Carol Brown
Australian Labor Party Senator for TAS
Currently sitting
Photo: Commonwealth of Australia, CC BY 3.0 au, via Wikimedia Commons
Seat and party history (1)
- Australian Labor Party - TAS (Senate) - 25 Aug 2005 to present
- Seat and party records: OpenAustralia member data.
Contact
Office: (03) 6231 0099
1st Floor, 136 Davey Street, Hobart TAS 7000
Office details: Parliament of Australia, CC BY-NC-ND 4.0.
Contact details on aph.gov.au Profile on OpenAustraliaThese counts cover what is on this site only. They do not measure electorate work or committee work.
Compared with other members
Carol Brown compared with all 76 sitting senators.
Questions asked in Question Time
Higher than 53% of senators- This member
- 12
- Average
- 10.4
- Median
- 10
Debates spoken in
Lower than 64% of senators- This member
- 32
- Average
- 44.8
- Median
- 40
Votes cast
Higher than 84% of senators- This member
- 1044
- Average
- 743.0
- Median
- 730
Share of divisions voted in
Higher than 79% of senators- This member
- 93%
- Average
- 69%
- Median
- 69%
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 Brown
The senator asked what policies the government had implemented to get wages moving again and how changes to workplace laws facilitated these rises.
Background: Australians face cost-of-living pressures, and the government has implemented policies to boost wages.
Answer from Murray Watt
The minister highlighted that wages have grown above three per cent for 16 consecutive quarters under the government, compared to zero quarters under the previous administration. He noted that from 1 July, minimum-wage workers received a real increase of at least 4.75 per cent. He attributed this to government advocacy at the Fair Work Commission and enterprise bargaining. In response to supplementary questions, he criticized the opposition and One Nation for opposing wage rises and described their internal conflicts as a 'soap opera', asserting that the government remains focused on supporting workers.
Question from Carol Brown
The member asked the minister to outline actions the government is taking to address gender-based violence. She also asked why the government is protecting young people from harmful online content and how it is giving individuals greater control over their social media feeds.
Background: The Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Commissioner's yearly report was tabled in parliament, acknowledging government progress but noting ongoing devastation.
Answer from Katy Gallagher
The minister outlined investments of $4.4 billion in frontline services and preventive programs, the permanent leaving violence payment of over $5,000, and 10 days of paid domestic violence leave. She noted that National Cabinet agreed to a new risk assessment framework. Regarding online safety, she explained that the digital duty of care will require providers to protect under-18s from harmful content. She stated that the 'My Feed, My Way' initiative allows Australians to switch off algorithms and see only content they choose to follow, giving control back to users.
Question from Carol Brown
The senator asked how the government is strengthening Medicare to provide free care and how it is delivering cheaper medicines. She followed up by asking if any obstacles stand in the way of the government's healthcare approach.
Background: The government highlighted improvements in healthcare accessibility and affordability.
Answer from Jenny McAllister
The minister reported that bulk-billing rates had risen to 84 per cent and that 137 Medicare urgent care clinics were now permanent, with four out of five Australians living within a 20-minute drive of one. She stated that PBS medicines were the cheapest in 20 years, saving Australians more than $2.9 billion since July 2022, and noted the listing of a new treatment for rare brain cancer. Regarding obstacles, she criticized the opposition for attempting to dismantle safety nets like Medicare and the PBS, contrasting this with their protection of tax concessions for the wealthy.
Question from Carol Brown
The member inquired about government measures to tackle gender-based violence and the outcomes of consultations regarding the subsequent stage of the National Plan.
Background: The government is consulting on the next phase of the National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022-32.
Answer from Katy Gallagher
The minister reported that over 160 roundtables had been held with more than 1,100 people, and nearly 2,000 online submissions received. Key themes included the need for evidence-based prevention, early intervention, and addressing tech-facilitated abuse. She noted that consultations highlighted system abuse by perpetrators, leading to budget investments in child support reforms to reduce weaponization of the system.
Question from Carol Brown
The member asked how the government was delivering real change for Australians by investing in the public health system after a decade of cuts. She further asked how the government was helping Australians access cheaper medicines from 1 July and why the government had chosen this approach.
Background: A government senator asked the minister to outline the government's investments in the public health system, including hospital funding and urgent care clinics, commencing on 1 July.
Answer from Jenny McAllister
The minister announced $25 billion in additional funding for public hospitals, including $5.1 billion for Tasmania over five years. She stated that all 137 urgent care clinics would become permanent and bulk-bill from 1 July. Regarding medicines, she noted that 10 new listings on the PBS would provide expanded access to cheaper treatments for conditions such as severe asthma, anaphylaxis, type 1 diabetes, and cancers, capping costs at $25. She explained that the government's approach was based on the principle that patients should only need their Medicare card, not their credit card, and contrasted this with the previous government's cuts.
Question from Carol Brown
The senator asked how the Cheaper Home Batteries Program helped households weather energy shocks. She also asked about the risks to energy security if renewable policies were reversed.
Background: Global energy markets were under pressure, and the government announced new energy storage projects.
Answer from Tim Ayres
The minister stated that the Cheaper Home Batteries Program had facilitated 450,000 installations, providing 12 gigawatts of capacity. He noted that 15 new large-scale storage projects were announced, attracting $6 billion in private investment. He argued that renewables secured energy supply against global shocks and criticised the opposition for wrecking electricity investment.
Question from Carol Brown
The member asked how budget measures would help Australians buy homes and impact housing supply. She further inquired about progress in delivering social and affordable homes and the benefits of increased supply for renters and buyers.
Background: The question sought to highlight the government's achievements in building homes and making housing fairer.
Answer from Tim Ayres
The minister stated that changes to capital gains tax and negative gearing leveled the playing field for young Australians. He noted that over 660,000 homes had been built since the government took office, with housing starts up 26 per cent. The minister highlighted the delivery of 55,000 affordable new homes, with more than 6,000 already completed, and a further $2 billion investment in infrastructure to unlock tens of thousands of additional homes.
Question from Carol Brown
The senator asked the minister to outline what the government was doing to support farmers and regional communities and keep agricultural supply chains moving during the crisis.
Background: Farmers were facing pressure from rising input costs and supply chain disruptions due to the Middle East conflict.
Answer from Malarndirri McCarthy
The minister listed measures including halving the fuel excise, amending fuel standards, releasing 20 per cent of the strategic fuel stockpile, and deferring full cost recovery for export services until 1 July 2027. She noted that new legislation gave Export Finance Australia powers to underwrite fertiliser purchases and that a fertiliser working group had been established. The minister also highlighted that the heavy vehicle road user charge was set to zero for three months.
Question from Carol Brown
The member asked about the importance of securing Australia's energy system, the role of private investment, and the need to explain energy policies to the public.
Background: The government had prioritized building new energy generation and storage since the 2022 election.
Answer from Tim Ayres
The minister stated that energy security was a matter of industrial and economic policy. He argued that private sector investment required policy certainty, contrasting the government's approach with the opposition's proposed $600 billion nuclear plan, which he claimed would deter investment. He emphasized the need for coherent leadership and communication to avoid the policy failures of the previous government.
Question from Carol Brown
The member asked how the government was delivering cheaper medicines for Australians. She followed up by asking about new supports for healthcare access. Finally, she asked how these measures complemented other actions to strengthen Medicare.
Background: The member asked how the government was delivering cheaper medicines and improved healthcare access following changes implemented on 1 January.
Answer from Jenny McAllister
The minister stated that from 1 January, the maximum PBS copayment was reduced to $25, a 20 per cent cut, saving Australians over $200 million annually. She noted that costs for pensioners and concession cardholders were frozen at $7.70 until 2030. She highlighted the introduction of free 24/7 nurse advice via 1800MEDICARE and the expansion of 122 Medicare Urgent Care Clinics. She cited an $812 billion investment in Medicare and an increase in bulk-billing practices to 3,300 nationwide.
Question from Carol Brown
The member asked the minister to outline how the environmental law reforms would protect the environment and support climate goals, and to detail the broad support for the bill.
Background: The question noted that the Environment Protection Reform Bill was expected to pass the House of Representatives.
Answer from Murray Watt
The minister stated that the reforms included stronger protections, efficient project approvals, and a new National Environmental Protection Agency. He highlighted support from the Housing Industry Association, the Ai Group, and the Clean Energy Council. The minister criticized the Greens and the Coalition for opposing the reforms, arguing that policy certainty was vital for investment in housing and renewables.
Question from Carol Brown
The member asked about government actions to open new export opportunities and create jobs. She subsequently inquired about the benefits of the UAE trade agreement for businesses and consumers, and the government's approach to mitigating the impact of US tariffs.
Background: The member asked about government efforts to open new export opportunities and create jobs, specifically regarding the UAE trade agreement and US tariffs.
Answer from Don Farrell
The minister highlighted that one in four Australian jobs relates to trade and that export jobs pay nine per cent more on average. He stated that the UAE agreement, passed into law on 31 July, would allow over 99 per cent of Australian products to enter tariff-free, saving households and businesses about $40 million annually. Regarding US tariffs, he noted that two-way investment reached $2.9 trillion in 2024 and that the government had introduced a $50 million program to assist impacted industries and completed five new business missions to secure markets.
Other Parliamentary Activity
-
Universities Accord (Opening the Doors of Opportunity) Bill 2026; Second Reading
Senate · Wednesday 16 September 2026 · Second Reading
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Superannuation
Senate · Tuesday 15 September 2026 · Matter of Public Importance
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Health Legislation Amendment (Improving Choice and Transparency for Private Health Consumers) Bill 2026; Second Reading
Senate · Tuesday 15 September 2026 · Second Reading
Opened this debate
-
Denman, Ms Kay Janet
Senate · Monday 14 September 2026 · Condolence
Contributed to this debate
-
Housing
Senate · Tuesday 11 August 2026 · Take Note Debate
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Health Legislation Amendment (Prescribing of Pharmaceutical Benefits) Bill 2025; Second Reading
Senate · Tuesday 30 June 2026 · Second Reading
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Crossin, Ms Patricia Margaret (Trish), AM
Senate · Wednesday 24 June 2026 · Condolence
Contributed to this debate
-
Taxation
Senate · Tuesday 23 June 2026 · Matter of Public Importance
Contributed to this debate · Position: oppose
-
Treasury Laws Amendment (Tax Reform No. 1) Bill 2026, Income Tax Rates Amendment (Tax Reform No. 1) Bill 2026; Second Reading
Senate · Monday 22 June 2026 · Second Reading
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Answers to Questions
Senate · Wednesday 13 May 2026 · Take Note Debate
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Cost of Living
Senate · Wednesday 1 April 2026 · Matter of Public Importance
Contributed to this debate · Position: oppose
-
Answers to Questions
Senate · Thursday 12 March 2026 · Take Note Debate
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Fuel Security
Senate · Wednesday 11 March 2026 · Matter of Public Importance
Contributed to this debate · Position: oppose
-
Commonwealth Parole Board Bill 2025, Commonwealth Parole Board (Consequential and Transitional Provisions) Bill 2025; Second Reading
Senate · Wednesday 4 March 2026 · Second Reading
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Bolkus, Hon. Nick
Senate · Tuesday 3 February 2026 · Condolence
Contributed to this debate
-
Answers to Questions
Senate · Tuesday 3 February 2026 · Take Note Debate
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Combatting Antisemitism, Hate and Extremism (Criminal and Migration Laws) Bill 2026; Second Reading
Senate · Tuesday 20 January 2026 · Second Reading
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Bondi Beach: Attack
Senate · Monday 19 January 2026 · Condolence
Contributed to this debate
-
Minister for Climate Change and Energy
Senate · Tuesday 25 November 2025 · Matter of Public Importance
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Answers to Questions
Senate · Tuesday 25 November 2025 · Take Note Debate
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Social Security and Other Legislation Amendment (Technical Changes No. 2) Bill 2025; Second Reading
Senate · Wednesday 5 November 2025 · Second Reading
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Housing
Senate · Tuesday 4 November 2025 · Matter of Public Importance
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Fair Work Amendment (Baby Priya's) Bill 2025; Second Reading
Senate · Monday 3 November 2025 · Second Reading
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Health Legislation Amendment (Miscellaneous Measures No. 1) Bill 2025; Second Reading
Senate · Thursday 30 October 2025 · Second Reading
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Australian Centre for Disease Control Bill 2025, Australian Centre for Disease Control (Consequential Amendments and Transitional Provisions) Bill 2025; Second Reading
Senate · Thursday 30 October 2025 · Second Reading
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Aged Care and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2025, Aged Care (Accommodation Payment Security) Levy Amendment Bill 2025; Second Reading
Senate · Wednesday 3 September 2025 · Second Reading
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Housing
Senate · Tuesday 2 September 2025 · Matter of Public Importance
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Taxation
Senate · Tuesday 26 August 2025 · Matter of Public Importance
Contributed to this debate · Position: oppose
-
Fair Work Amendment (Protecting Penalty and Overtime Rates) Bill 2025; Second Reading
Senate · Tuesday 26 August 2025 · Second Reading
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Early Childhood Education and Care (Strengthening Regulation of Early Education) Bill 2025; Second Reading
Senate · Wednesday 30 July 2025 · Second Reading
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Universities Accord (Cutting Student Debt by 20 Per Cent) Bill 2025; Second Reading
Senate · Tuesday 29 July 2025 · Second Reading
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Crowley, Hon. Dr Rosemary Anne, AO
Senate · Tuesday 25 March 2025 · Condolence
Contributed to this debate
- Votes recorded
- 1044
- Aye votes (29.0%)
- 303
- No votes (71.0%)
- 741
Showing the latest 50 votes.
-
Universities Accord (Opening the Doors of Opportunity) Bill 2026; Second Read
17 Sep 2026 · Ayes 21, Noes 32 · Failed
VOTED NO -
Universities Accord (Opening the Doors of Opportunity) Bill 2026; Second Read
17 Sep 2026 · Ayes 13, Noes 23 · Failed
VOTED NO -
Universities Accord (Opening the Doors of Opportunity) Bill 2026; Second Read
17 Sep 2026 · Ayes 13, Noes 23 · Failed
VOTED NO -
Defence Force Discipline Amendment (RCDVS Implementation and Related Measures...
17 Sep 2026 · Ayes 30, Noes 24 · Passed
VOTED AYE -
Corruption in the Construction Industry Select Committee; Appointment
17 Sep 2026 · Ayes 23, Noes 31 · Failed
VOTED NO -
Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade References Committee; Reference
17 Sep 2026 · Ayes 34, Noes 21 · Passed
VOTED NO -
Environment and Communications References Committee; Reference
17 Sep 2026 · Ayes 23, Noes 32 · Failed
VOTED NO -
Selection of Bills Committee; Report
17 Sep 2026 · Ayes 12, Noes 28 · Failed
VOTED NO -
Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Veterans' Healthcare With...
17 Sep 2026 · Ayes 33, Noes 19 · Passed
VOTED NO -
Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Veterans' Healthcare With...
17 Sep 2026 · Ayes 34, Noes 19 · Passed
VOTED NO -
Manufacturing Industry
16 Sep 2026 · Ayes 20, Noes 27 · Failed
VOTED NO -
Personal Information and Privacy; Order for the Production of Documents
16 Sep 2026 · Ayes 30, Noes 19 · Passed
VOTED NO -
Maritime Industry; Order for the Production of Documents
16 Sep 2026 · Ayes 16, Noes 23 · Failed
VOTED NO -
Climate Change; Order for the Production of Documents
16 Sep 2026 · Ayes 16, Noes 23 · Failed
VOTED NO -
Census; Order for the Production of Documents
16 Sep 2026 · Ayes 23, Noes 30 · Failed
VOTED NO -
ASECA Judicial Seminar; Order for the Production of Documents
16 Sep 2026 · Ayes 12, Noes 28 · Failed
VOTED NO -
Middle East; Order for the Production of Documents
16 Sep 2026 · Ayes 13, Noes 27 · Failed
VOTED NO -
North to East Australia Pipeline; Order for the Production of Documents
16 Sep 2026 · Ayes 18, Noes 25 · Failed
VOTED NO -
Artificial Intelligence Joint Select Committee; Appointment
16 Sep 2026 · Ayes 17, Noes 25 · Failed
VOTED NO -
Artificial Intelligence Joint Select Committee; Appointment
16 Sep 2026 · Ayes 17, Noes 26 · Failed
VOTED NO -
Improved Native Forest Management; Order for the Production of Documents
16 Sep 2026 · Ayes 26, Noes 31 · Failed
VOTED NO -
Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport References Committee; Reference
16 Sep 2026 · Ayes 27, Noes 31 · Failed
VOTED NO -
Middle East
16 Sep 2026 · Ayes 32, Noes 20 · Passed
VOTED AYE -
A New Tax System (Family Assistance) Amendment (No Jab No Pay Repeal) Bill 20...
16 Sep 2026 · Ayes 6, Noes 34 · Failed
VOTED NO -
Economy
15 Sep 2026 · Ayes 31, Noes 20 · Passed
VOTED NO -
Australian Federal Police; Order for the Production of Documents
15 Sep 2026 · Ayes 31, Noes 19 · Passed
VOTED NO -
Trade Unions; Order for the Production of Documents
15 Sep 2026 · Ayes 33, Noes 20 · Passed
VOTED NO -
Consideration of Legislation
15 Sep 2026 · Ayes 22, Noes 32 · Failed
VOTED NO -
Cybersafety Legislation; Order for the Production of Documents
15 Sep 2026 · Ayes 34, Noes 19 · Passed
VOTED NO -
Executive Remuneration; Order for the Production of Documents
15 Sep 2026 · Ayes 17, Noes 26 · Failed
VOTED NO -
Waste Management and Recycling; Order for the Production of Documents
15 Sep 2026 · Ayes 34, Noes 19 · Passed
VOTED NO -
Environment and Communications References Committee; Reference
15 Sep 2026 · Ayes 21, Noes 33 · Failed
VOTED NO -
Red Lines Package Omnibus Bill 2026; First Reading
15 Sep 2026 · Ayes 39, Noes 14 · Passed
VOTED AYE -
Artificial Intelligence
15 Sep 2026 · Ayes 35, Noes 20 · Passed
VOTED NO -
Wage Justice for Early Childhood Education and Care Workers (Special Account)...
15 Sep 2026 · Ayes 25, Noes 36 · Failed
VOTED NO -
Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport References Committee; Reference
14 Sep 2026 · Ayes 25, Noes 31 · Failed
VOTED NO -
Water
14 Sep 2026 · Ayes 16, Noes 24 · Failed
VOTED NO -
Cost of Living
14 Sep 2026 · Ayes 22, Noes 32 · Failed
VOTED NO -
Digital Seller Underperformance Policy; Order for the Production of Documents
14 Sep 2026 · Ayes 32, Noes 18 · Passed
VOTED NO -
Health Care; Order for the Production of Documents
14 Sep 2026 · Ayes 23, Noes 28 · Failed
VOTED NO -
Intergenerational Trust Fund for the People of the Republic of Nauru; Order f...
14 Sep 2026 · Ayes 35, Noes 19 · Passed
VOTED NO -
Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport References Committee; Reference
14 Sep 2026 · Ayes 35, Noes 19 · Passed
VOTED NO -
Wage Justice for Early Childhood Education and Care Workers (Special Account)...
14 Sep 2026 · Ayes 24, Noes 35 · Failed
VOTED NO -
Wage Justice for Early Childhood Education and Care Workers (Special Account)...
14 Sep 2026 · Ayes 12, Noes 25 · Failed
VOTED NO -
Major Sporting Events (Indicia and Images) Protection Amendment Bill 2026; Th...
14 Sep 2026 · Ayes 31, Noes 18 · Passed
VOTED AYE -
Major Sporting Events (Indicia and Images) Protection Amendment Bill 2026; Se...
14 Sep 2026 · Ayes 31, Noes 18 · Passed
VOTED AYE -
Regulatory Reform Omnibus Bill 2026; In Committee
14 Sep 2026 · Ayes 21, Noes 32 · Failed
VOTED NO -
Regulatory Reform Omnibus Bill 2026; In Committee
14 Sep 2026 · Ayes 31, Noes 22 · Passed
VOTED AYE -
Consideration of Legislation
14 Sep 2026 · Ayes 19, Noes 33 · Failed
VOTED AYE -
Artificial Intelligence
14 Sep 2026 · Ayes 14, Noes 24 · Failed
VOTED NO
About this page
This page tracks Carol Brown'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.