James McGrath
Liberal National Party Senator for QLD
Currently sitting
Photo: Celco85, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Seat and party history (1)
- Liberal National Party - QLD (Senate) - 1 Jul 2014 to present
- Seat and party records: OpenAustralia member data.
Contact
Office: (07) 5441 1800
Tenancy A, 2-4 Mitchell Street, Nambour QLD 4560
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
James McGrath compared with all 76 sitting senators.
Questions asked in Question Time
Lower than 53% of senators- This member
- 9
- Average
- 10.4
- Median
- 10
Debates spoken in
Lower than 80% of senators- This member
- 26
- Average
- 44.8
- Median
- 40
Votes cast
Lower than 89% of senators- This member
- 426
- Average
- 743.0
- Median
- 730
Share of divisions voted in
Lower than 92% of senators- This member
- 38%
- 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 James McGrath
The member asked why the Prime Minister's local golf club was uniquely invited to apply for funding under the $560 million community infrastructure program, while no other golf clubs in Australia were given the same opportunity. He sought clarification on whether the Prime Minister directed $6 million in taxpayer funds to the facility.
Background: The Prime Minister's local Marrickville Golf Club was the sole entity invited to apply for a specific grant under the government's community infrastructure program.
Answer from Penny Wong
The minister stated that the grant was part of a specific program to deliver on public election commitments, following proper processes under the Commonwealth Grants Rules and Principles. She noted that the government had also made $2 billion available through open and competitive funding for community infrastructure. In response to supplementary questions, she reiterated that the Prime Minister was not the decision-maker for the grant and that the commitment was transparently made during the election campaign. She referred the matter to the Minister for Infrastructure, who administers the program.
Question from James McGrath
The senator asked when the Prime Minister would sack the Veterans Affairs Minister, citing claims of contempt towards veterans and internal Labor criticism. He followed up by asking why the Prime Minister retained confidence in the minister and whether the minister had been asked to resign or offered his resignation.
Background: Allegations arose that the Veterans Affairs Minister had failed to meet with veterans and was facing calls for resignation.
Answer from Penny Wong
The minister affirmed the government's respect for veterans and noted that the Veterans Affairs Minister had acknowledged the error in not holding an initial meeting and has since engaged with the community. She highlighted that the current administration has spent more on veterans affairs than any prior government, including $2 billion in funding following the royal commission. She confirmed that the Prime Minister retains confidence in the minister and stated that no resignation had been requested or offered.
Question from James McGrath
The senator asked who was requesting the expansion of parliament by over 40 seats, suggesting it was not the Australian people. He cited Parliamentary Budget Office estimates that the expansion would cost taxpayers more than $600 million. He asked whether the government would rule out expanding the size of parliament.
Background: The member raised concerns about rising living costs and proposed increases to the size of parliament.
Answer from Penny Wong
The minister stated that the Labor Party was satisfied with the current size and composition of parliament. She noted that the Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters routinely reviews electoral matters after each election and that this process was still underway. She dismissed the opposition's concerns as self-interested and irrelevant given global energy shocks.
Question from James McGrath
The member asked what the government's plan was if grain farmers were forced to halve their planting programs due to fuel shortages.
Background: A grain farmer reported spending over $112 million to secure fuel for sowing, warning that planting programs would be halved if supply did not hold.
Answer from Penny Wong
The minister highlighted the government's focus on securing additional fuel supply through Export Finance Australia underwriting powers for private-sector purchases. This measure was designed to de-risk shipments and boost supply for agriculture and regional communities. The minister reiterated that the National Fuel Security Plan facilitated cooperation between state and territory governments to address these supply chain impacts.
Question from James McGrath
The member asked why the Prime Minister continued with cost-of-living and energy policies that worsened price pressures for regional and rural Australians.
Background: Regional Australians were facing higher costs for fuel, groceries, and insurance with fewer services.
Answer from Penny Wong
The minister disputed the premise, citing wage increases for minimum-wage workers, a superannuation guarantee rise to 12 per cent, and bonuses for housing apprentices. She attributed energy price pressures to the previous government's failure to manage the transition from coal-fired power stations. In response to supplementary questions, she highlighted investments in regional health services, including 48 urgent care clinics and bulk-billing appointments. She also mentioned the Regional First Home Buyer Guarantee assisting 37,000 Australians and a 45 per cent increase in rent assistance for rural households.
Question from James McGrath
The senator asked the minister to rule out a tax on families with spare bedrooms. He also asked if families forced to move under such a tax would be offered suitable alternative housing and whether the policy was consistent with supporting housing as a human right.
Background: The opposition raised concerns about a potential 'spare bedroom tax' on families with under-occupied homes.
Answer from Penny Wong
The minister stated that the government would implement the tax policy taken to the last election, which included tax cuts for every Australian taxpayer on 1 July 2024, 2026, and 2027. She argued that the opposition had campaigned on higher taxes and smaller government, and dismissed the spare bedroom tax question as a scare campaign in the absence of an alternative tax policy. She did not explicitly rule out the tax but emphasized the commitment to broad tax cuts.
Question from James McGrath
The member asked whether the Prime Minister would rule out introducing new or increased taxes during the current term of parliament, citing conflicting statements from the Treasurer and the Prime Minister regarding off-the-table options.
Background: The question followed a government economic roundtable that the opposition characterised as generating proposals for new taxes, including on spare bedrooms, superannuation, and business training.
Answer from Penny Wong
The minister stated that the government is implementing the tax policy presented at the last election, which focuses on making the tax system more efficient and fairer. She argued that the opposition had campaigned on higher personal income taxes, resource taxes, and taxes on motorists and the housing sector. The minister characterised the opposition's concerns as scare campaigns rather than substantive policy, asserting that the Coalition remains the party of higher taxes.
Question from James McGrath
The senator asked if the Prime Minister had delivered on pre-election promises to reduce power bills by $275 and provide cheaper mortgages, citing the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.
Background: The Prime Minister had previously promised to reduce power bills by $275 and provide cheaper mortgages. The question challenged whether these promises had been delivered.
Answer from Penny Wong
The minister stated that energy relief had cut $300 off power bills and $650 for small businesses, contrasting this with the opposition's nuclear policy which she claimed would raise prices by $1,200. Regarding mortgages, she pointed to falling inflation, rising wages, and falling unemployment. She highlighted the Help to Buy shared equity scheme as assistance for homeowners. She refused to admit to mistakes, instead accusing the opposition of past failures regarding hospital funding and Medicare.
Question from James McGrath
The member asked why Australians were facing increased costs despite government rhetoric, attributing the situation to economic incompetence. He highlighted specific percentage increases in various cost categories over the previous three years.
Background: The member cited statistics claiming a 19.4 per cent increase in living costs for working households since May 2022, including specific rises in food, housing, healthcare, education, and insurance costs.
Answer from Penny Wong
The minister stated that inflation had fallen to a third of its election level and real wages were growing. She noted the government had achieved the lowest average unemployment rate in 50 years and created 1.1 million jobs. She acknowledged ongoing cost-of-living pressures but argued the situation was better than at the election. She accused the opposition of voting against cost-of-living relief measures.
Other Parliamentary Activity
-
Answers to Questions
Senate · Wednesday 16 September 2026 · Take Note Debate
Contributed to this debate · Position: oppose
-
Cost of Living
Senate · Monday 14 September 2026 · Matter of Public Importance
Opened this debate
-
Biosecurity Amendment (Improving Operational Efficiency) Bill 2026; Second Reading
Senate · Thursday 10 September 2026 · Second Reading
Opened this debate
-
Answers to Questions
Senate · Monday 7 September 2026 · Take Note Debate
Opened this debate
-
Answers to Questions
Senate · Thursday 20 August 2026 · Take Note Debate
Contributed to this debate · Position: oppose
-
Answers to Questions
Senate · Wednesday 19 August 2026 · Take Note Debate
Responded as shadow minister
-
Fuel
Senate · Tuesday 31 March 2026 · Matter of Public Importance
Opened this debate
-
Answers to Questions
Senate · Monday 30 March 2026 · Take Note Debate
Contributed to this debate · Position: oppose
-
Boswell, Hon. Ronald (Ron) Leslie Doyle, AO
Senate · Tuesday 3 March 2026 · Condolence
Contributed to this debate
-
Combatting Antisemitism, Hate and Extremism (Firearms and Customs Laws) Bill 2026; Second Reading
Senate · Tuesday 20 January 2026 · Second Reading
Contributed to this debate · Position: oppose
-
Bondi Beach: Attack
Senate · Monday 19 January 2026 · Condolence
Contributed to this debate
-
Health Legislation Amendment (Miscellaneous Measures No. 1) Bill 2025; In Committee
Senate · Thursday 30 October 2025 · In Committee
Opened this debate
-
Telecommunications Legislation Amendment (Triple Zero Custodian and Emergency Calling Powers) Bill 2025; In Committee
Senate · Tuesday 28 October 2025 · In Committee
Opened this debate
-
Telecommunications Legislation Amendment (Triple Zero Custodian and Emergency Calling Powers) Bill 2025; Second Reading
Senate · Monday 27 October 2025 · Second Reading
Responded as shadow minister
-
Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility
Senate · Thursday 28 August 2025 · Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
-
Members of Parliament (Staff) Amendment (Providing Certainty and Improving Integrity) Bill 2025; Second Reading
Senate · Thursday 28 August 2025 · Second Reading
Responded as shadow minister
-
Taxation
Senate · Tuesday 26 August 2025 · Matter of Public Importance
Opened this debate
-
Health Legislation Amendment (Improved Medicare Integrity and Other Measures) Bill 2025; Second Reading
Senate · Thursday 24 July 2025 · Second Reading
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Construction, Forestry and Maritime Employees Union
Senate · Tuesday 25 March 2025 · Take Note Debate
Opened this debate
-
Moore, Hon. John Colinton, AO
Senate · Thursday 13 February 2025 · Condolence
Contributed to this debate
-
Electoral Legislation Amendment (Electoral Reform) Bill 2024; Second Reading
Senate · Wednesday 12 February 2025 · Second Reading
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Electoral Legislation Amendment (Electoral Reform) Bill 2024; In Committee
Senate · Wednesday 12 February 2025 · In Committee
Contributed to this debate · Position: oppose
-
Answers to Questions
Senate · Tuesday 11 February 2025 · Take Note Debate
Opened this debate
-
Albanese Government
Senate · Tuesday 11 February 2025 · Matter of Public Importance
Opened this debate
-
Hodges, Hon. John Charles
Senate · Thursday 6 February 2025 · Condolence
Contributed to this debate
-
Answers to Questions
Senate · Wednesday 5 February 2025 · Take Note Debate
Opened this debate
- Votes recorded
- 426
- Aye votes (66.4%)
- 283
- No votes (33.6%)
- 143
Showing the latest 50 votes.
-
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 -
Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport References Committee; Reference
16 Sep 2026 · Ayes 27, Noes 31 · Failed
VOTED AYE -
Economy
15 Sep 2026 · Ayes 31, Noes 20 · Passed
VOTED AYE -
Red Lines Package Omnibus Bill 2026; First Reading
15 Sep 2026 · Ayes 39, Noes 14 · Passed
VOTED NO -
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 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 -
Regulatory Reform Omnibus Bill 2026; In Committee
14 Sep 2026 · Ayes 21, Noes 32 · Failed
VOTED AYE -
Regulatory Reform Omnibus Bill 2026; In Committee
14 Sep 2026 · Ayes 31, Noes 22 · Passed
VOTED NO -
Consideration of Legislation
14 Sep 2026 · Ayes 19, Noes 33 · Failed
VOTED NO -
Artificial Intelligence
14 Sep 2026 · Ayes 14, Noes 24 · Failed
VOTED NO -
Carbon Farming Initiative--Improved Forest Management in Multiple-use Public ...
10 Sep 2026 · Ayes 27, Noes 34 · Failed
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 22, Noes 32 · Failed
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 -
Regulatory Reform Omnibus Bill 2026; Second Reading
10 Sep 2026 · Ayes 6, Noes 32 · Failed
VOTED NO -
Regulatory Reform Omnibus Bill 2026; Second Reading
10 Sep 2026 · Ayes 4, Noes 34 · Failed
VOTED NO -
Regulatory Reform Omnibus Bill 2026; Second Reading
10 Sep 2026 · Ayes 4, Noes 34 · Failed
VOTED NO -
Regulatory Reform Omnibus Bill 2026; Second Reading
10 Sep 2026 · Ayes 23, Noes 32 · Failed
VOTED AYE -
Treasury Laws Amendment (Strengthening Accountability for Tax Adviser Miscond...
10 Sep 2026 · Ayes 35, Noes 4 · 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 -
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 -
Protecting Australians from Foreign Terrorist Fighters Bill 2026; Second Read
10 Sep 2026 · Ayes 21, Noes 32 · Failed
VOTED AYE -
Online Safety Amendment (Strengthening Enforcement for the Social Media Minim...
9 Sep 2026 · Ayes 31, Noes 22 · Passed
VOTED NO -
Consideration of Legislation
7 Sep 2026 · Ayes 25, Noes 33 · Failed
VOTED AYE -
Treasury Laws Amendment (Strengthening Accountability for Tax Adviser Miscond...
7 Sep 2026 · Ayes 25, Noes 32 · Failed
VOTED AYE -
Australian Security Intelligence Organisation Amendment Bill (No. 2) 2025; Li...
20 Aug 2026 · Ayes 26, Noes 36 · Failed
VOTED AYE -
Combatting Illicit Tobacco Bill 2026; Limitation of Debate
20 Aug 2026 · Ayes 27, Noes 36 · Failed
VOTED AYE -
Customs Tariff Amendment (Incorporation of Proposals) Bill (No. 1) 2026; Limi...
20 Aug 2026 · Ayes 28, Noes 35 · Failed
VOTED AYE -
Cash Distribution Framework Bill 2026, Cash Distribution Framework (Consequen...
20 Aug 2026 · Ayes 34, Noes 26 · Passed
VOTED NO -
Crimes and Other Legislation Amendment (Omnibus No. 1) Bill 2026; Limitation ...
20 Aug 2026 · Ayes 25, Noes 35 · Failed
VOTED AYE -
News Journalism Payments Bill 2026, News Journalism Payments (Consequential A...
20 Aug 2026 · Ayes 23, Noes 35 · Failed
VOTED AYE -
Capacity Investment Scheme, Cheaper Home Batteries Program, Rewiring the Nati...
20 Aug 2026 · Ayes 25, Noes 34 · Failed
VOTED AYE -
Climate Change; Order for the Production of Documents
20 Aug 2026 · Ayes 25, Noes 34 · Failed
VOTED AYE
About this page
This page tracks James McGrath'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.