Jana Stewart
Australian Labor Party Senator for VIC
Currently sitting
Photo: julian meehan from Melbourne, Australia, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Seat and party history (1)
- Australian Labor Party - VIC (Senate) - 21 May 2022 to present
- Seat and party records: OpenAustralia member data.
Contact
Office: (03) 9070 1920
293 Spring Street, Reservoir VIC 3073
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
Jana Stewart compared with all 76 sitting senators.
Questions asked in Question Time
Higher than 71% of senators- This member
- 15
- Average
- 10.4
- Median
- 10
Debates spoken in
Lower than 68% of senators- This member
- 31
- Average
- 44.8
- Median
- 40
Votes cast
Higher than 89% of senators- This member
- 1083
- Average
- 743.0
- Median
- 730
Share of divisions voted in
Higher than 88% of senators- This member
- 96%
- 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 Jana Stewart
The member asked the minister to explain how the government's plan would help Australians take back control of their online experiences. She also inquired about how the digital duty of care legislation builds on existing social media age laws and what risks might hinder the plan's success.
Background: The Prime Minister announced new measures to empower Australians to control their social media feeds and protect young people from harmful content.
Answer from Penny Wong
The minister explained that the 'My Feed, My Way' initiative gives users choice over their platforms, requiring social media companies to provide tools for genuine control without penalizing users who opt out. She stated that the digital duty of care legislation imposes safety standards on online services, similar to those for cars or food, to protect children from harmful algorithms. In response to supplementary questions, she cited the story of Wayne Holdsworth to highlight the need for action and criticized opposition parties for aligning with One Nation on free speech arguments, claiming they had abandoned previous commitments to stronger safeguards.
Question from Jana Stewart
The senator sought an update on efforts to reduce disparities in early childhood education for First Nations children and how the government is working with communities. She then inquired about particular collaborations and how the government addressed earlier community worries regarding access.
Background: Progress was being made on Closing the Gap targets for Indigenous preschool enrollment.
Answer from Jess Walsh
The minister reported that over 95 per cent of First Nations children are now enrolled in preschool, meeting Closing the Gap target 3 for the first time. She highlighted the three-day childcare guarantee, which allows First Nations children access to five days of subsidised care. She cited an investment of $9 million from the Building Early Education Fund for a community-led service in Derby operated by the Nganga women. She contrasted this with the previous government's activity test, which restricted access based on parental employment, stating that the current policy ensures access is based on the child's needs.
Question from Jana Stewart
The senator asked the minister to outline the purpose of superannuation, its benefits for working Australians, and how the government is strengthening the system. She specifically inquired about the impact of the requirement for employers to pay superannuation simultaneously with wages, and asked what threats exist to the system.
Background: The question sought to highlight the government's actions to strengthen the superannuation system for current and future workers.
Answer from Katy Gallagher
The minister stated that the government has increased the superannuation guarantee to 12 per cent and implemented payday super to close loopholes where workers missed out on contributions. She noted that approximately 1.3 million Australians, including 750,000 women and 550,000 young people, will benefit from an enhanced low-income super tax offset, providing up to $810 annually and a potential retirement benefit of $15,000. The minister explained that payday super prevents an average 35-year-old from losing approximately $32,000 in retirement savings due to delayed payments. She identified opposition parties and One Nation as threats to the system, citing their proposals to freeze the guarantee or allow early access.
Question from Jana Stewart
The member asked the minister to outline the impact of these reforms and explain why they were significant for millions of Australians.
Background: The member highlighted recent government actions including tax cuts, wage boosts, expanded parental leave, and bans on supermarket price gouging.
Answer from Penny Wong
The minister confirmed that three million workers received pay rises and that all taxpayers benefited from tax cuts totaling approximately $2,800 for the average worker. She noted that new rules banning supermarket price gouging had taken effect with penalties for breaches. The minister highlighted that all 137 Medicare urgent care clinics were now open and permanent, placing four out of five Australians within 20 minutes of a clinic. She also confirmed that paid parental leave had been extended to 26 weeks. In supplementary answers, she stated that over 260,000 Australians had entered homeownership via the five per cent deposit scheme and that $47 billion was invested in the Homes for Australia plan. She attributed delays in further progress to opposition obstruction.
Question from Jana Stewart
The senator asked how the government's position on boosting wages was helping workers in the health sector. She also asked about strategies to attract more workers to the healthcare industry given an ageing population.
Background: The government advocated for wage rises and tax cuts to address cost-of-living pressures.
Answer from Murray Watt
The minister stated that the Fair Work Commission increased the minimum wage by at least 4.75 per cent from 1 July. He cited analysis showing allied health workers gained between $8,000 and $13,000 annually, with further gains from multi-employer bargaining and gender undervaluation reforms. He contrasted this with One Nation's policies, which he claimed would make workers significantly worse off, and criticised the Liberal Party's alignment with One Nation.
Question from Jana Stewart
The member asked the minister to outline the priorities in the current Women's Budget Statement and explain how measures to improve gender outcomes would make a practical difference for Australian women. She also asked how the budget built on previous reforms to lock in lasting progress.
Background: The government delivered its fifth Women's Budget Statement, highlighting gender equality as central to the economic agenda.
Answer from Katy Gallagher
The minister stated that the budget included $182.6 million for child support reforms to reduce weaponisation and protect women from financial abuse. She noted continued investment in the National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children, including the Our Ways--Strong Ways First Nations safety plan, bringing total investment to over $4.4 billion since 2022. Regarding economic security, she explained that a woman earning $81,000 could be nearly $3,000 better off annually from 2027-28 due to the Working Australians Tax Offset and Instant Tax Deduction Benefit. The minister also highlighted investments in aged care, Medicare, mental health, reproductive health, and menopause services, noting that women had saved over $647 million on medicines since January 2023.
Question from Jana Stewart
The senator asked the minister to detail the actions taken by the government to support and protect Australians from the economic impacts of the conflict and the resulting fuel supply issues.
Background: The conflict in Iran had been ongoing for over a month, causing unprecedented energy supply shocks and rising fuel prices.
Answer from Penny Wong
The minister listed several measures, including the National Fuel Security Plan, empowering Export Finance Australia to secure supplies, appointing a taskforce coordinator, and releasing 20 per cent of fuel reserves. She noted changes to fuel and diesel standards, increased ACCC monitoring, and a three-month halving of the fuel excise. The minister also highlighted international engagement, including a joint statement with Singapore, and reported that over 10,000 Australians had returned home from the Middle East since 4 March.
Question from Jana Stewart
The member asked for an update on the status of Australia's fertiliser market amidst global supply chain disruptions. She sought to understand how the government was ensuring national resilience in this sector.
Background: Disruptions in the Middle East were affecting global fertiliser markets, with Australia relying heavily on imports for urea.
Answer from Tim Ayres
The minister stated that Australia imported more than 65 per cent of its fertiliser-grade urea, but near-term planting demand was largely covered. He noted that the government was exploring contingency sources in South-East Asia. He highlighted that the purchase of Phosphate Hill secured domestic production of MAP and DAP fertilisers. He confirmed that ministers had met with industry representatives, including the National Farmers' Federation, and that the ACCC was working to allow sector coordination. He linked these measures to the Future Made in Australia agenda, citing interventions in steel, critical minerals, and gas reservation as strengthening national resilience.
Question from Jana Stewart
The member asked how the government was working with communities to close the gap. She followed up by asking about investments in mental health services like 13YARN and how investments were strengthening remote stores during extreme weather.
Background: The government highlighted its progress on Closing the Gap targets, including job creation and health services.
Answer from Malarndirri McCarthy
The minister announced the doubling of remote community jobs to 6,000 and the expansion of the Low-Cost Essentials Subsidy Scheme to all 225 remote stores. She highlighted a $450 million boost to health services and $218 million for violence prevention. Regarding mental health, she noted a $13.9 million investment to extend 13YARN operating hours. For food security, she explained that the food resilience package was being expanded to 75 additional stores to improve storage and refrigeration capabilities during supply disruptions.
Question from Jana Stewart
The senator asked how the new service would help people in remote communities develop skills and find work.
Background: The government abolished the Community Development Program and replaced it with the Remote Australia Employment Service (RAES).
Answer from Malarndirri McCarthy
The minister explained that RAES would offer customised assistance to approximately 40,000 individuals in 1,200 isolated areas, emphasising skills training and mentoring. She noted that at least 25 per cent of provider funding would be invested in local community projects. In response to supplementary questions, she stated that RAES would work alongside the Remote Jobs and Economic Development program, which is creating 3,000 jobs in sectors like health, education, and tourism. She also highlighted additional job creation through 900 new ranger positions and over 100 nutrition workforce roles in remote stores.
Question from Jana Stewart
The member asked about the progress of the First Nations Health Worker Traineeship Program and how it was delivering on commitments to improve health outcomes. She sought details on workforce development.
Background: The First Nations Health Worker Traineeship Program was being implemented to improve health outcomes for Indigenous Australians.
Answer from Malarndirri McCarthy
The minister reported over 550 enrolments and 152 completions since July 2023. She highlighted additional funding for Aboriginal community controlled health organizations and infrastructure upgrades. She noted benefits from expanded bulk-billing incentives for these organizations.
Question from Jana Stewart
The member asked about the impact of government investments on women's economic equality and daily lives. She subsequently inquired about the role of the Workplace Gender Equality Agency in closing the gender pay gap and the extent of industry gender segregation in Australia.
Background: The member asked about the impact of government reforms on women's economic equality, workforce participation, and the role of the Workplace Gender Equality Agency.
Answer from Katy Gallagher
The minister reported that the gender pay gap had fallen to 11.2 per cent, down from 14.1 per cent in 2022, resulting in women earning over $500 more per fortnight. She noted women's workforce participation reached a record 63.5 per cent. Regarding the agency, she stated that 1.6 million additional employees were covered by reporting, with employers conducting pay gap analyses rising from 24 per cent to 68 per cent. On segregation, she cited data showing only 21 per cent of occupations were gender balanced, highlighting shortages in fields like mining engineering and software programming where women comprised less than 20 per cent of the workforce.
Question from Jana Stewart
The senator asked how the government was protecting young Australians from social media harms, reducing medicine costs, and cutting student debt by 20 per cent as promised.
Background: Senator Stewart asked about the government's delivery on commitments regarding social media safety, medicine costs, and student debt reduction.
Answer from Penny Wong
The minister confirmed that rules for a minimum age of 16 for social media access would start on 10 December 2025, excluding health and education apps. She highlighted that PBS medicine prices had been cut from $42.50 to $30, with concession holders paying $7.70. Regarding student debt, she stated that 3 million Australians would receive a 20 per cent cut, with repayment thresholds adjusted to allow higher earnings before repayments begin. She criticized the opposition for voting against these measures.
Question from Jana Stewart
The member asked what steps the government was taking in partnership with First Nations communities and other governments to deliver real change.
Background: The government released its annual Closing the Gap report and implementation plan.
Answer from Malarndirri McCarthy
The minister outlined the Remote Jobs and Economic Development program, which would create up to 3,000 jobs over three years, and the expansion of the Indigenous Rangers Program by 1,000 positions. She noted that over 200 new homes had been built in remote Northern Territory communities and that the Connected Beginnings program was expanding to 50 communities. She also highlighted increased funding for legal services and family violence prevention, and justice reinvestment initiatives in 27 sites. For 2025, she announced $842 million for essential services in the NT, ending freight costs on 30 household items in 76 remote stores, and upskilling 120 local staff.
Question from Jana Stewart
The senator asked how the government achieved these economic objectives and assisted Australians. She followed up by asking how the government supported women in the workforce, noting record participation and a low gender pay gap. She also asked how the government's approach improved the economic outlook compared to the previous administration.
Background: The government highlighted low unemployment, falling inflation, rising wages, and the creation of 1.1 million jobs.
Answer from Katy Gallagher
The minister attributed the improvements to government policies that reduced inflation, increased wages, and created jobs, contrasting this with the previous government's record of rising inflation and stagnating wages. She listed measures including tax cuts, Medicare investments, early education and care support, and HECS debt relief. Regarding women, she cited extended paid parental leave, superannuation on parental leave, and investments in female-dominated sectors like aged care and early education, noting that 500,000 of the new jobs went to women. She contrasted the government's plan with the opposition's proposed cuts and nuclear energy policy.
Other Parliamentary Activity
-
Migration
Senate · Wednesday 16 September 2026 · Matter of Public Importance
Contributed to this debate · Position: oppose
-
Wage Justice for Early Childhood Education and Care Workers (Special Account) (Extending Support and Strengthening Safety) Bill 2026; Second Reading
Senate · Monday 14 September 2026 · Second Reading
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Answers to Questions
Senate · Thursday 10 September 2026 · Take Note Debate
Responded as minister
-
Tobacco Control
Senate · Monday 7 September 2026 · Matter of Public Importance
Contributed to this debate · Position: oppose
-
Answers to Questions
Senate · Thursday 20 August 2026 · Take Note Debate
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Prime Minister
Senate · Monday 17 August 2026 · Matter of Public Importance
Contributed to this debate · Position: oppose
-
Answers to Questions
Senate · Tuesday 30 June 2026 · Take Note Debate
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Treasury Laws Amendment (Delivering an Efficient and Trusted Tax System) Bill 2026; Second Reading
Senate · Monday 29 June 2026 · Second Reading
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Kumanjayi Little Baby
Senate · Tuesday 12 May 2026 · General Debate
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Fuel
Senate · Wednesday 1 April 2026 · Take Note Debate
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Public Transport
Senate · Monday 30 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
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Answers to Questions
Senate · Tuesday 10 March 2026 · Take Note Debate
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Commonwealth Parole Board Bill 2025, Commonwealth Parole Board (Consequential and Transitional Provisions) Bill 2025; Second Reading
Senate · Wednesday 4 March 2026 · Second Reading
Opened this debate
-
Closing the Gap
Senate · Monday 2 March 2026 · Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate · Position: mixed
-
Administrative Review Tribunal and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2025; Second Reading
Senate · Tuesday 3 February 2026 · Second Reading
Responded as minister
-
Combatting Antisemitism, Hate and Extremism (Criminal and Migration Laws) Bill 2026; Second Reading
Senate · Tuesday 20 January 2026 · Second Reading
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Bondi Beach: Attack
Senate · Monday 19 January 2026 · Condolence
Contributed to this debate
-
Answers to Questions
Senate · Wednesday 26 November 2025 · Take Note Debate
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Discrimination
Senate · Tuesday 25 November 2025 · Matter of Public Importance
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Housing
Senate · Monday 24 November 2025 · Matter of Public Importance
Contributed to this debate · Position: oppose
-
Racial Discrimination Act 1975: 50th Anniversary
Senate · Thursday 30 October 2025 · General Debate
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
International Relations: Australia and Iran
Senate · Wednesday 27 August 2025 · Matter of Public Importance
Responded as minister
-
Taxation
Senate · Tuesday 26 August 2025 · Matter of Public Importance
Contributed to this debate · Position: oppose
-
Fair Work Amendment (Protecting Penalty and Overtime Rates) Bill 2025; Second Reading
Senate · Tuesday 26 August 2025 · Second Reading
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Answers to Questions
Senate · Tuesday 26 August 2025 · Take Note Debate
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Construction, Forestry and Maritime Employees Union
Senate · Tuesday 29 July 2025 · Matter of Public Importance
Contributed to this debate · Position: oppose
-
Answers to Questions
Senate · Wednesday 23 July 2025 · Take Note Debate
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Answers to Questions
Senate · Wednesday 26 March 2025 · Take Note Debate
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Economy
Senate · Tuesday 25 March 2025 · Matter of Public Importance
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Antisemitism
Senate · Tuesday 4 February 2025 · Take Note Debate
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
- Votes recorded
- 1083
- Aye votes (28.4%)
- 308
- No votes (71.6%)
- 775
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 NO -
Universities Accord (Opening the Doors of Opportunity) Bill 2026; Second Read
17 Sep 2026 · Ayes 13, Noes 23 · Failed
VOTED NO -
Defence Force Discipline Amendment (RCDVS Implementation and Related Measures...
17 Sep 2026 · Ayes 30, Noes 24 · Passed
VOTED AYE -
Corruption in the Construction Industry Select Committee; Appointment
17 Sep 2026 · Ayes 23, Noes 31 · Failed
VOTED NO -
Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade References Committee; Reference
17 Sep 2026 · Ayes 34, Noes 21 · Passed
VOTED NO -
Environment and Communications References Committee; Reference
17 Sep 2026 · Ayes 23, Noes 32 · Failed
VOTED NO -
Selection of Bills Committee; Report
17 Sep 2026 · Ayes 12, Noes 28 · Failed
VOTED NO -
Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Veterans' Healthcare With...
17 Sep 2026 · Ayes 33, Noes 19 · Passed
VOTED NO -
Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Veterans' Healthcare With...
17 Sep 2026 · Ayes 34, Noes 19 · Passed
VOTED NO -
Migration
16 Sep 2026 · Ayes 19, Noes 30 · Failed
VOTED NO -
Personal Information and Privacy; Order for the Production of Documents
16 Sep 2026 · Ayes 30, Noes 19 · Passed
VOTED NO -
Maritime Industry; Order for the Production of Documents
16 Sep 2026 · Ayes 16, Noes 23 · Failed
VOTED NO -
Climate Change; Order for the Production of Documents
16 Sep 2026 · Ayes 16, Noes 23 · Failed
VOTED NO -
Census; Order for the Production of Documents
16 Sep 2026 · Ayes 23, Noes 30 · Failed
VOTED NO -
ASECA Judicial Seminar; Order for the Production of Documents
16 Sep 2026 · Ayes 12, Noes 28 · Failed
VOTED NO -
A New Tax System (Family Assistance) Amendment (No Jab No Pay Repeal) Bill 20...
16 Sep 2026 · Ayes 6, Noes 34 · Failed
VOTED NO -
Economy
15 Sep 2026 · Ayes 31, Noes 20 · Passed
VOTED NO -
Australian Federal Police; Order for the Production of Documents
15 Sep 2026 · Ayes 31, Noes 19 · Passed
VOTED NO -
Trade Unions; Order for the Production of Documents
15 Sep 2026 · Ayes 33, Noes 20 · Passed
VOTED NO -
Consideration of Legislation
15 Sep 2026 · Ayes 22, Noes 32 · Failed
VOTED NO -
Cybersafety Legislation; Order for the Production of Documents
15 Sep 2026 · Ayes 34, Noes 19 · Passed
VOTED NO -
Executive Remuneration; Order for the Production of Documents
15 Sep 2026 · Ayes 17, Noes 26 · Failed
VOTED NO -
Waste Management and Recycling; Order for the Production of Documents
15 Sep 2026 · Ayes 34, Noes 19 · Passed
VOTED NO -
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 NO -
Wage Justice for Early Childhood Education and Care Workers (Special Account)...
15 Sep 2026 · Ayes 25, Noes 36 · Failed
VOTED NO -
Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport References Committee; Reference
14 Sep 2026 · Ayes 25, Noes 31 · Failed
VOTED NO -
Water
14 Sep 2026 · Ayes 16, Noes 24 · Failed
VOTED NO -
Cost of Living
14 Sep 2026 · Ayes 22, Noes 32 · Failed
VOTED NO -
Digital Seller Underperformance Policy; Order for the Production of Documents
14 Sep 2026 · Ayes 32, Noes 18 · Passed
VOTED NO -
Health Care; Order for the Production of Documents
14 Sep 2026 · Ayes 23, Noes 28 · Failed
VOTED NO -
Intergenerational Trust Fund for the People of the Republic of Nauru; Order f...
14 Sep 2026 · Ayes 35, Noes 19 · Passed
VOTED NO -
Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport References Committee; Reference
14 Sep 2026 · Ayes 35, Noes 19 · Passed
VOTED NO -
Wage Justice for Early Childhood Education and Care Workers (Special Account)...
14 Sep 2026 · Ayes 24, Noes 35 · Failed
VOTED NO -
Wage Justice for Early Childhood Education and Care Workers (Special Account)...
14 Sep 2026 · Ayes 12, Noes 25 · Failed
VOTED NO -
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 AYE -
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 NO -
Statute Update Bill 2026; Limitation of Debate
10 Sep 2026 · Ayes 35, Noes 20 · Passed
VOTED NO -
Statute Update Bill 2026; Limitation of Debate
10 Sep 2026 · Ayes 22, Noes 32 · Failed
VOTED NO -
Statute Update Bill 2026; Limitation of Debate
10 Sep 2026 · Ayes 35, Noes 20 · Passed
VOTED NO -
Statute Update Bill 2026; Limitation of Debate
10 Sep 2026 · Ayes 35, Noes 20 · Passed
VOTED NO -
Regulatory Reform Omnibus Bill 2026; In Committee
10 Sep 2026 · Ayes 12, Noes 24 · Failed
VOTED NO -
Regulatory Reform Omnibus Bill 2026; Second Reading
10 Sep 2026 · Ayes 6, Noes 32 · Failed
VOTED NO
About this page
This page tracks Jana Stewart'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.