Andrew Giles
Australian Labor Party Member for Scullin
Currently sitting
Photo: Matt Hrkac, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Seat and party history (1)
- Australian Labor Party - Scullin (House) - 7 Sep 2013 to present
- Seat and party records: OpenAustralia member data.
Contact
Electorate office: (03) 9497 9783
187-189 High Street, Thomastown VIC 3074
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
Andrew Giles compared with all 150 sitting House members.
Questions asked in Question Time
Lower than 81% of House members- This member
- 0
- Average
- 11.2
- Median
- 12
Debates spoken in
Lower than 82% of House members- This member
- 15
- Average
- 35.9
- Median
- 30.5
Votes cast
Higher than 59% of House members- This member
- 278
- Average
- 253.0
- Median
- 265
Share of divisions voted in
Higher than 55% of House members- This member
- 84%
- 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
No questions recorded for this member.
Question from Marion Scrymgour
The member asked how the government was ensuring access to TAFE opportunities and whether any risks threatened this work.
Background: The member asked about ensuring all Australians could benefit from TAFE opportunities on National TAFE Day and if there were risks to this work.
Answer from Andrew Giles
The Minister announced $6.9 million in mobile TAFE projects and reported that the free TAFE program had achieved more than 850,000 enrolments and 275,000 completions. He stated that completions were growing at twice the rate of enrolments. He criticised the opposition for voting against free TAFE and characterising it as a waste of money. He affirmed the government's commitment to maintaining free TAFE as a central part of the education system.
Question from Matt Smith
The member asked how the free TAFE program was backing Australians to get skills and what stood in the way of more opportunities.
Background: A government member asked about the free TAFE program's impact, including in the Torres Strait.
Answer from Andrew Giles
The Minister cited the example of a Torres Strait Islander completing a nursing diploma on country, enabled by free TAFE. He stated that free TAFE was changing lives and increasing course commencements and completions, particularly for First Nations people. He announced that 100,000 places would be guaranteed annually from 2027. He claimed that the opposition's attempt to block permanent free TAFE was the only thing standing in the way of more opportunities.
Question from Alicia Payne
The member asked how the Key Apprenticeship Program was supporting tradies to build homes and what the response to the program had been.
Background: The Key Apprenticeship Program was designed to support tradespeople in the housing sector.
Answer from Andrew Giles
The Minister reported that 25,000 new housing construction apprentices had signed up in the first 10 months, including thousands of carpenters, plumbers, and electricians. He highlighted the $10,000 apprentice incentive and employer support, contrasting the program with previous government schemes.
Question from David Smith
The member asked how the free TAFE program is backing Australians into needed jobs and whether its future is certain.
Background: The member sought to highlight the success and permanence of the free TAFE program.
Answer from Andrew Giles
The Minister reported that 245,000 free TAFE course completions had occurred in just over three years. He stated that the government has made free TAFE permanent to ensure Australians can access skills training without debt. He criticized the opposition for voting against making the program permanent.
Question from Zaneta Mascarenhas
The member asked how the government was facilitating skill acquisition through free TAFE and apprenticeships and inquired about potential risks to these programs.
Background: A government member asked the Minister for Skills and Training how the government was helping Australians get skills through fee-free TAFE and apprenticeships, and if there were risks to the program.
Answer from Andrew Giles
The Minister reported 742,000 free TAFE enrolments and 245,000 course completions. He highlighted the Key Apprenticeship Program, which offered $10,000 incentives to new housing apprentices, with over 11,000 commencing in the first six months. He emphasized that these programs were delivering skills for national priorities like housing construction. The Minister dismissed concerns about risks, framing the programs as successful and supported by voters, and criticized the opposition for opposing them.
Question from Matt Gregg
The member asked how free TAFE was supporting Australians to gain skills and whether there were any threats to its future.
Background: Free TAFE had been in place for three years.
Answer from Andrew Giles
The Minister reported 725,000 enrolments and 210,000 completed courses. He highlighted success stories in tech and digital courses. He stated that free TAFE was secure and would become permanent starting next year. He argued that the opposition opposed free TAFE and would cut it if in power.
Question from Tania Lawrence
The member asked what measures were being taken to assist TAFE students with living costs while training.
Background: The member asked how the government was supporting TAFE students with the cost of living.
Answer from Andrew Giles
The minister highlighted the TAFE Technology Fund for facility upgrades and the 20 per cent cut to student debt for apprentices and VET students. He noted over 725,000 free TAFE enrolments and 210,000 completions, with construction courses being particularly popular. He emphasized that free TAFE had been made permanent.
Question from Louise Miller-Frost
The member asked how the government was removing barriers to skills training for Australians and what the response to these measures had been.
Background: A government member asked the Minister for Skills and Training how the government was breaking down barriers for Australians to gain skills for needed jobs and what the response had been.
Answer from Andrew Giles
The Minister stated that the government had cut student debt by 20 per cent, benefiting three million Australians, including over 280,000 with VET student loans. He noted an average saving of over $2,000 on VET loans and cited examples of individuals saving $8,000 and $3,000. He mentioned reducing annual repayment amounts and raising the repayment threshold. He also highlighted that free TAFE had been made law, with 685,000 enrolments and over 190,000 completions, contrasting these achievements with the opposition's opposition to these measures.
Question from Basem Abdo
The member asked how the free TAFE program is helping Australians pursue qualifications and how Australians have responded.
Background: The question sought to highlight the success of the free TAFE program.
Answer from Andrew Giles
The Minister reported 685,000 free TAFE enrolments and 190,000 course completions. He cited savings for students, such as $15,000 for nursing diplomas in Queensland. He emphasized that Australians voted for free TAFE and are enrolling in large numbers, contrasting this with opposition criticism and claims that the program drains resources.
Question from Mary Doyle
The member asked how the government was ensuring Australians, particularly apprentices, could benefit from clean energy opportunities and if there were alternative approaches.
Background: A government member asked about government measures to help apprentices capitalize on clean energy sector opportunities.
Answer from Andrew Giles
The minister highlighted the New Energy Apprenticeships Program, which had supported over 13,000 people with $10,000 incentive payments. He noted an 85 per cent retention rate at the 12-month mark and emphasized the program's role in training tradies for renewable energy infrastructure. He criticized the opposition for abandoning net zero targets and argued that climate action was essential for creating jobs and economic stability.
Question from Tania Lawrence
The member asked what the government was doing to increase apprenticeships, particularly in construction, and what obstacles existed.
Background: A government member asked the Minister for Skills and Training about efforts to boost apprenticeships for home building.
Answer from Andrew Giles
The minister highlighted the Free TAFE program, which had enrolled over 47,000 students in construction courses. He noted that construction apprenticeships had risen 11 per cent compared to pre-pandemic levels. He mentioned increasing the living-away-from-home allowance and doubling support for employers hiring apprentices with disabilities. He also cited $10,000 incentives for new housing construction apprentices, which had shown promising results after one month. He referenced the success of the new energy stream, which had trained over 11,000 people in clean energy fields.
Question from Ash Ambihaipahar
The member asked how the government was assisting apprentices and TAFE students with living costs.
Background: A government member asked the Minister for Skills and Training about support for apprentices and TAFE students facing cost-of-living pressures.
Answer from Andrew Giles
The Minister highlighted Free TAFE, which had over 650,000 enrolments, and paid practical placements starting 1 July. He noted a 20 per cent cut to student debt, benefiting 3 million Australians including 300,000 apprentices and TAFE students, with individual savings ranging from $3,000 to $8,000.
Question from Meryl Swanson
The member asked what steps the government had taken to reduce training costs and whether any proposals would leave Australians worse off.
Background: A government member asked the Minister for Skills and Training about steps taken to reduce training costs and ensure Australians could access needed skills.
Answer from Andrew Giles
The Minister stated that free TAFE had delivered enrolments for nearly 600,000 Australians, with more than one-third in regional and rural areas. He noted that students could save between $4,400 and $8,800 depending on the course and location. He announced that free TAFE would be made permanent. He contrasted this with the Coalition's previous cuts to TAFE funding and their current plan to cut 'wasteful spending' to fund nuclear power.
Question from Mary Doyle
The member asked how the government had made training more affordable and if alternative proposals would leave Australians worse off.
Background: A government member asked how the government had made training more affordable and if other proposals would harm Australians.
Answer from Andrew Giles
The Minister stated that free TAFE had been delivered to almost 600,000 Australians, removing financial barriers to skills training. He cited examples of students saving significant amounts on nursing and agriculture courses. He warned that the opposition had labelled free TAFE as wasteful spending and would likely cut it to fund corporate lunches, leaving Australians worse off.
Other Parliamentary Activity
-
Administrative and Judicial Review Legislation Amendment Bill 2026; Third Reading
House of Representatives · Thursday 20 August 2026 · Third Reading
Contributed to this debate
-
Therapeutic Goods Amendment (Medicines Shortages and Other Measures) Bill 2026; Third Reading
House of Representatives · Wednesday 12 August 2026 · Third Reading
Contributed to this debate
-
Therapeutic Goods (Charges) Amendment Bill 2026; Third Reading
House of Representatives · Wednesday 12 August 2026 · Third Reading
Contributed to this debate
-
Treasury Laws Amendment (Tax Reform No. 1) Bill 2026, Income Tax Rates Amendment (Tax Reform No. 1) Bill 2026; Reference to Committee
House of Representatives · Tuesday 2 June 2026 · Reference to Committee
Responded as minister
-
Public and Educational Lending Rights (Better Income for Authors) Consequential Amendments and Transitional Provisions Bill 2026; Third Reading
House of Representatives · Wednesday 13 May 2026 · Third Reading
Contributed to this debate
-
Public and Educational Lending Rights (Better Income for Authors) Bill 2026; Third Reading
House of Representatives · Wednesday 13 May 2026 · Third Reading
Contributed to this debate
-
International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
House of Representatives · Thursday 12 March 2026 · General Debate
Responded as minister
-
Apology to Australia's Indigenous Peoples: 18th Anniversary
House of Representatives · Wednesday 4 March 2026 · Ministerial Statement
Responded as minister
-
Universities Accord (Australian Tertiary Education Commission) Bill 2025, Universities Accord (Australian Tertiary Education Commission) (Consequential and Transitional Provisions) Bill 2025; Second Reading
House of Representatives · Thursday 5 February 2026 · Second Reading
Responded as minister
-
Bolkus, Hon. Nick
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
-
Customs Tariff Amendment (Geelong Treaty Implementation) Bill 2025; Third Reading
House of Representatives · Wednesday 5 November 2025 · Third Reading
Contributed to this debate
-
VET Student Loans (Miscellaneous Measures) Bill 2025; Second Reading
House of Representatives · Wednesday 29 October 2025 · Second Reading
Opened this debate
-
National Skills Week
House of Representatives · Wednesday 27 August 2025 · General Debate
Opened this debate
-
Free TAFE Bill 2024; Third Reading
House of Representatives · Wednesday 5 February 2025 · Third Reading
Contributed to this debate
- Votes recorded
- 278
- Aye votes (54.3%)
- 151
- No votes (45.7%)
- 127
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
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 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 -
Rearrangement
11 Aug 2026 · Ayes 86, Noes 47 · Passed
VOTED AYE -
Rearrangement
2 Jul 2026 · Ayes 90, Noes 42 · Passed
VOTED AYE -
Minister for Defence Industry; Attempted Censure
2 Jul 2026 · Ayes 90, Noes 41 · Passed
VOTED AYE -
Health Insurance Amendment (Incentive Payments and Other Measures) Bill 2026;...
2 Jul 2026 · Ayes 39, Noes 92 · Failed
VOTED NO -
Rearrangement
2 Jul 2026 · Ayes 71, Noes 12 · Passed
VOTED AYE
About this page
This page tracks Andrew Giles'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.