Jacqui Lambie
Jacqui Lambie Network Senator for TAS
Currently sitting
Photo: MadDogSPR, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Seat and party history (3)
- Jacqui Lambie Network - TAS (Senate) - 1 Jul 2019 to present
- Independent - TAS (Senate) - 24 Nov 2014 to 14 Nov 2017
- Palmer United Party - TAS (Senate) - 1 Jul 2014 to 23 Nov 2014
- Seat and party records: OpenAustralia member data.
Contact
Office: (03) 6431 3112
Shop 4, 22 Mount Street, Burnie TAS 7320
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
Jacqui Lambie compared with all 76 sitting senators.
Questions asked in Question Time
Higher than 51% of senators- This member
- 11
- Average
- 10.4
- Median
- 10
Debates spoken in
Lower than 62% of senators- This member
- 34
- Average
- 44.8
- Median
- 40
Votes cast
Lower than 93% of senators- This member
- 263
- Average
- 743.0
- Median
- 730
Share of divisions voted in
Lower than 96% of senators- This member
- 23%
- 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 Jacqui Lambie
The senator asked what additional annual funding the AFP would need for AUKUS security from 2027-28 to 2035-36 and how much would be met by the defence budget.
Background: The AFP was tasked with providing security for the AUKUS submarine program, with $199.1 million allocated for 2026-27 and 2027-28.
Answer from Murray Watt
The minister stated that the budget had made provision for the protective service framework across the budget years and that the AFP was not using contractors for this role. He confirmed that $199.1 million was assigned in the 2025-26 budget to deliver 199 protective force officers and 245 additional staffing levels at HMAS Stirling. The minister noted that the AFP headcount had increased by about 435 between June of the previous year and June of the current year, and he offered to provide further information if available.
Question from Jacqui Lambie
The senator asked what mandatory training requirements exist for FOI decision-makers to ensure they understand the FOI Act. She asked how much taxpayer money was spent defending FOI refusals that were later overturned by independent authorities.
Background: The rate of FOI requests granted full access had dropped to 25 per cent, with independent reviews finding many blackouts unjustified.
Answer from Don Farrell
The minister rejected the premise that the government lacks transparency, citing upcoming electoral law reforms requiring donor disclosure within seven days. He stated he was not aware of specific training requirements for FOI officials but offered to investigate and provide a formal response. He emphasized the need to modernize the FOI system to prevent abuse by vexatious requesters and protect public servants, rather than providing the specific financial figures requested.
Question from Jacqui Lambie
The senator asked how many liability and personal injury report invoices were currently unpaid and how many doctors were waiting for payment. She sought a commitment to pay outstanding invoices and interest.
Background: Doctors reported that the Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA) was failing to pay for medical reports, leading some to refuse further work, which delayed veteran claims.
Answer from Jenny McAllister
The minister stated she did not have the specific information regarding the number of unpaid invoices or doctors. She noted that the government had made significant investments in improving DVA's claims-handling architecture. She affirmed the government's commitment to paying suppliers within ordinary program requirements, including integrity and record-keeping standards. She offered to return to the chamber if further information became available.
Question from Jacqui Lambie
The member asked for reassurance that the government would protect copyright holders and not weaken laws. She further asked about plans to make big tech pay for content and why Australia was not investing more in domestic AI capabilities compared to countries like Canada.
Background: The member raised concerns about big tech companies using Australian creative content for AI training without compensation, citing high crawl rates on media websites.
Answer from Tim Ayres
The minister confirmed that the government would not undermine copyright protections or introduce a text-and-data-mining exception. He outlined the National AI Plan's focus on capturing investment opportunities, spreading benefits, and managing risks through the AI Safety Institute. He argued that Australia was an attractive destination for AI investment due to its renewable energy reserves, space, proximity to digital markets, and secure governance, rather than focusing on specific domestic AI development funding figures.
Question from Jacqui Lambie
The member asked how an advisory institute could protect Australians without legislative powers. She followed up by asking why the government relied on pre-existing laws rather than new legislation, and which specific AI models were being used by the government for processing submissions.
Background: The government replaced a promised AI advisory body with an AI Safety Institute, leading to questions about the adequacy of existing laws to regulate AI.
Answer from Tim Ayres
The minister explained that the AI Safety Institute, funded with nearly $30 million, would perform technical evaluations and support regulators. He stated that the government believed existing regulatory frameworks were sufficient but might be strengthened in the future. Regarding the specific AI models used for government submissions, he stated he was not in a position to answer that question and would provide information on notice, while affirming that data protection was a core principle.
Question from Jacqui Lambie
The member asked for clear examples of government actions to address veteran suicide and mental health issues identified by the Royal Commission.
Background: The Royal Commission into Defence and Veterans Suicide identified issues with healthcare quality and access for veterans.
Answer from Jenny McAllister
The minister outlined the establishment of the Defence and Veterans' Service Commission and a wellbeing agency. She cited $58.3 million over three years for mental health support, including expanded treatment plans commencing 1 July 2026. She mentioned the extension of the Military and Veteran Psychiatry Training Program and efforts to speed up claims processing. In response to supplementary questions about psychiatric beds and contractors, she stated the department worked with hospitals to fund beds and was updating fee schedules. She declined to name the second contractor, stating she did not have the information.
Question from Jacqui Lambie
The senator asked what the government had done to measure the amount of Russian blood oil imported and the related financial support for Russia's war efforts. She also inquired about the number of sanction permits issued for such imports since 2022.
Background: Senator Lambie raised concerns about Australia importing refined products from Russian crude oil, termed 'blood oil', despite sanctions established in 2022.
Answer from Penny Wong
The minister stated that direct imports of Russian oil products had fallen from $80 million to zero due to sanctions. She explained that tracking refined products from third countries was difficult due to a lack of global tracing systems. The minister took the question on notice regarding the number of permits issued, noting they were restricted and issued under ministerial discretion. She agreed that companies should take responsibility for assuring their supply chains to avoid circumventing sanctions.
Question from Jacqui Lambie
The senator inquired about the number of SDA houses constructed and the quantity remaining vacant, and questioned the consultation procedures to guarantee homes are located close to services.
Background: An ABC Four Corners program revealed that some investors in Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) had lost money due to misleading practices by developers, while many homes remained unoccupied.
Answer from Jenny McAllister
The minister expressed sympathy for investors who lost savings and advised them to contact ASIC if they suspected misleading behaviour. She clarified that SDA investments are not government-backed and occupancy is not guaranteed, as participants have choice over their living arrangements. She stated that the NDIA does not build or own SDA dwellings and that investment carries risk. Regarding regulation, she noted that ASIC is responsible for managing investments and has taken action in some cases. The minister mentioned that updated information on SDA investment considerations was provided in July, developed in consultation with ASIC and the ACCC.
Question from Jacqui Lambie
The member asked what specific measures the government would take to protect the Liberty Bell Bay smelter and its 260 workers from being sold off.
Background: GFG Alliance's Liberty Bell Bay smelter faces financial uncertainty after granting security to White Oak Global Advisors.
Answer from Don Farrell
The minister expressed support for the industry, citing the government's intervention in the Whyalla Steelworks as an example of protecting jobs. He stated that funding provided so far was for Whyalla but would consult with Minister Husic regarding any requests from Tasmania. He expressed confidence that the Whyalla Steelworks would remain a going concern and that maintenance issues under GFG would be addressed.
Question from Jacqui Lambie
The senator asked if the federal government had reviewed the Gruen report, given its $240 million investment in the project. She also cited Saul Eslake's review of Tasmanian finances, which predicted $16 billion in debt by 2035, and asked if the federal government would support renegotiating the project timeline.
Background: An independent report by Dr Nicholas Gruen criticised the Macquarie Point precinct project for mismanagement and potential budget blowouts.
Answer from Malarndirri McCarthy
The minister stated the government is proud to invest in Tasmania's infrastructure and housing. She clarified that once funding arrangements are made with state governments, it is their responsibility to manage the projects. She rejected assertions of reckless decisions by the federal government and advised the senator to direct further questions to the Minister for Infrastructure. She maintained that the federal government supports state jurisdictions but does not intervene in their specific project management.
Question from Jacqui Lambie
The member asked for the terms of appointment, salary, and benefits for General Campbell, citing concerns about his record during his time as Chief of the Defence Force.
Background: Retired General Angus Campbell was appointed as Australia's ambassador to Belgium, Luxembourg, the EU, and NATO.
Answer from Penny Wong
The minister stated that General Campbell was appointed due to his experience and skills, particularly relevant for engagement with NATO. She agreed to provide the specific terms, salary, and benefits details if possible before the end of question time, noting that the terms were standard for the post. In response to supplementary questions about resources and trade expertise, she indicated that no particular changes to the Brussels post were anticipated and that trade negotiations are led by DFAT trade negotiators rather than ambassadors. She also noted that appropriate processes had been undertaken regarding allegations related to the Brereton report.
Other Parliamentary Activity
-
Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Veterans' Healthcare Without Caps) Bill 2026; Third Reading
Senate · Thursday 17 September 2026 · Third Reading
Contributed to this debate
-
Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Veterans' Healthcare Without Caps) Bill 2026; Second Reading
Senate · Thursday 17 September 2026 · Second Reading
Opened this debate
-
Manufacturing Industry
Senate · Wednesday 16 September 2026 · Matter of Public Importance
Contributed to this debate · Position: mixed
-
Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Veterans' Healthcare Without Caps) Bill 2026; Second Reading
Senate · Tuesday 15 September 2026 · Second Reading
Opened this debate
-
Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Veterans' Healthcare Without Caps) Bill 2026; First Reading
Senate · Tuesday 15 September 2026 · First Reading
Contributed to this debate
-
Defence Procurement: Submarines
Senate · Tuesday 15 September 2026 · Take Note Debate
Opened this debate
-
Statute Update Bill 2026; Second Reading
Senate · Thursday 10 September 2026 · Second Reading
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide
Senate · Wednesday 9 September 2026 · General Debate
Opened this debate
-
Online Safety Amendment (Strengthening Enforcement for the Social Media Minimum Age) Bill 2026; Second Reading
Senate · Wednesday 9 September 2026 · Second Reading
Contributed to this debate · Position: mixed
-
Veterans: Health Care
Senate · Tuesday 8 September 2026 · Take Note Debate
Opened this debate
-
Defence Properties
Senate · Tuesday 8 September 2026 · Matter of Public Importance
Opened this debate
-
Veterans: Women's Health
Senate · Wednesday 19 August 2026 · Matter of Public Importance
Opened this debate
-
Freedom of Information
Senate · Tuesday 18 August 2026 · Take Note Debate
Opened this debate
-
Veterans
Senate · Tuesday 11 August 2026 · Take Note Debate
Opened this debate
-
Fuel Security
Senate · Tuesday 10 March 2026 · Matter of Public Importance
Contributed to this debate · Position: oppose
-
Artificial Intelligence
Senate · Tuesday 10 March 2026 · Take Note Debate
Opened this debate
-
Labor Government
Senate · Wednesday 4 March 2026 · Matter of Public Importance
Opened this debate
-
Australian Defence Force
Senate · Tuesday 3 March 2026 · General Debate
Opened this debate
-
Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide
Senate · Wednesday 4 February 2026 · General Debate
Opened this debate
-
Administrative Review Tribunal and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2025; Second Reading
Senate · Wednesday 4 February 2026 · Second Reading
Contributed to this debate · Position: mixed
-
Fair Work Amendment (Protecting Penalty and Overtime Rates) Bill 2025; Second Reading
Senate · Wednesday 27 August 2025 · Second Reading
Contributed to this debate · Position: mixed
-
Defence Housing Australia Amendment Bill 2025; Second Reading
Senate · Monday 25 August 2025 · Second Reading
Contributed to this debate · Position: mixed
-
Defence Housing Australia Amendment Bill 2025; In Committee
Senate · Monday 25 August 2025 · In Committee
Contributed to this debate · Position: mixed
-
Cost of Living
Senate · Monday 25 August 2025 · Matter of Public Importance
Opened this debate
-
Economy
Senate · Tuesday 25 March 2025 · Matter of Public Importance
Contributed to this debate · Position: oppose
-
Construction, Forestry and Maritime Employees Union
Senate · Tuesday 25 March 2025 · General Debate
Contributed to this debate · Position: oppose
-
Veterans' Entitlements, Treatment and Support (Simplification and Harmonisation) Bill 2024; In Committee
Senate · Wednesday 12 February 2025 · In Committee
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Tertiary Education Legislation Amendment (There For Education, Not Profit) Bill 2025; Reference to Committee
Senate · Wednesday 12 February 2025 · Reference to Committee
Contributed to this debate
-
Remuneration Tribunal Amendment (There For Public Service, Not Profit) Bill 2025; Reference to Committee
Senate · Wednesday 12 February 2025 · Reference to Committee
Contributed to this debate
-
Electoral Legislation Amendment (Electoral Reform) Bill 2024; In Committee
Senate · Wednesday 12 February 2025 · In Committee
Contributed to this debate · Position: oppose
-
Macquarie Point Stadium
Senate · Tuesday 11 February 2025 · Take Note Debate
Opened this debate
-
Remuneration Tribunal Amendment (There For Public Service, Not Profit) Bill 2025, Tertiary Education Legislation Amendment (There for Education, Not Profit) Bill 2025; Second Reading
Senate · Wednesday 5 February 2025 · Second Reading
Opened this debate
-
Remuneration Tribunal Amendment (There For Public Service, Not Profit) Bill 2025, Tertiary Education Legislation Amendment (There for Education, Not Profit) Bill 2025; First Reading
Senate · Wednesday 5 February 2025 · First Reading
Contributed to this debate
-
Antisemitism
Senate · Tuesday 4 February 2025 · General Debate
Opened this debate
- Votes recorded
- 263
- Aye votes (70.0%)
- 184
- No votes (30.0%)
- 79
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 AYE -
Universities Accord (Opening the Doors of Opportunity) Bill 2026; Second Read
17 Sep 2026 · Ayes 13, Noes 23 · 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 -
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 AYE -
Artificial Intelligence Joint Select Committee; Appointment
16 Sep 2026 · Ayes 17, Noes 25 · Failed
VOTED AYE -
Artificial Intelligence Joint Select Committee; Appointment
16 Sep 2026 · Ayes 17, Noes 26 · 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 -
A New Tax System (Family Assistance) Amendment (No Jab No Pay Repeal) Bill 20...
16 Sep 2026 · Ayes 6, Noes 34 · Failed
VOTED NO -
Cybersafety Legislation; Order for the Production of Documents
15 Sep 2026 · Ayes 34, Noes 19 · Passed
VOTED AYE -
Executive Remuneration; Order for the Production of Documents
15 Sep 2026 · Ayes 17, Noes 26 · Failed
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 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 AYE -
Wage Justice for Early Childhood Education and Care Workers (Special Account)...
15 Sep 2026 · Ayes 25, Noes 36 · Failed
VOTED NO -
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 -
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 NO -
Artificial Intelligence
14 Sep 2026 · Ayes 14, Noes 24 · Failed
VOTED AYE -
Carbon Farming Initiative--Improved Forest Management in Multiple-use Public ...
10 Sep 2026 · Ayes 27, Noes 34 · Failed
VOTED NO -
Statute Update Bill 2026; Limitation of Debate
10 Sep 2026 · Ayes 35, Noes 20 · Passed
VOTED AYE -
Statute Update Bill 2026; Limitation of Debate
10 Sep 2026 · Ayes 35, Noes 20 · Passed
VOTED AYE -
Statute Update Bill 2026; Limitation of Debate
10 Sep 2026 · Ayes 35, Noes 20 · Passed
VOTED AYE -
Defence Properties; Order for the Production of Documents
10 Sep 2026 · Ayes 36, Noes 21 · Passed
VOTED AYE -
Rearrangement
10 Sep 2026 · Ayes 21, Noes 36 · Failed
VOTED NO -
Housing; Order for the Production of Documents
10 Sep 2026 · Ayes 37, Noes 21 · Passed
VOTED AYE -
Selection of Bills Committee; Report
10 Sep 2026 · Ayes 17, Noes 26 · Failed
VOTED AYE -
Treasury Laws Amendment (Strengthening Accountability for Tax Adviser Miscond...
10 Sep 2026 · Ayes 36, Noes 4 · Passed
VOTED AYE -
Treasury Laws Amendment (Strengthening Accountability for Tax Adviser Miscond...
10 Sep 2026 · Ayes 37, Noes 4 · Passed
VOTED AYE -
Online Safety Amendment (Strengthening Enforcement for the Social Media Minim...
10 Sep 2026 · Ayes 31, Noes 20 · Passed
VOTED AYE -
Online Safety Amendment (Strengthening Enforcement for the Social Media Minim...
10 Sep 2026 · Ayes 32, Noes 21 · Passed
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 22, Noes 31 · Failed
VOTED AYE -
Online Safety Amendment (Strengthening Enforcement for the Social Media Minim...
10 Sep 2026 · Ayes 13, Noes 26 · Failed
VOTED AYE -
Online Safety Amendment (Strengthening Enforcement for the Social Media Minim...
10 Sep 2026 · Ayes 20, Noes 30 · Failed
VOTED AYE
About this page
This page tracks Jacqui Lambie'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.