Carol Berry
Australian Labor Party Member for Whitlam
Currently sitting
Seat and party history (1)
- Australian Labor Party - Whitlam (House) - 3 May 2025 to present
- Seat and party records: OpenAustralia member data.
Contact
Electorate office: (02) 4297 2285
Shop 244, Stockland Shopping Centre, Shellharbour NSW 2529
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
Carol Berry 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 57% of House members- This member
- 26
- Average
- 35.9
- Median
- 30.5
Votes cast
Higher than 56% of House members- This member
- 276
- Average
- 253.0
- Median
- 265
Share of divisions voted in
Higher than 73% of House members- This member
- 96%
- 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 Carol Berry
The member asked how the government was delivering for Australian workers and what could place their entitlements at risk.
Background: The member asked about government delivery for workers and potential risks to their pay packets.
Answer from Amanda Rishworth
The Minister highlighted the legislation passed one year prior to protect penalty and overtime rates for over 2.6 million workers. She identified the Coalition and One Nation as the biggest risk to workers' pay packets, citing their historical opposition to penalty rates and minimum wage increases. She noted that if these parties formed government, workers could lose penalty rates and earn thousands of dollars less annually.
Question from Carol Berry
The member asked how the government was increasing bulk-billing rates and strengthening Medicare after a period of reduced funding.
Background: A government member asked about efforts to improve access to free doctor visits and strengthen the Medicare system.
Answer from Mark Butler
The Minister reported that bulk-billing rates for pensioners, children, and concession card holders had risen to over 93 per cent nationally, up from a low of 75 per cent. He noted that recent extensions of bulk-billing support to all Australians had lifted the national rate to 84 per cent. The Minister highlighted significant increases in specific electorates, including a 25 per cent rise in Whitlam. He contrasted this with the opposition's lack of understanding of Medicare, referencing a recent inquiry where the shadow minister questioned the definition of the system.
Question from Carol Berry
The member asked how the government is helping Australians with fuel and energy costs and what policies would increase costs.
Background: A government member asked the Minister for Climate Change and Energy about government assistance with fuel and energy costs.
Answer from Chris Bowen
The Minister announced an extension of fuel excise relief for another month. He reported that 448,342 households have taken up cheaper home batteries, with over 10 per cent uptake in electorates like Greenway, Mitchell, Mayo, and Wright. He highlighted support for electric vehicles through the new vehicle efficiency standard and tax cuts. He warned that the opposition would abolish these measures, thereby increasing costs for Australians.
Question from Carol Berry
The member asked how the government was investing in education in the budget and what factors would put this investment at risk.
Background: A government member asked the Minister for Education how the government was investing in education in the budget and what would put this at risk.
Answer from Jason Clare
The Minister stated that the budget included the biggest new investment in public education ever, $20 billion over the next decade. He claimed this was at risk because the opposition had previously cut school funding and had recently threatened to cut health and education spending again. He also noted that the opposition had threatened to remove funding for childcare centres in public schools and the three-day childcare guarantee, which he argued was essential for early education and social development.
Question from Carol Berry
The member asked how the government was working to secure the NDIS for future generations.
Background: A government member asked the Minister for Disability how the government was working to secure the NDIS for future generations.
Answer from Mark Butler
The Minister stated that the NDIS was growing too fast and costing too much, with costs blowing out by more than $13 billion since December. He announced that legislation would be introduced to control scheme and plan inflation. The Minister outlined four pillars: fighting fraud, slowing cost increases, clarifying eligibility, and delivering quality supports. He projected that the NDIS would cost $55 billion by the end of the decade, down from $70 billion, but would continue to grow annually.
Question from Carol Berry
The member requested an update on how the war in the Middle East was affecting Australia and asked for details on measures taken to boost fuel security and supply.
Background: A government member asked the Prime Minister to update the House on the impact of the Middle East conflict on fuel security and outline government actions.
Answer from Anthony Albanese
The Prime Minister acknowledged that global fuel demand spikes and supply chain issues were causing price increases and shortages. He outlined government actions including securing fuel for industry and households, cracking down on price gouging via the ACCC, and shielding consumers from price spikes. He noted the release of 20 per cent of the national fuel reserve and measures to ensure domestic fuel remains in Australia. The Prime Minister highlighted the establishment of the Fuel Supply Taskforce by National Cabinet and continued engagement with international partners like Singapore. He framed these actions as part of a broader agenda to strengthen national resilience and sovereign capability.
Question from Carol Berry
The member asked how the government was making it easier for Australians to access urgent medical care and why government investment was necessary. She also asked about alternative approaches proposed by others.
Background: A government member asked about efforts to improve access to urgent care and the rationale for government investment after previous cuts.
Answer from Mark Butler
The minister highlighted the opening of the Shellharbour Medicare urgent care clinic as an example of delivering free, high-quality urgent care. He criticized the opposition for previously opposing such funding and for supporting policies that froze Medicare rebates. He noted that the shadow Treasurer had proposed shifting health financing to individual accounts, which the minister argued would undermine bulk-billed services.
Question from Carol Berry
The member asked about the government's priorities compared to others.
Background: The member asked about the government's focus over the past fortnight.
Answer from Anthony Albanese
The Prime Minister stated the government's focus was on delivering for communities and the national interest, implementing promises from the 2022 and 2025 elections. He emphasized orderly cabinet processes and cohesive decision-making, contrasting this with the opposition's internal disruptions and leadership challenges.
Question from Carol Berry
The member asked how the social media age restriction is helping to protect young people and what the response has been.
Background: The government implemented social media age restrictions to protect young people.
Answer from Anika Wells
The Minister stated that 4.7 million accounts were deactivated or restricted in the first week of the laws. She noted that leaders from Spain, France, the UK, New Zealand, Denmark, and Norway were inspired by Australia's approach and implementing similar measures. She cited praise from social psychologist Professor Jonathan Haidt for the legislation's significance.
Question from Carol Berry
The member asked how the government was providing opportunities for first home buyers and what other housing approaches had been considered.
Background: The government had implemented measures to assist first home buyers and address the housing crisis.
Answer from Clare O'Neil
The Minister stated that over 1,400 constituents in the member's electorate had been helped into homeownership. She highlighted that well over half a million homes had been built since the election, with housing approvals up 15 per cent. She noted that 16,500 Australians had bought their first home using the five per cent deposit scheme, which was delivered three months earlier than promised. She contrasted this with the Coalition's criticism of the scheme and their lack of coherent housing policy.
Question from Carol Berry
The member asked how the government was improving the lives and health of people in regional and rural Australia.
Background: The member asked about improving lives in regional and rural Australia.
Answer from Kristy McBain
The minister highlighted the establishment of 90 Medicare urgent care clinics, including 31 in regional areas, and the reduction of PBS co-payments to $25. She noted investments in mental health centres and bulk-billing incentives. She also listed infrastructure projects such as the Kwinana aquatics centre, Port Fairy skate park, and funding for the Hunter Park youth precinct in Gilgandra.
Question from Carol Berry
The member asked how the government was easing the cost of living while managing the budget responsibly.
Background: A government member asked about cost of living relief and responsible budget management.
Answer from Jim Chalmers
The Treasurer highlighted new legislation to reduce medicine costs, saving over $200 million annually. He noted that the general co-payment would drop to $25, benefiting 5.1 million Australians, while pensioner costs remained frozen. He cited economic progress including lower inflation, growing real wages, and reduced debt. He listed various cost of living measures including tax cuts, penalty rate protection, and paid parental leave.
Other Parliamentary Activity
-
Customs and Other Legislation Amendment (Illicit Tobacco Enforcement Modernisation and Other Measures) Bill 2026; Second Reading
House of Representatives · Thursday 17 September 2026 · Second Reading
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Carbon Credits and Other Legislation Amendment (Integrity and Transparency) Bill 2026; Second Reading
House of Representatives · Wednesday 16 September 2026 · Second Reading
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Whitlam Electorate: Tourism
House of Representatives · Tuesday 15 September 2026 · General Debate
Opened this debate
-
Criminal Code Amendment (National Sport Integrity Offences) Bill 2026; Second Reading
House of Representatives · Wednesday 9 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 · Monday 7 September 2026 · Second Reading
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
News Journalism Payments Bill 2026, News Journalism Payments (Consequential Amendments) Bill 2026; Second Reading
House of Representatives · Tuesday 18 August 2026 · Second Reading
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Economy
House of Representatives · Tuesday 11 August 2026 · Matter of Public Importance
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Universities Accord (Opening the Doors of Opportunity) Bill 2026; Second Reading
House of Representatives · Thursday 2 July 2026 · Second Reading
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Online Safety Amendment (Strengthening Enforcement for the Social Media Minimum Age) Bill 2026; Second Reading
House of Representatives · Tuesday 30 June 2026 · Second Reading
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Medicare
House of Representatives · Monday 22 June 2026 · General Debate
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Treasury Laws Amendment (Tax Reform No. 1) Bill 2026, Income Tax Rates Amendment (Tax Reform No. 1) Bill 2026; Second Reading
House of Representatives · Tuesday 2 June 2026 · Second Reading
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026; Second Reading
House of Representatives · Tuesday 26 May 2026 · Second Reading
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Telecommunications Amendment (Enhancing Consumer Safeguards) Bill 2025; Second Reading
House of Representatives · Thursday 14 May 2026 · Second Reading
Opened this debate
-
Competition and Consumer Amendment (Unfair Trading Practices) Bill 2026; Second Reading
House of Representatives · Wednesday 13 May 2026 · Second Reading
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Treasury Laws Amendment (The Survivors Law) Bill 2026; Second Reading
House of Representatives · Tuesday 12 May 2026 · Second Reading
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Integrity and Safeguarding) Bill 2026; Second Reading
House of Representatives · Wednesday 1 April 2026 · Second Reading
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
High Seas Biodiversity Bill 2026; Second Reading
House of Representatives · Monday 30 March 2026 · Second Reading
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Fuel
House of Representatives · Tuesday 24 March 2026 · Matter of Public Importance
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 · Thursday 12 March 2026 · Second Reading
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
National Commission for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children and Young People Bill 2026, National Commission for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children and Young People (Transitional Provisions) Bill 2026; Second Reading
House of Representatives · Tuesday 10 February 2026 · Second Reading
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Environment Protection Reform Bill 2025, National Environmental Protection Agency Bill 2025, Environment Information Australia Bill 2025, Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (Customs Charges Imposition) Bill 2025, Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (Excise Charges Imposition) Bill 2025, Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (General Charges Imposition) Bill 2025, Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (Restoration Charge Imposition) Bill 2025; Second Reading
House of Representatives · Wednesday 5 November 2025 · Second Reading
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Economy
House of Representatives · Thursday 30 October 2025 · Matter of Public Importance
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide
House of Representatives · Thursday 4 September 2025 · General Debate
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Taxation
House of Representatives · Wednesday 3 September 2025 · Matter of Public Importance
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
-
Universities Accord (National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-based Violence) Bill 2025, Universities Accord (National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-based Violence) (Consequential Amendments) Bill 2025; Second Reading
House of Representatives · Monday 25 August 2025 · Second Reading
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
- Votes recorded
- 276
- Aye votes (47.1%)
- 130
- No votes (52.9%)
- 146
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 Carol Berry'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.