 2) 2026-2027, Appropriation (Parliamentary Departments) Bill (No. 1) 2026-2027; Second Reading
House of Representatives · Wednesday 27 May 2026 · Second Reading
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Cost of Living
House of Representatives · Monday 25 May 2026 · General Debate
Contributed to this debate · Position: oppose
-
Housing
House of Representatives · Monday 30 March 2026 · General Debate
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Treasury Laws Amendment (Genetic Testing Protections in Life Insurance and Other Measures) Bill 2025; Second Reading
House of Representatives · Wednesday 25 March 2026 · Second Reading
Opened this debate
-
Energy
House of Representatives · Monday 9 February 2026 · General Debate
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Jonceski, Mr Ljupco (Luch)
House of Representatives · Thursday 5 February 2026 · Condolence
Contributed to this debate
-
Bondi Beach Attack Victims
House of Representatives · Monday 19 January 2026 · Condolence
Contributed to this debate
-
Richardson, Hon. Graham Frederick, AO
House of Representatives · Thursday 27 November 2025 · Condolence
Contributed to this debate
-
VET Student Loans (Miscellaneous Measures) Bill 2025; Second Reading
House of Representatives · Tuesday 25 November 2025 · Second Reading
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Mental Health
House of Representatives · Monday 24 November 2025 · General Debate
Opened this debate
-
Communications Legislation Amendment (Australian Content Requirement for Subscription Video On Demand (Streaming) Services) Bill 2025; Second Reading
House of Representatives · Monday 24 November 2025 · Second Reading
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Excise Tariff Amendment (Draught Beer) Bill 2025, Customs Tariff Amendment (Draught Beer) Bill 2025; Second Reading
House of Representatives · Monday 3 November 2025 · Second Reading
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Telecommunications
House of Representatives · Wednesday 8 October 2025 · Matter of Public Importance
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Secure Jobs, Better Pay Review
House of Representatives · Monday 1 September 2025 · General Debate
Opened this debate
-
Repeal Net Zero Bill 2025; Second Reading
House of Representatives · Monday 1 September 2025 · Second Reading
Contributed to this debate · Position: oppose
-
National Health Amendment (Cheaper Medicines) Bill 2025; Second Reading
House of Representatives · Wednesday 27 August 2025 · Second Reading
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Small Business
House of Representatives · Monday 25 August 2025 · General Debate
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
National Disability Insurance Scheme
House of Representatives · Monday 25 August 2025 · General Debate
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Telecommunications Amendment (Enhancing Consumer Safeguards) Bill 2025; Second Reading
House of Representatives · Thursday 27 March 2025 · Second Reading
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Early Childhood Education and Care (Three Day Guarantee) Bill 2025; Second Reading
House of Representatives · Wednesday 12 February 2025 · Second Reading
Contributed to this debate
-
Cost of Living
House of Representatives · Tuesday 11 February 2025 · Matter of Public Importance
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
- Votes recorded
- 324
- Aye votes (49.1%)
- 159
- No votes (50.9%)
- 165
Showing the latest 50 votes.
-
Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Veterans' Healthcare With...
17 Sep 2026 · Ayes 85, Noes 40 · Passed
VOTED AYE -
Rearrangement
17 Sep 2026 · Ayes 42, Noes 87 · Failed
VOTED NO -
Suspension of Standing and Sessional Orders
17 Sep 2026 · Ayes 42, Noes 89 · Failed
VOTED NO -
Suspension of Standing and Sessional Orders
16 Sep 2026 · Ayes 85, Noes 44 · Passed
VOTED AYE -
Private Health Insurance Amendment (Modernising the Private Health Insurance ...
16 Sep 2026 · Ayes 88, Noes 48 · Passed
VOTED AYE -
Private Health Insurance Amendment (Modernising the Private Health Insurance ...
16 Sep 2026 · Ayes 87, Noes 48 · Passed
VOTED AYE -
Private Health Insurance Amendment (Modernising the Private Health Insurance ...
16 Sep 2026 · Ayes 9, Noes 85 · Failed
VOTED NO -
Private Health Insurance Amendment (Modernising the Private Health Insurance ...
16 Sep 2026 · Ayes 86, Noes 47 · Passed
VOTED AYE -
Private Health Insurance Amendment (Modernising the Private Health Insurance ...
16 Sep 2026 · Ayes 45, Noes 87 · Failed
VOTED NO -
Private Health Insurance Amendment (Modernising the Private Health Insurance ...
16 Sep 2026 · Ayes 46, Noes 86 · Failed
VOTED NO -
Rearrangement
16 Sep 2026 · Ayes 84, Noes 13 · Passed
VOTED AYE -
Rearrangement
15 Sep 2026 · Ayes 49, Noes 87 · Failed
VOTED NO -
Consideration of Legislation
15 Sep 2026 · Ayes 69, Noes 10 · Passed
VOTED AYE -
Consideration of Legislation
14 Sep 2026 · Ayes 43, Noes 87 · Failed
VOTED NO -
Regulatory Reform Omnibus Bill 2026; Consideration of Senate Message
14 Sep 2026 · Ayes 95, Noes 43 · Passed
VOTED AYE -
Regulatory Reform Omnibus Bill 2026; Consideration of Senate Message
14 Sep 2026 · Ayes 95, Noes 42 · Passed
VOTED AYE -
Albanese Government; Attempted Censure
14 Sep 2026 · Ayes 46, Noes 86 · Failed
VOTED NO -
Statute Update Bill 2026; Consideration of Senate Message
14 Sep 2026 · Ayes 84, Noes 48 · Passed
VOTED AYE -
Online Safety Amendment (Strengthening Enforcement for the Social Media Minim...
10 Sep 2026 · Ayes 95, Noes 37 · Passed
VOTED AYE -
Online Safety Amendment (Strengthening Enforcement for the Social Media Minim...
10 Sep 2026 · Ayes 96, Noes 36 · Passed
VOTED AYE -
Carbon Credits (Carbon Farming Initiative-Improved Forest Management in Multi...
10 Sep 2026 · Ayes 38, Noes 92 · Failed
VOTED NO -
Telecommunications Legislation Amendment (Universal Outdoor Mobile Obligation...
9 Sep 2026 · Ayes 52, Noes 86 · Failed
VOTED NO -
Gun Control
9 Sep 2026 · Ayes 88, Noes 47 · Passed
VOTED AYE -
Veterans
7 Sep 2026 · Ayes 88, Noes 49 · Passed
VOTED AYE -
Cash Distribution Framework Bill 2026; Consideration of Senate Message
20 Aug 2026 · Ayes 84, Noes 34 · Passed
VOTED AYE -
Economy
20 Aug 2026 · Ayes 41, Noes 85 · Failed
VOTED NO -
Universities Accord (Opening the Doors of Opportunity) Bill 2026; Considerati...
20 Aug 2026 · Ayes 90, Noes 36 · Passed
VOTED AYE -
Counter-Terrorism Legislation Amendment Bill 2026; Report from Federation Cha...
20 Aug 2026 · Ayes 39, Noes 90 · Failed
VOTED NO -
Australia's Foreign Relations (State and Territory Arrangements) Amendment Bi...
19 Aug 2026 · Ayes 38, Noes 80 · Failed
VOTED NO -
Combatting Illicit Tobacco Bill 2026; Report from Federation Chamber
19 Aug 2026 · Ayes 41, Noes 84 · Failed
VOTED NO -
Combatting Illicit Tobacco Bill 2026; Report from Federation Chamber
19 Aug 2026 · Ayes 10, Noes 67 · Failed
VOTED NO -
Minister for Veterans' Affairs
19 Aug 2026 · Ayes 83, Noes 44 · Passed
VOTED AYE -
News Media Bargaining (Administration) Bill 2026; Consideration in Detail
19 Aug 2026 · Ayes 12, Noes 65 · Failed
VOTED NO -
News Journalism Payments Bill 2026; Consideration in Detail
19 Aug 2026 · Ayes 11, Noes 69 · Failed
VOTED NO -
News Journalism Payments Bill 2026; Second Reading
19 Aug 2026 · Ayes 40, Noes 83 · Failed
VOTED NO -
Interactive Gambling Amendment (Gambling Reform) Bill 2026; Third Reading
18 Aug 2026 · Ayes 103, Noes 14 · Passed
VOTED AYE -
Interactive Gambling Amendment (Gambling Reform) Bill 2026; Consideration in ...
18 Aug 2026 · Ayes 102, Noes 14 · Passed
VOTED AYE -
Interactive Gambling Amendment (Gambling Reform) Bill 2026; Consideration in ...
18 Aug 2026 · Ayes 11, Noes 62 · Failed
VOTED NO -
Interactive Gambling Amendment (Gambling Reform) Bill 2026; Consideration in ...
18 Aug 2026 · Ayes 12, Noes 58 · Failed
VOTED NO -
Interactive Gambling Amendment (Gambling Reform) Bill 2026; Consideration in ...
18 Aug 2026 · Ayes 12, Noes 61 · Failed
VOTED NO -
Interactive Gambling Amendment (Gambling Reform) Bill 2026; Consideration in ...
18 Aug 2026 · Ayes 12, Noes 58 · Failed
VOTED NO -
Interactive Gambling Amendment (Gambling Reform) Bill 2026; Consideration in ...
18 Aug 2026 · Ayes 33, Noes 95 · Failed
VOTED NO -
Interactive Gambling Amendment (Gambling Reform) Bill 2026; Consideration in ...
18 Aug 2026 · Ayes 96, Noes 9 · Passed
VOTED AYE -
Interactive Gambling Amendment (Gambling Reform) Bill 2026; Second Reading
18 Aug 2026 · Ayes 12, Noes 86 · Failed
VOTED NO -
Interactive Gambling Amendment (Gambling Reform) Bill 2026; Second Reading
18 Aug 2026 · Ayes 12, Noes 85 · Failed
VOTED NO -
Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion
18 Aug 2026 · Ayes 87, Noes 48 · Passed
VOTED AYE -
Minister for Veterans' Affairs and Defence Personnel; Attempted Censure
17 Aug 2026 · Ayes 86, Noes 43 · Passed
VOTED AYE -
Cash Distribution Framework Bill 2026; Reference to Federation Chamber
12 Aug 2026 · Ayes 40, Noes 83 · Failed
VOTED NO -
International Relations: Australia and Japan
12 Aug 2026 · Ayes 88, Noes 41 · Passed
VOTED AYE -
Aged Care Amendment (Restoring Human Override for Aged Care Needs Assessments...
11 Aug 2026 · Ayes 42, Noes 87 · Failed
VOTED NO
About this page
This page tracks Alison Byrnes's parliamentary activity: questions asked and answered in Question Time, debates spoken in, and votes in divisions. Summaries are in reported speech, not transcripts; each one links to the official record.