David Smith
Australian Labor Party Member for Bean
Currently sitting
Photo: UCStudentActivist97, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Seat and party history (2)
- Australian Labor Party - Bean (House) - 18 May 2019 to present
- Australian Labor Party - ACT (Senate) - 23 May 2018 to 11 Apr 2019
- Seat and party records: OpenAustralia member data.
Contact
Electorate office: (02) 6293 1344
205 Anketell Street, Tuggeranong ACT 2900
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
David Smith compared with all 150 sitting House members.
Questions asked in Question Time
Higher than 62% of House members- This member
- 15
- Average
- 11.2
- Median
- 12
Debates spoken in
Lower than 73% of House members- This member
- 19
- Average
- 35.9
- Median
- 30.5
Votes cast
Higher than 95% of House members- This member
- 326
- Average
- 253.0
- Median
- 265
Share of divisions voted in
Higher than 87% 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 David Smith
The member asked the Minister for Social Services how the government was supporting older Australians in retirement and what impact alternative approaches would have.
Background: The government was highlighting its support for older Australians through pension increases and superannuation.
Answer from Tanya Plibersek
The Minister stated that the government was investing close to $70 billion in the age pension, with the maximum single rate increasing by $6,500 since taking office. She explained that superannuation reduced the long-term cost of pensions as a share of GDP, keeping it below two per cent compared to the OECD average of nine per cent. She argued that weakening superannuation would increase the burden on working-age taxpayers to fund pensions. She contrasted the government's approach of higher wages and superannuation with the opposition's stance.
Question from David Smith
The member asked the Minister for Social Services how the government was delivering change through expanded paid parental leave and what risks existed to this progress.
Background: The member asked about the impact of expanded paid parental leave on families and potential risks.
Answer from Tanya Plibersek
The minister stated that paid parental leave had increased to almost $30,000, more than double the 2022 level. She noted that during the initial year when superannuation was contributed on paid parental leave, 200,000 individuals received $285.12 million in contributions. She estimated that a woman with a median superannuation balance would be $5,400 better off in retirement, and a woman with three children could retire with an extra $17,600. She identified the opposition parties as a risk due to their opposition to universal superannuation.
Question from David Smith
The member asked what actions the government was taking to help Australians buy homes and which policies would make homeownership more difficult.
Background: The member asked about government actions to assist homeownership and policies that hinder it.
Answer from Clare O'Neil
The Minister highlighted legislation before the parliament that would provide tax cuts and level the playing field for first home buyers. She stated that the opposition intended to vote against these measures. She noted that the opposition wanted to scrap the Help to Buy program, which assists 10,000 first home owners annually. She also mentioned their intention to reduce the five per cent deposit program, which has helped 260,000 Australians. She accused the opposition of wanting to subsidize investors over first home buyers.
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 David Smith
The member asked how the tax reforms would benefit workers, first home buyers, and businesses, and how this compared to alternative approaches.
Background: A government member asked the Treasurer how the tax reforms would benefit workers, first home buyers, and businesses, and how this compared to other approaches.
Answer from Jim Chalmers
The Treasurer stated that the tax reform package aimed to align tax treatment between workers and other income earners, level the playing field for first home buyers, and improve productivity. He noted tax cuts for more than 13 million workers and incentives for innovation and small business. The Treasurer mentioned changes to capital gains and negative gearing to address distortions introduced by the Howard-Costello government. He contrasted the government's focus on aspiration for more people with the opposition's approach, which he described as favoring a few Australians.
Question from David Smith
The member asked how the government was implementing significant aged-care reforms to address past neglect.
Background: A government member asked the Minister for Aged Care and Seniors how the government was delivering meaningful aged-care reforms after a decade of neglect.
Answer from Sam Rae
The Minister highlighted the introduction of the new Aged Care Act with a statement of rights, effective November 1 last year. He noted the delivery of Support at Home with 83,000 additional home-care places and the direct allocation of aged-care places to individuals. The Minister announced $115 million in new funding for beds in hotspots, bringing total ACCAP investment to over $1 billion since 2022. He emphasized four rounds of fully funded pay rises for aged-care workers, increasing average registered nurse earnings by $28,000 annually. He contrasted these actions with the previous government's inaction.
Question from David Smith
The member asked the Prime Minister to outline the significance and outcomes of the Canadian Prime Minister's visit and how the government is collaborating with partners to promote global peace and prosperity.
Background: The Prime Minister of Canada, Mark Carney, had recently visited Australia.
Answer from Anthony Albanese
The Prime Minister described the visit as auspicious, highlighting strengthened ties in critical minerals, including Australia's entry into the G7 Critical Minerals Production Alliance. He announced a new clean-energy partnership, an updated tax treaty, and deeper cooperation on artificial intelligence and defense, including the Arctic Over the Horizon Radar system. He also emphasized enhanced emergency management collaboration, acknowledging Canadian support during past bushfires.
Question from David Smith
The member asked what the government is doing to grow ADF capabilities in new domains and why this is important.
Background: The government is expanding Defence capabilities in space and cyber domains.
Answer from Matt Keogh
The Minister announced the launch of new direct recruitment roles for space operator officers and specialists. He explained that these roles support satellite communication, missile detection, and intelligence. He noted that Defence recruitment had reached its highest level in 15 years and separation rates were at historic lows.
Question from David Smith
The member asked what the government was doing to provide cost-of-living relief to university students and why delivering on education promises was important.
Background: The government had implemented student debt relief and paid practical training.
Answer from Jason Clare
The Minister reported that student debt had been cut by 20 per cent for over three million Australians, averaging $5,500 in relief per person. He noted that annual repayments were being reduced, for example by $1,300 for those earning $70,000. He also highlighted the rollout of paid practical training for students in teaching, nursing, midwifery, and social work to help cover living costs during placements.
Question from David Smith
The member asked how the government was helping Australians prepare for the implementation of the new social media law.
Background: Australia's social media law, raising the minimum age for accounts to 16, was set to commence in two weeks.
Answer from Anika Wells
The Minister stated that the government had invested over $10 million in a national advertising campaign to build awareness and trust in the law. She reported that online visits to eSafety's website rose by 1,441 per cent, with nearly 600,000 Australians accessing resources. She shared positive feedback from young people who believed the law would reduce cyberbullying and protect mental health. She affirmed the government's commitment to standing with parents against platform threats and legal challenges.
Question from David Smith
The member asked the Treasurer to update the House on the Reserve Bank's interest rate decision.
Background: The member asked for an update on the Reserve Bank's decision regarding interest rates.
Answer from Jim Chalmers
The Treasurer reported that the Reserve Bank had maintained interest rates at 3.6 per cent. He noted that inflation had decreased significantly since the government took office, allowing for three rate cuts earlier in the year. He stated that the Reserve Bank had downgraded the contribution of public spending to inflation in its forecasts.
Question from David Smith
The member asked how these engagements were providing economic growth and opportunities for Australians.
Background: The Prime Minister recently engaged with leaders in the United States, Malaysia, and Korea.
Answer from Richard Marles
The minister reported that the Prime Minister met with leaders from the US, Korea, Canada, New Zealand, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam ahead of the APEC summit. He highlighted that these seven countries represent one-quarter of Australia's exports and underpin about a million jobs. He noted a critical minerals framework agreement with the US and emphasized the importance of trade for national prosperity.
Question from David Smith
The member asked how the government was making it easier for first home buyers to purchase their first home and what the response had been.
Background: The government had recently announced changes to help first home buyers enter the market.
Answer from Clare O'Neil
The minister announced that from 1 October, first home buyers could enter the market with a five per cent deposit, with no income limits and updated house price caps. She stated this would save buyers tens of thousands in insurance and hundreds of thousands in rent, reducing the saving period from 11 years to two or three. She highlighted that housing starts were up 17 per cent, environmental approvals were processing three times faster, and 180,000 Australians had bought their first home since the government took office.
Question from David Smith
The member asked how the government was delivering on election commitments, including cheaper home batteries, and if other policies were being considered.
Background: A government member asked about progress on election commitments, including cheaper home batteries.
Answer from Chris Bowen
The minister reported that 15,325 cheaper home batteries had been installed in the first four weeks of the program. He highlighted installation rates in various electorates. He contrasted the government's focus on cost of living relief with the opposition's introduction of an anti-net-zero bill. He criticized the opposition's review of net zero targets, citing support for renewable energy in regional areas.
Question from David Smith
The member asked how the government was continuing to ease cost-of-living pressures for households.
Background: A government member asked the Prime Minister about building on the record of easing cost-of-living pressures.
Answer from Anthony Albanese
The Prime Minister listed measures implemented on 1 July including a 3.5 per cent wage increase, extended paid parental leave with superannuation, and $10,000 incentives for construction apprentices. He noted the rollout of battery subsidies, a 20 per cent cut to student debt benefiting 3 million Australians, legislation protecting penalty rates for 2.6 million workers, and a freeze on the draught beer excise.
Other Parliamentary Activity
-
Health Legislation Amendment (Improving Choice and Transparency for Private Health Consumers) Bill 2026; Second Reading
House of Representatives · Thursday 25 June 2026 · Second Reading
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Labor Government
House of Representatives · Thursday 26 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 Security
House of Representatives · Tuesday 3 March 2026 · Matter of Public Importance
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Economy
House of Representatives · Thursday 5 February 2026 · Matter of Public Importance
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Bondi Beach Attack Victims
House of Representatives · Monday 19 January 2026 · Condolence
Contributed to this debate
-
Mental Health Month
House of Representatives · Wednesday 26 November 2025 · General Debate
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Small Business
House of Representatives · Monday 24 November 2025 · General Debate
Contributed to this debate · Position: oppose
-
Telecommunications
House of Representatives · Monday 3 November 2025 · General Debate
Contributed to this debate · Position: oppose
-
Appropriation Bill (No. 1) 2025-2026; Consideration in Detail
House of Representatives · Thursday 9 October 2025 · Consideration in Detail
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Middle East
House of Representatives · Tuesday 7 October 2025 · General Debate
Opened this debate
-
Appropriation Bill (No. 1) 2025-2026; Consideration in Detail
House of Representatives · Tuesday 7 October 2025 · Consideration in Detail
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Police Week
House of Representatives · Monday 1 September 2025 · General Debate
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Stone, Mr John Owen, AO
House of Representatives · Monday 25 August 2025 · General Debate
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Mental Health
House of Representatives · Monday 25 August 2025 · General Debate
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
His Holiness Pope Francis
House of Representatives · Wednesday 30 July 2025 · Condolence
Contributed to this debate
-
Small Business
House of Representatives · Monday 28 July 2025 · General Debate
Contributed to this debate · Position: oppose
-
Telecommunications Amendment (Enhancing Consumer Safeguards) Bill 2025; Second Reading
House of Representatives · Wednesday 26 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 · Position: support
- Votes recorded
- 326
- Aye votes (48.5%)
- 158
- No votes (51.5%)
- 168
Showing the latest 50 votes.
-
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 -
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 -
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 -
Suspension of Standing and Sessional Orders
11 Aug 2026 · Ayes 74, Noes 12 · Passed
VOTED AYE -
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
About this page
This page tracks David Smith'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.