Anne Urquhart
Australian Labor Party Member for Braddon
Currently sitting
Seat and party history (2)
- Australian Labor Party - Braddon (House) - 3 May 2025 to present
- Australian Labor Party - TAS (Senate) - 1 Jul 2011 to 28 Mar 2025
- Seat and party records: OpenAustralia member data.
Contact
Electorate office: (03) 6431 1333
Shop 9, 22 Wilmot Street, Burnie TAS 7320
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
Anne Urquhart compared with all 150 sitting House members.
Questions asked in Question Time
Higher than 76% of House members- This member
- 17
- Average
- 11.2
- Median
- 12
Debates spoken in
Lower than 61% of House members- This member
- 23
- Average
- 35.9
- Median
- 30.5
Votes cast
Higher than 99% of House members- This member
- 392
- Average
- 253.0
- Median
- 265
Share of divisions voted in
Higher than 99% of House members- This member
- 136%
- 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 Anne Urquhart
The member asked what the government was doing to assist early childhood educators while maintaining affordable fees for families. She also asked about any risks to this approach.
Background: The parliament had approved a 15 per cent wage increase for childcare staff.
Answer from Jason Clare
The minister confirmed that the 15 per cent pay rise for childcare workers had been locked in, resulting in 20,000 more workers and a 31 per cent drop in vacancies in some areas. He stated that the legislation required centres to limit fee increases, saving the average family about $1,500 over two years. He also noted that centres must meet minimum safety standards to receive funding, including banning phones and rolling out mandatory safety training. He framed the policy as beneficial for workers, parents, and children.
Question from Anne Urquhart
The member asked how the government was working with state and territory governments and industry to support the response to H5 bird flu.
Background: H5 bird flu had been detected in Australia, prompting a coordinated response.
Answer from Julie Collins; Anthony Albanese
The Minister reported that $113 million had been invested in preparedness and that vaccine rollouts were progressing based on national advice. She noted that states were prioritizing vaccinations for threatened species, including little penguins and cockatoos. A new national reporting dashboard had been launched to track H5 events, with over 250 events recorded. She emphasized that no cases had been found in farming or livestock operations and that danger to people stayed low.
Question from Anne Urquhart
The member asked how the government is delivering a stronger Medicare after a decade of cuts.
Background: The government is increasing funding for public hospitals and bulk-billing.
Answer from Mark Butler
The minister highlighted that Tasmania's public hospitals received an additional $160 million, a 20 per cent increase, freeing them from previous funding caps. He noted that bulk-billing rates had increased significantly, reaching over 93 per cent for pensioners and 97 per cent for those without concession cards. He criticized the opposition for attempting to rebrand themselves as the party of Medicare despite their history of cuts.
Question from Anne Urquhart
The member asked what measures the government was taking to help disadvantaged and regional students attend university and what policies would reduce access.
Background: A government member asked the Minister for Education what the government was doing to increase university access for disadvantaged and regional students.
Answer from Jason Clare
The Minister stated that the government was guaranteeing funded places for eligible students from disadvantaged backgrounds and regions. He announced increased funding for support services, rising from $600 to over $1,500 per student, to help prevent dropouts. He criticized the opposition for opposing these measures and for suggesting cuts to university funding.
Question from Anne Urquhart
The member asked what actions the government was taking to strengthen biosecurity and get more fertiliser to farms, and what the response to these measures had been.
Background: A government member asked about government actions to strengthen biosecurity and secure fertiliser supplies.
Answer from Julie Collins
The Minister stated that over one million tonnes of imported urea had been cleared through the biosecurity system since February. She highlighted over $2 billion in additional funding to strengthen the system. She noted that six shipments totalling approximately 209,000 tonnes of extra urea had been secured through the fuel and fertiliser security facility. She cited positive responses from Fertilizer Australia and the National Farmers' Federation, and criticized the Opposition for lacking a coherent policy on fertiliser supply.
Question from Anne Urquhart
The member asked how the government is supporting veterans and their families.
Background: A government member asked the Minister for Veterans' Affairs how the government is supporting veterans and their families.
Answer from Matt Keogh
The Minister highlighted investments in the Department of Veterans' Affairs to clear claim backlogs, with initial liability claims now processed within months. He noted the implementation of 32 Royal Commission recommendations and the establishment of a new wellbeing agency. He also mentioned increased fees for GPs and allied health professionals to improve access for veterans and a review of travel funding for Victoria Cross recipients.
Question from Anne Urquhart
The member asked how the government was continuing to strengthen Medicare following a decade of cuts and neglect.
Background: A government member asked the Minister for Health how the government was strengthening Medicare after a decade of cuts.
Answer from Mark Butler
The Minister stated that the budget provisioned $25 billion in additional hospital funding, with Tasmania receiving almost $1 billion. He noted that Medicare urgent care clinics were made permanent, with the Devonport clinic seeing more than 40,000 people. The Minister highlighted that in Braddon, seven out of 10 general practices bulk-billed all patients, and 212 million cheaper scripts had been provided. He also mentioned investments in mental health, including a new centre in Devonport and upgrades in Burnie.
Question from Anne Urquhart
The member asked how the government provided assistance for veterans to obtain complimentary advocacy services and the reasons for its significance.
Background: A government member asked the Minister for Veterans' Affairs how the government was providing assistance to veterans so they could obtain complimentary advocacy services.
Answer from Matt Keogh
The minister said the government was putting over $203 million into strengthening DVA's integrity controls and broadening access to free advocacy services. He pointed out that private advocates had been levying steep fees and commissions. Funding for the Building Excellence in Support and Training Grants Program had been doubled, with three-year certainty given to veteran groups to hire and train advocates. This action responded to recommendation 99 of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide.
Question from Anne Urquhart
The member asked about progress in boosting high school completion rates and student attendance, and what risks remained.
Background: Data indicated improvements in high school completion and attendance rates.
Answer from Jason Clare
The Minister reported that high school completion rates were rising for boys, girls, and students across all school sectors, reversing a decade-long decline. He noted that attendance rates were also increasing after dropping to 86 per cent under the previous government. He highlighted improvements in teacher supply and announced significant new funding for public schools tied to reforms like phonics checks and small-group tutoring.
Question from Anne Urquhart
The member asked how the government was improving health care access in regional Australia and how increasing bulk-billing rates improved outcomes.
Background: The member sought to highlight improvements in health care access for regional Australians.
Answer from Kristy McBain
The minister stated that over 3,400 Medicare bulk-billing clinics were now accessible, with the national bulk-billing rate jumping to 81.4 per cent. She noted increases in bulk-billing rates in regional and rural areas and highlighted the opening of 123 urgent care clinics, 40 of which were in regional areas. The minister also mentioned that 2,100 junior doctors were starting training as GPs or rural generalists, an increase of 500 over previous intakes.
Question from Anne Urquhart
The member asked how the government was keeping regional communities connected by air and road, and what approaches to regional development had been rejected.
Background: The government had secured a buyer for Rex Airlines, ensuring continued regional air services.
Answer from Catherine King
The Minister highlighted the sale of Rex Airlines to Air T, ensuring continued regional flights. She listed infrastructure projects including the Coffs Harbour bypass, Bruce Highway improvements, Rocky ring road, and Western Highway upgrades. She also mentioned sealing sections of the Tanami Road and developing logistics hubs. She contrasted these deliveries with the opposition's internal disputes.
Question from Anne Urquhart
The member asked what progress the government was making on clean energy and what the risks were.
Background: The government was highlighting progress on clean energy projects, including the Marinus Link.
Answer from Chris Bowen
The minister announced that 46,052 families had installed home batteries under the Cheaper Home Batteries Program. He stated that financial close had been reached on the Marinus Link, which would unlock billions of dollars of investment and generate sufficient renewable power for 750,000 residences. He identified a risk as political opposition from those who previously supported transmission projects but now oppose them, citing the member for Hume as an example. He emphasized the government's commitment to delivering batteries and transmission infrastructure.
Question from Anne Urquhart
The member asked how the government was delivering life-saving cancer screening programs and why it was important for Australians to have access to cheaper medicines for treatment.
Background: A government member asked the Minister for Health about the delivery of life-saving cancer screening programs and the importance of cheaper medicines.
Answer from Mark Butler
The minister emphasized that the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme provides affordable access to medicines that have improved cancer survival rates. He highlighted the new lung cancer screening program, funded with $260 million, which allows Australians aged 50 to 70 with a smoking history to access fully bulk-billed scans. He cited examples of early detection saving lives and noted that mobile screening trucks would extend the program to rural and remote areas. He stated that the program was designed to strengthen Medicare and ensure no one was left behind.
Question from Anne Urquhart
The member asked how the government was proceeding with its legislative program to assist Australians.
Background: A government member asked the Leader of the House about the government's legislative agenda.
Answer from Tony Burke
The Leader of the House highlighted the introduction of legislation for a 20 per cent student debt cut as the first bill of the new parliament. He listed other planned measures including guaranteeing penalty rates, tax cuts, free GP visits, cheaper medicines, permanent free TAFE, affordable housing, and energy bill relief. He contrasted this with the opposition's plan to raise taxes and abolish net zero.
Question from Anne Urquhart
The member asked how the budget would help Australians with health care costs. She sought details on investments in bulk-billing, urgent care clinics, and medicines.
Background: Senator Urquhart asked the Minister representing the Minister for Health about the budget's investment in Medicare.
Answer from Malarndirri McCarthy
The minister highlighted $7.9 billion in investment to enable free GP visits for all Australians. She noted the opening of 87 urgent care clinics and a commitment to open 50 more. She mentioned a workforce package to fund 2,000 new GP trainees annually by 2028.
Question from Anne Urquhart
The senator asked how the announcement protects banking access in regional communities and how Australia Post's network is being used. She also asked about broader financial services reforms, including scam prevention and consumer protections.
Background: The government announced measures to protect access to banking services in regional areas.
Answer from Katy Gallagher
The minister confirmed a new moratorium on regional bank closures from NAB, Commonwealth Bank, and Westpac, ensuring no closures before 31 July 2027. She stated this ensures continued face-to-face banking access for consumers and small businesses. She highlighted the government's work with banks and Australia Post to support Bank@Post. Regarding broader reforms, she noted investments in scam prevention, improved access to affordable financial advice for farmers and small businesses, and strengthened consumer protections.
Question from Anne Urquhart
The member asked what steps the government had taken to reduce training costs and how this helped Australians gain skills for desired jobs.
Background: The government had delivered free TAFE training to nearly 600,000 Australians.
Answer from Murray Watt
The minister stated that free TAFE had been delivered to almost 600,000 Australians, with significant enrolments in construction, early education, digital technology, and aged care. He noted that over six in ten places were taken by women and one in three in regional areas. He contrasted this with opposition plans to cut the program.
Other Parliamentary Activity
-
Economy
House of Representatives · Tuesday 11 August 2026 · Matter of Public Importance
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Employment
House of Representatives · Monday 22 June 2026 · General Debate
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
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
-
Morris, Hon. Peter Frederick
House of Representatives · Wednesday 13 May 2026 · Condolence
Contributed to this debate
-
Albanese Government
House of Representatives · Tuesday 12 May 2026 · Matter of Public Importance
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Taxation: Gas Industry
House of Representatives · Tuesday 31 March 2026 · Matter of Public Importance
Contributed to this debate · Position: oppose
-
Telecommunications Legislation Amendment (Universal Outdoor Mobile Obligation) Bill 2025; Second Reading
House of Representatives · Wednesday 11 March 2026 · Second Reading
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Appropriation Bill (No. 3) 2025-2026, Appropriation Bill (No. 4) 2025-2026, Appropriation (Parliamentary Departments) Bill (No. 2) 2025-2026; Second Reading
House of Representatives · Tuesday 3 March 2026 · Second Reading
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Aviation Industry
House of Representatives · Monday 2 March 2026 · General Debate
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Construction, Forestry and Maritime Employees Union
House of Representatives · Wednesday 11 February 2026 · Matter of Public Importance
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
VET Student Loans (Miscellaneous Measures) Bill 2025; Second Reading
House of Representatives · Wednesday 26 November 2025 · Second Reading
Opened this debate
-
Mental Health Month
House of Representatives · Wednesday 26 November 2025 · General Debate
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 · Tuesday 25 November 2025 · Second Reading
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Regional Australia
House of Representatives · Wednesday 5 November 2025 · Matter of Public Importance
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Regional Australia: Roads
House of Representatives · Monday 3 November 2025 · General Debate
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Timber industry
House of Representatives · Monday 27 October 2025 · General Debate
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Appropriation Bill (No. 1) 2025-2026; Consideration in Detail
House of Representatives · Wednesday 8 October 2025 · Consideration in Detail
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Appropriation Bill (No. 1) 2025-2026, Appropriation Bill (No. 2) 2025-2026, Appropriation (Parliamentary Departments) Bill (No. 1) 2025-2026; Second Reading
House of Representatives · Tuesday 2 September 2025 · Second Reading
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
National Health Amendment (Cheaper Medicines) Bill 2025; Second Reading
House of Representatives · Wednesday 27 August 2025 · Second Reading
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Braddon Electorate: Economy, Tasmanian Freight Equalisation Scheme
House of Representatives · Tuesday 26 August 2025 · General Debate
Opened this debate
-
Labor Government
House of Representatives · Wednesday 23 July 2025 · Matter of Public Importance
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Amendment (Reconsiderations) Bill 2025; Second Reading
Senate · Wednesday 26 March 2025 · Second Reading
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Antisemitism
Senate · Tuesday 4 February 2025 · Take Note Debate
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
- Votes recorded
- 392
- Aye votes (42.9%)
- 168
- No votes (57.1%)
- 224
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 Anne Urquhart'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.