Dean Smith
Liberal Party Senator for WA
Currently sitting
Photo: Whufcmax, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Seat and party history (1)
- Liberal Party - WA (Senate) - 2 May 2012 to present
- Seat and party records: OpenAustralia member data.
Contact
Office: (08) 9343 4108
Unit 2, 91-97 Wanneroo Road, Greenwood WA 6024
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
Dean Smith compared with all 76 sitting senators.
Questions asked in Question Time
Lower than 62% of senators- This member
- 7
- Average
- 10.4
- Median
- 10
Debates spoken in
Higher than 75% of senators- This member
- 55
- Average
- 44.8
- Median
- 40
Votes cast
Lower than 76% of senators- This member
- 552
- Average
- 743.0
- Median
- 730
Share of divisions voted in
Lower than 78% of senators- This member
- 49%
- 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 Dean Smith
The member asked whether the Prime Minister would ensure that payments from discretionary trusts to registered charities, tax-exempt not-for-profits, and faith-based groups would be exempt from the 30 per cent trust tax. He sought confirmation that vital funding for vulnerable Australians would not be stripped by the legislation.
Background: The member raised concerns that the government's proposed trust tax could reduce funding for charities and not-for-profits, citing warnings from religious leaders.
Answer from Penny Wong
The minister confirmed the government is consulting on implementation details, including arrangements for donations to charities and tax-exempt entities. She stated that the overarching purpose of the tax reforms is to make the system fairer by aligning the treatment of income from work with income from assets. In response to supplementary questions, she clarified that deductible gifts and donations reduce capital gains subject to the minimum tax, and that the minimum tax does not apply to charitable trusts. She noted that donations to deductible gift recipient organisations remain tax-deductible for discretionary trusts, and highlighted government measures to streamline the process for organisations to gain deductible gift recipient status.
Question from Dean Smith
The member asked how the Prime Minister could claim his economic plan was working when families were paying more for essentials and mortgages.
Background: The member cited statistics showing significant increases in insurance, electricity, gas, rent, education, and food costs, along with 15 interest rate hikes.
Answer from Katy Gallagher
The minister argued that the government had inherited challenges and was cleaning up the budget, delivering surpluses, and reducing debt. She claimed the opposition had campaigned for tax increases and higher debt, including funding for nuclear power stations, which would have raised costs. She stated that the Australian people rejected the opposition's plan. She asserted that the government was addressing cost-of-living pressures through tax cuts, energy bill relief, and healthcare investments, while the opposition focused on internal conflicts.
Question from Dean Smith
The senator asked if the government undertook a regulatory impact analysis before changing rules on SMSF property loans. He followed up by asking if the government verified its figures with lenders. Finally, he suggested the confusion arose from writing policy to satisfy the Greens rather than industry experts.
Background: The government said approximately 4,000 self-managed superannuation fund property loans were written off each year. Senator Smith queried whether a regulatory impact statement had been prepared prior to altering this sector.
Answer from Penny Wong
The minister stated she would take advice on the regulatory impact statement. She cited Treasury advice indicating that less than 10 per cent of SMSFs have such arrangements and that they account for under one per cent of all residential property lending. She noted that transitional arrangements are in place. She referenced the Murray inquiry and the Council of Financial Regulators, which identified limited recourse borrowing as a significant risk to retirement savings, particularly for low-balance funds.
Question from Dean Smith
The member asked how the government allowed fuel shortages to reach a point where regional residents were struggling to secure diesel for emergency generators. He cited a specific incident at a service station south of Geraldton that had to plead for supplies.
Background: A service station in Western Australia ran out of diesel ahead of Cyclone Narelle, prompting concerns about emergency preparedness in regional areas.
Answer from Penny Wong
The minister stated that the government was responding to an unprecedented global energy shock caused by conflict in the Middle East. She noted that 20 per cent of diesel reserves had been released to address regional shortages and that fuel standards had been amended to retain domestic fuel. She confirmed that the specific request regarding the service station would be communicated to the relevant minister's office. Regarding claims of scaremongering, she acknowledged some existed but emphasised the need for a responsible and disciplined approach to the crisis.
Question from Dean Smith
The member asked why farmers were being turned away if fuel supplies were strong. He questioned the government's grip on fuel distribution given local shortages.
Background: A service station in York, Western Australia, was running out of fuel and imposing limits. Farmers were being turned away despite government claims of strong stocks.
Answer from Tim Ayres
The minister stated that the government had directed the ACCC to remove obstacles to fuel companies coordinating supply. He explained that demand spikes affected different regions differently, particularly where retailers accessed the spot market. He confirmed that 100 million litres of additional monthly supply would be available due to changed fuel standards.
Question from Dean Smith
The senator asked why Labor state colleagues were criticizing federal housing policies and whether the government remained committed to the 1.2 million homes target by 2029.
Background: NSW Premier Chris Minns criticized the federal government's housing record, and states are reportedly missing housing targets.
Answer from Penny Wong
The minister emphasized the importance of all levels of government working together to increase housing supply, citing the $43 billion Housing Australia Plan. She stated that the government was investing more than eight times what the previous coalition did in a decade. She noted that around 5,000 homes were completed under Commonwealth programs with another 25,000 in planning or construction, compared to 373 social and affordable homes built by the previous government in a decade. She affirmed the commitment to the ambitious target despite the challenges inherited.
Question from Dean Smith
The member asked whether the government stood by claims of significant property value losses due to climate change, given the figures were unverified. He questioned the reliability of the report.
Background: The National Climate Risk Assessment report included unverified figures on property value losses, leading to questions about accuracy.
Answer from Tim Ayres
The minister simply answered 'No' to the suggestion that the figures were inaccurate or should be removed. He affirmed the government's belief in science and the validity of the modelling.
Other Parliamentary Activity
-
Defence Legislation Amendment (RCDVS Implementation and Related Measures No. 2) Bill 2026; Second Reading
Senate · Thursday 17 September 2026 · Second Reading
Responded as shadow minister
-
Defence Force Discipline Amendment (RCDVS Implementation and Related Measures No. 1) Bill 2026; In Committee
Senate · Thursday 17 September 2026 · In Committee
Opened this debate
-
Answers to Questions
Senate · Thursday 17 September 2026 · Take Note Debate
Opened this debate
-
Economy
Senate · Tuesday 15 September 2026 · Matter of Public Importance
Responded as shadow minister
-
Cost of Living
Senate · Monday 14 September 2026 · Matter of Public Importance
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Online Safety Amendment (Strengthening Enforcement for the Social Media Minimum Age) Bill 2026; Second Reading
Senate · Tuesday 8 September 2026 · Second Reading
Contributed to this debate · Position: oppose
-
Answers to Questions
Senate · Tuesday 8 September 2026 · Take Note Debate
Opened this debate
-
Tax Laws Amendment (Incentivising Food Donations to Charitable Organisations) Bill 2026; Second Reading
Senate · Monday 7 September 2026 · Second Reading
Opened this debate
-
Tax Laws Amendment (Incentivising Food Donations to Charitable Organisations) Bill 2026; First Reading
Senate · Monday 7 September 2026 · First Reading
Contributed to this debate
-
Regulatory Reform Omnibus Bill 2026; Second Reading
Senate · Monday 7 September 2026 · Second Reading
Opened this debate
-
Answers to Questions
Senate · Thursday 20 August 2026 · Take Note Debate
Opened this debate
-
Migration Amendment (Overseas Organ Transplant Disclosure) Bill 2026; Second Reading
Senate · Thursday 20 August 2026 · Second Reading
Opened this debate
-
Migration Amendment (Overseas Organ Transplant Disclosure) Bill 2026; First Reading
Senate · Thursday 20 August 2026 · First Reading
Contributed to this debate
-
Taxation
Senate · Tuesday 18 August 2026 · Matter of Public Importance
Opened this debate
-
Human Rights
Senate · Monday 17 August 2026 · Matter of Public Importance
Responded as shadow minister
-
Answers to Questions
Senate · Thursday 13 August 2026 · Take Note Debate
Opened this debate
-
Answers to Questions
Senate · Thursday 2 July 2026 · Take Note Debate
Opened this debate
-
Taxation
Senate · Wednesday 1 July 2026 · Matter of Public Importance
Contributed to this debate · Position: oppose
-
Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility Amendment Bill 2026; Second Reading
Senate · Tuesday 30 June 2026 · Second Reading
Opened this debate
-
Secrecy Provisions Amendment (Sunsetting Provision) Bill 2026; Second Reading
Senate · Monday 29 June 2026 · Second Reading
Opened this debate
-
Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility Amendment Bill 2026; Second Reading
Senate · Monday 29 June 2026 · Second Reading
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Answers to Questions
Senate · Thursday 25 June 2026 · Take Note Debate
Opened this debate
-
Treasury Laws Amendment (Tax Reform No. 1) Bill 2026, Income Tax Rates Amendment (Tax Reform No. 1) Bill 2026; Second Reading
Senate · Tuesday 23 June 2026 · Second Reading
Responded as shadow minister
-
Budget
Senate · Thursday 14 May 2026 · General Debate
Contributed to this debate · Position: oppose
-
Answers to Questions
Senate · Thursday 14 May 2026 · Take Note Debate
Contributed to this debate · Position: oppose
-
Competition and Consumer Amendment (Responding to Exceptional Circumstances) Bill 2026; Second Reading
Senate · Wednesday 13 May 2026 · Second Reading
Responded as shadow minister
-
Sovereign Capability
Senate · Tuesday 24 March 2026 · Matter of Public Importance
Contributed to this debate · Position: oppose
-
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
Senate · Monday 23 March 2026 · Second Reading
Opened this debate
-
Answers to Questions
Senate · Wednesday 11 March 2026 · Take Note Debate
Contributed to this debate · Position: oppose
-
Treasury Laws Amendment (Building a Stronger and Fairer Super System) Bill 2026, Superannuation (Building a Stronger and Fairer Super System) Imposition Bill 2026; Second Reading
Senate · Tuesday 10 March 2026 · Second Reading
Contributed to this debate · Position: oppose
-
Fuel Security
Senate · Tuesday 10 March 2026 · Matter of Public Importance
Opened this debate
-
Freedom of Speech
Senate · Thursday 5 March 2026 · General Debate
Contributed to this debate · Position: mixed
-
Economy, Wages and Salaries
Senate · Wednesday 4 March 2026 · Take Note Debate
Contributed to this debate · Position: oppose
-
Economy
Senate · Wednesday 4 March 2026 · Matter of Public Importance
Opened this debate
-
Boswell, Hon. Ronald (Ron) Leslie Doyle, AO
Senate · Tuesday 3 March 2026 · Condolence
Contributed to this debate
-
Fiscal Policy, Defence Properties
Senate · Thursday 5 February 2026 · Take Note Debate
Contributed to this debate · Position: oppose
-
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
Responded as shadow minister
-
Energy
Senate · Monday 24 November 2025 · Matter of Public Importance
Opened this debate
-
Economy
Senate · Monday 3 November 2025 · Matter of Public Importance
Opened this debate
-
Answers to Questions
Senate · Thursday 4 September 2025 · Take Note Debate
Responded as shadow minister
-
Cost of Living
Senate · Monday 1 September 2025 · Matter of Public Importance
Contributed to this debate · Position: oppose
-
Energy
Senate · Wednesday 30 July 2025 · Matter of Public Importance
Opened this debate
-
Answers to Questions
Senate · Tuesday 29 July 2025 · Take Note Debate
Contributed to this debate · Position: oppose
-
Stone, Mr John Owen, AO
Senate · Monday 28 July 2025 · Condolence
Contributed to this debate
-
Eggleston, Dr Alan, AM
Senate · Wednesday 23 July 2025 · Condolence
Contributed to this debate
-
Answers to Questions
Senate · Wednesday 23 July 2025 · Take Note Debate
Opened this debate
-
Budget
Senate · Wednesday 26 March 2025 · Matter of Public Importance
Opened this debate
-
Answers to Questions
Senate · Wednesday 26 March 2025 · Take Note Debate
Opened this debate
-
Economy
Senate · Tuesday 25 March 2025 · Matter of Public Importance
Responded as shadow minister
- Votes recorded
- 552
- Aye votes (65.2%)
- 360
- No votes (34.8%)
- 192
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 AYE -
Defence Force Discipline Amendment (RCDVS Implementation and Related Measures...
17 Sep 2026 · Ayes 30, Noes 24 · Passed
VOTED NO -
Corruption in the Construction Industry Select Committee; Appointment
17 Sep 2026 · Ayes 23, Noes 31 · Failed
VOTED AYE -
Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade References Committee; Reference
17 Sep 2026 · Ayes 34, Noes 21 · Passed
VOTED AYE -
Environment and Communications References Committee; Reference
17 Sep 2026 · Ayes 23, Noes 32 · Failed
VOTED AYE -
Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Veterans' Healthcare With...
17 Sep 2026 · Ayes 33, Noes 19 · Passed
VOTED AYE -
Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Veterans' Healthcare With...
17 Sep 2026 · Ayes 34, Noes 19 · Passed
VOTED AYE -
Migration
16 Sep 2026 · Ayes 19, Noes 30 · Failed
VOTED AYE -
Manufacturing Industry
16 Sep 2026 · Ayes 20, Noes 27 · Failed
VOTED AYE -
Personal Information and Privacy; Order for the Production of Documents
16 Sep 2026 · Ayes 30, Noes 19 · Passed
VOTED AYE -
Census; Order for the Production of Documents
16 Sep 2026 · Ayes 23, Noes 30 · Failed
VOTED AYE -
Improved Native Forest Management; Order for the Production of Documents
16 Sep 2026 · Ayes 26, Noes 31 · Failed
VOTED AYE -
Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport References Committee; Reference
16 Sep 2026 · Ayes 27, Noes 31 · Failed
VOTED AYE -
Middle East
16 Sep 2026 · Ayes 32, Noes 20 · Passed
VOTED NO -
Economy
15 Sep 2026 · Ayes 31, Noes 20 · Passed
VOTED AYE -
Trade Unions; Order for the Production of Documents
15 Sep 2026 · Ayes 33, Noes 20 · Passed
VOTED AYE -
Consideration of Legislation
15 Sep 2026 · Ayes 22, Noes 32 · Failed
VOTED AYE -
Cybersafety Legislation; Order for the Production of Documents
15 Sep 2026 · Ayes 34, Noes 19 · Passed
VOTED AYE -
Waste Management and Recycling; Order for the Production of Documents
15 Sep 2026 · Ayes 34, Noes 19 · Passed
VOTED AYE -
Environment and Communications References Committee; Reference
15 Sep 2026 · Ayes 21, Noes 33 · Failed
VOTED AYE -
Wage Justice for Early Childhood Education and Care Workers (Special Account)...
15 Sep 2026 · Ayes 25, Noes 36 · Failed
VOTED AYE -
Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport References Committee; Reference
14 Sep 2026 · Ayes 25, Noes 31 · Failed
VOTED AYE -
Cost of Living
14 Sep 2026 · Ayes 22, Noes 32 · Failed
VOTED AYE -
Digital Seller Underperformance Policy; Order for the Production of Documents
14 Sep 2026 · Ayes 32, Noes 18 · Passed
VOTED AYE -
Health Care; Order for the Production of Documents
14 Sep 2026 · Ayes 23, Noes 28 · Failed
VOTED AYE -
Intergenerational Trust Fund for the People of the Republic of Nauru; Order f...
14 Sep 2026 · Ayes 35, Noes 19 · Passed
VOTED AYE -
Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport References Committee; Reference
14 Sep 2026 · Ayes 35, Noes 19 · Passed
VOTED AYE -
Wage Justice for Early Childhood Education and Care Workers (Special Account)...
14 Sep 2026 · Ayes 24, Noes 35 · Failed
VOTED AYE -
Major Sporting Events (Indicia and Images) Protection Amendment Bill 2026; Th...
14 Sep 2026 · Ayes 31, Noes 18 · Passed
VOTED NO -
Major Sporting Events (Indicia and Images) Protection Amendment Bill 2026; Se...
14 Sep 2026 · Ayes 31, Noes 18 · Passed
VOTED NO -
Carbon Farming Initiative--Improved Forest Management in Multiple-use Public ...
10 Sep 2026 · Ayes 27, Noes 34 · Failed
VOTED AYE -
Online Safety Amendment (Strengthening Enforcement for the Social Media Minim...
10 Sep 2026 · Ayes 31, Noes 20 · Passed
VOTED NO -
Online Safety Amendment (Strengthening Enforcement for the Social Media Minim...
10 Sep 2026 · Ayes 32, Noes 21 · Passed
VOTED NO -
Online Safety Amendment (Strengthening Enforcement for the Social Media Minim...
10 Sep 2026 · Ayes 22, Noes 31 · Failed
VOTED AYE -
Online Safety Amendment (Strengthening Enforcement for the Social Media Minim...
10 Sep 2026 · Ayes 22, Noes 31 · Failed
VOTED AYE -
Online Safety Amendment (Strengthening Enforcement for the Social Media Minim...
10 Sep 2026 · Ayes 20, Noes 30 · Failed
VOTED AYE -
Online Safety Amendment (Strengthening Enforcement for the Social Media Minim...
10 Sep 2026 · Ayes 33, Noes 23 · Passed
VOTED NO -
Superannuation
9 Sep 2026 · Ayes 21, Noes 34 · Failed
VOTED NO -
Online Safety Amendment (Strengthening Enforcement for the Social Media Minim...
9 Sep 2026 · Ayes 31, Noes 22 · Passed
VOTED NO -
Defence Properties
8 Sep 2026 · Ayes 39, Noes 23 · Passed
VOTED AYE -
Veterans: Health Care
8 Sep 2026 · Ayes 36, Noes 21 · Passed
VOTED AYE -
Housing; Order for the Production of Documents
8 Sep 2026 · Ayes 25, Noes 31 · Failed
VOTED AYE -
Cheaper Home Batteries Program, Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet,...
8 Sep 2026 · Ayes 25, Noes 31 · Failed
VOTED AYE -
COVID-19: Mortality; Order for the Production of Documents
8 Sep 2026 · Ayes 23, Noes 33 · Failed
VOTED AYE -
Treasury Laws Amendment (Strengthening Accountability for Tax Adviser Miscond...
7 Sep 2026 · Ayes 36, Noes 4 · Passed
VOTED AYE -
Treasury Laws Amendment (Strengthening Accountability for Tax Adviser Miscond...
7 Sep 2026 · Ayes 13, Noes 27 · Failed
VOTED NO -
Tobacco Control
7 Sep 2026 · Ayes 24, Noes 30 · Failed
VOTED AYE -
International Relations: Australia and the United States of America
7 Sep 2026 · Ayes 14, Noes 28 · Failed
VOTED NO -
Animal Welfare; Order for the Production of Documents
7 Sep 2026 · Ayes 13, Noes 25 · Failed
VOTED NO -
Social Security (Administration) Legislation Amendment (Income Management and...
7 Sep 2026 · Ayes 13, Noes 24 · Failed
VOTED NO
About this page
This page tracks Dean 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.