Emma Comer
Australian Labor Party Member for Petrie
Currently sitting
Photo: Australian Government, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Seat and party history (1)
- Australian Labor Party - Petrie (House) - 3 May 2025 to present
- Seat and party records: OpenAustralia member data.
Contact
Electorate office: (07) 3284 8008
40 Hornibrook Esplanade, Clontarf QLD 4019
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
Emma Comer compared with all 150 sitting House members.
Questions asked in Question Time
Higher than 56% of House members- This member
- 14
- Average
- 11.2
- Median
- 12
Debates spoken in
Higher than 57% of House members- This member
- 35
- Average
- 35.9
- Median
- 30.5
Votes cast
Higher than 65% of House members- This member
- 286
- Average
- 253.0
- Median
- 265
Share of divisions voted in
Higher than 90% of House members- This member
- 99%
- 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 Emma Comer
The member asked how the government was growing the Defence Force and what difficulties had been faced in the past.
Background: The government has taken steps to reverse the shrinking of the Defence Force under the previous administration.
Answer from Matt Keogh
The minister reported that recruitment numbers had reached over 8,000 in the current year, the highest in 16 years, and that separation rates had dropped to 7.4 per cent. He highlighted investments in healthcare, housing, education, and a continuation bonus. He noted that recruitment timelines had been accelerated to under a year, with critical roles taking as little as 150 days, compared to over a year under the previous government.
Question from Emma Comer
The member asked how the government was strengthening the alliance with the United States.
Background: The member asked about the status of the alliance with the United States following the 70th anniversary of the ANZUS Treaty.
Answer from Richard Marles
The Deputy Prime Minister noted the recent 75th anniversary of the treaty and his attendance at commemorations in Washington. He traced the alliance's origins to John Curtin's 1941 statement looking to America for support. He emphasised the shared values and history of fighting side-by-side in major conflicts, including the invocation of the treaty after the September 11 attacks. He concluded that the alliance was in the best of order and remained crucial for regional security.
Question from Emma Comer
The member asked about the impact of the social media ban and what was preventing stronger protections for children.
Background: The government's social media ban for under-16s is being strengthened.
Answer from Anthony Albanese
The Prime Minister highlighted that the reforms have fostered conversations between parents and children about online safety. He emphasized that the legislation responds to calls from parents and the eSafety Commissioner for powers to access documents from tech giants and increase fines. He criticized the coalition's deal to refer the bill to a Senate inquiry, arguing it gives companies time to remove evidence and resist changes, and urged senators to vote for the legislation before the parliament rises.
Question from Emma Comer
The member asked how the government's defence investment provides critical capability and creates export opportunities, and why this is better than other approaches.
Background: A government member asked the Deputy Prime Minister about defence investments and export opportunities.
Answer from Richard Marles
The Minister highlighted the Jindalee Operational Radar Network, noting a $2.5 billion deal with Canada to build similar radar systems, the largest defence export in Australian history. He stated this deal supports 1,000 jobs in South Australia and Victoria. He criticized the opposition and One Nation for lacking detailed defence policy, focusing only on GDP percentages without articulating specific platforms. He emphasized that the government's approach builds high-tech industry and national security.
Question from Emma Comer
The member asked how the government was supporting Australian small businesses, including through budget measures.
Background: A government member asked the Minister for Small Business how the government was supporting small businesses, including through the budget.
Answer from Anne Aly
The Minister said the government aimed to improve cash flow and cut operating costs by using specific steps to lower regulatory burdens. She pointed out that the budget contained $3.5 billion in aid for small firms. This involved keeping the $20,000 immediate asset deduction and the two-year loss carry-back rules in place permanently. It also meant allowing startups to claim refunds for losses and getting rid of minor tariffs. She mentioned that the Business Council of Australia, Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand, and several industry groups reacted positively. They praised these actions for boosting cash flow and strengthening confidence.
Question from Emma Comer
The member asked how the budget was building Australia's future through historic investment in aged care.
Background: A government member asked the Minister for Aged Care how the budget was building Australia's future through investment in aged care.
Answer from Sam Rae
The Minister stated that the budget included a significant boost to residential aged care, building on more than $1 billion invested since 2022. She highlighted the delivery of 5,000 real beds every year. The Minister noted that Stolen Generations redress payments would no longer be counted in means assessments. She mentioned that no older Australian in the Support at Home program would incur costs for assistance with bathing, getting dressed, or managing incontinence, and that end-of-life care would be extended.
Question from Emma Comer
The member asked what actions the government was taking to help with the cost of living and how these compared to other approaches.
Background: A government member asked about government actions to alleviate cost-of-living pressures, including fuel costs.
Answer from Jim Chalmers
The Treasurer welcomed Lauren Jackson to the House and acknowledged the serious pressures on Australian families due to the Middle East war. He announced that the fuel excise would be halved from April for three months to provide relief to motorists and truck drivers. He described this as timely, targeted, temporary, and responsible relief. The Treasurer also highlighted other cost-of-living measures, including upcoming tax cuts, increased bulk-billing, cheaper medicines, and student debt relief. He noted a recent Fair Work Commission decision on youth wages and the Reserve Bank's announcement to end credit and debit card surcharges in October. He emphasized that the government was acting responsibly to ease pressures across multiple areas.
Question from Emma Comer
The member asked what the government was doing to provide social and affordable housing and if there were risks to the plans.
Background: A government member asked about government actions to provide social and affordable homes.
Answer from Clare O'Neil
The minister highlighted the construction of 330 new homes in the member's electorate as part of a target to build 55,000 homes via the Housing Australia Future Fund. She shared a personal story of a resident benefiting from the program. She identified the opposition's opposition to the fund as the primary risk to housing delivery.
Question from Emma Comer
The member asked how the government was delivering for defence and what alternative approaches existed.
Background: The member sought to highlight government defence investments and contrast them with opposition policies.
Answer from Richard Marles
The minister highlighted the Defence Strategic Review, AUKUS implementation, and the biggest peacetime increase in defence spending. He stated that the Defence Force was growing after previously shrinking. The minister criticized the shadow minister for having no substantive defence policy, noting that he had previously opposed increased defence spending. He referenced a video where the shadow minister praised recent investments, suggesting a lack of independent policy.
Question from Emma Comer
The member asked about the impact of the social media age restrictions and how the policy was protecting young Australians from harm.
Background: The social media age restriction law had recently been implemented.
Answer from Anika Wells
The Minister reported that 4.7 million accounts had been deactivated, removed, or restricted in the first week of the law's implementation. She stated this allowed young Australians to disconnect from algorithms and engage in real-life activities. She acknowledged that implementation was not perfect but emphasized the cultural change and progress being made. She cited positive feedback from parents and educators.
Question from Emma Comer
The member asked what specific commitments the government had delivered on to benefit Australians.
Background: The member asked how the government was delivering on its commitments to improve Australians' lives.
Answer from Anthony Albanese
The Prime Minister cited examples including penalty rate protections for workers, free TAFE for construction students, student debt cuts, paid practical placements for nursing students, savings on endometriosis treatment, wage increases for childcare workers, and full funding for public schools. He stated these measures were making a positive difference to people's lives.
Question from Emma Comer
The member asked how the government was supporting first home buyers and what other housing approaches were being considered.
Background: The member asked about support for first home buyers and alternative housing approaches.
Answer from Clare O'Neil
The Minister stated that 197,000 Australians had accessed the five per cent deposit scheme. She highlighted that building approvals had risen by 15.3 per cent and that the government's $43 billion housing agenda focused on increasing supply. She criticized the opposition for lacking a housing minister during their time in government and for opposing current measures.
Question from Emma Comer
The member asked how the government was delivering on its housing commitments and what stood in the way of building more homes.
Background: A government member asked the Minister for Housing about the government's commitment to making it easier to buy and better to rent, and what obstacles remained.
Answer from Clare O'Neil
The minister stated that the government had invested $43 billion in housing, resulting in 175,000 first-home buyers, increased rent assistance, and 500,000 new homes built. She noted that building approvals had risen by 27.4 per cent. She criticized the opposition for attempting to block the construction of 80,000 new homes. She emphasized the need for bipartisan cooperation to address construction challenges and meet housing demand.
Question from Emma Comer
The member asked how the government was keeping Australians safe through defence investment and engagement with partners.
Background: A government member asked the Deputy Prime Minister about defence investments and engagement with allies.
Answer from Richard Marles
The Minister highlighted Australia's participation in Talisman Sabre 2025, the Shangri-La dialogue, and the NATO summit. He outlined the implementation of the Defence Strategic Review, including a new national defence strategy. He cited an additional $58 billion in defence spending over the decade and increased procurement spending, focusing on submarine capabilities, surface fleets, mobile army, long-range missiles, and air force projection.
Other Parliamentary Activity
-
National Student Ombudsman Levy Bill 2026; Second Reading
House of Representatives · Tuesday 15 September 2026 · Second Reading
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Economy
House of Representatives · Monday 14 September 2026 · General Debate
Contributed to this debate · Position: oppose
-
Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Commission Yearly Report to Parliament
House of Representatives · Thursday 10 September 2026 · Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
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
-
Tertiary Education and Training
House of Representatives · Monday 7 September 2026 · General Debate
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Mental Health Month
House of Representatives · Monday 7 September 2026 · General Debate
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Renewable Energy
House of Representatives · Monday 17 August 2026 · General Debate
Contributed to this debate · Position: oppose
-
Key Apprenticeship Program
House of Representatives · Monday 17 August 2026 · General Debate
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Health Insurance Amendment (Incentive Payments and Other Measures) Bill 2026; Second Reading
House of Representatives · Wednesday 1 July 2026 · Second Reading
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Energy
House of Representatives · Tuesday 30 June 2026 · General Debate
Opened this debate
-
Plastic Waste
House of Representatives · Monday 29 June 2026 · General Debate
Contributed to this debate · Position: mixed
-
Health Care
House of Representatives · Monday 29 June 2026 · General Debate
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Veterans
House of Representatives · Monday 22 June 2026 · General Debate
Contributed to this debate · Position: oppose
-
Budget
House of Representatives · Thursday 4 June 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
House of Representatives · Wednesday 25 March 2026 · Second Reading
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Women in Defence
House of Representatives · Monday 23 March 2026 · General Debate
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Energy
House of Representatives · Thursday 12 March 2026 · Matter of Public Importance
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Telecommunications Legislation Amendment (Universal Outdoor Mobile Obligation) Bill 2025; Second Reading
House of Representatives · Monday 2 March 2026 · Second Reading
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Defence and Veterans' Service Commissioner Bill 2025, Defence and Veterans' Service Commissioner (Consequential and Transitional Provisions) Bill 2025; Second Reading
House of Representatives · Wednesday 11 February 2026 · Second Reading
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Universities Accord (Australian Tertiary Education Commission) Bill 2025, Universities Accord (Australian Tertiary Education Commission) (Consequential and Transitional Provisions) Bill 2025; Second Reading
House of Representatives · Monday 9 February 2026 · Second Reading
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Australia: Natural Disasters
House of Representatives · Monday 9 February 2026 · General Debate
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Bondi Beach Attack Victims
House of Representatives · Monday 19 January 2026 · Condolence
Contributed to this debate
-
Veterans' Affairs Legislation Amendment (Miscellaneous Measures No. 1) Bill 2025; Second Reading
House of Representatives · Wednesday 26 November 2025 · Second Reading
Opened this debate
-
Repeal Net Zero Bill 2025; Second Reading
House of Representatives · Monday 24 November 2025 · Second Reading
Contributed to this debate · Position: oppose
-
Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games
House of Representatives · Monday 24 November 2025 · General Debate
Responded as minister
-
VET Student Loans (Miscellaneous Measures) Bill 2025; Second Reading
House of Representatives · Wednesday 5 November 2025 · 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
-
Excise Tariff Amendment (Draught Beer) Bill 2025, Customs Tariff Amendment (Draught Beer) Bill 2025; Second Reading
House of Representatives · Monday 3 November 2025 · Second Reading
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Construction, Forestry and Maritime Employees Union
House of Representatives · Monday 3 November 2025 · General Debate
Contributed to this debate · Position: oppose
-
Timber industry
House of Representatives · Monday 27 October 2025 · General Debate
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Housing
House of Representatives · Monday 27 October 2025 · General Debate
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Labor Government
House of Representatives · Thursday 4 September 2025 · Matter of Public Importance
Opened this debate
-
Women's Health Week
House of Representatives · Monday 1 September 2025 · General Debate
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
National Health Amendment (Cheaper Medicines) Bill 2025; Second Reading
House of Representatives · Wednesday 27 August 2025 · Second Reading
Opened this debate
-
National Health Amendment (Cheaper Medicines) Bill 2025; Second Reading
House of Representatives · Tuesday 26 August 2025 · Second Reading
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
- Votes recorded
- 286
- Aye votes (46.9%)
- 134
- No votes (53.1%)
- 152
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 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 -
Suspension of Standing and Sessional Orders
11 Aug 2026 · Ayes 74, Noes 12 · Passed
VOTED AYE
About this page
This page tracks Emma Comer'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.