Jess Teesdale
Australian Labor Party Member for Bass
Currently sitting
Seat and party history (1)
- Australian Labor Party - Bass (House) - 3 May 2025 to present
- Seat and party records: OpenAustralia member data.
Contact
Electorate office: (03) 6334 7033
98-102 St John Street, Launceston TAS 7250
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
Jess Teesdale compared with all 150 sitting House members.
Questions asked in Question Time
Higher than 76% of House members- This member
- 17
- Average
- 11.2
- Median
- 12
Debates spoken in
Lower than 91% of House members- This member
- 12
- Average
- 35.9
- Median
- 30.5
Votes cast
Higher than 69% of House members- This member
- 288
- Average
- 253.0
- Median
- 265
Share of divisions voted in
Higher than 95% of House members- This member
- 100%
- 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 Jess Teesdale
The member asked how the government was serving those residing and employed in regional areas and how this compared to other approaches.
Background: The government had announced funding for regional projects and road safety upgrades.
Answer from Kristy McBain
The minister highlighted funding for over 110 projects through the Growing Regions Program and 64 projects through the Regional Precincts program. She noted doubling the Roads to Recovery Program to $1 billion annually and increasing blackspot funding to $150 million annually. She also mentioned a 5 per cent increase in financial assistance grants to local councils in 2026-27, contrasting this with the opposition's previous freeze on such grants.
Question from Jess Teesdale
The member asked how the government was delivering better healthcare for Australian women and why this was important for strengthening Medicare.
Background: The member asked about government actions to deliver better healthcare for women and strengthen Medicare.
Answer from Mark Butler
The minister said that female patients used roughly 60 per cent of healthcare services and pointed to new PBS listings for birth control, menopause care, and endometriosis drugs. He noted that over 400,000 women had obtained lower-cost prescriptions for contraception and more than 500,000 had gained access to budget-friendly menopause care. He referred to the rollout of bulk-billed IUDs and contraceptive implants, as well as an extended menopause health assessment used by 140,000 women. He confirmed that all 33 endometriosis and pelvic pain clinics were open, claiming these measures corrected years of oversight.
Question from Jess Teesdale
The member asked how the government was bolstering Medicare and simplifying access to free medical consultations.
Background: A government member asked about strengthening Medicare after a decade of cuts.
Answer from Mark Butler
The Minister highlighted the success of urgent care clinics, citing over 65,000 visits in Launceston. He reported that bulk-billing rates for retirees and concession card holders in Bass had risen from 80 per cent to over 90 per cent, with increases for non-concession holders. He stated bulk-billing was up in every state and territory. He contrasted this with the opposition's history of cuts and lack of health policy, noting the shadow minister had asked the department for a definition of Medicare.
Question from Jess Teesdale
The member asked how the government is helping Australians achieve homeownership and what risks exist.
Background: The government's Homes for Australia plan aims to increase homeownership.
Answer from Clare O'Neil
The minister cited the success of the five per cent deposit scheme, which has helped 260,000 Australians buy homes, and the Help to Buy program assisting 10,000 people annually. She shared an anecdote about a family in Tasmania who purchased a home through the scheme. She criticized the opposition for opposing these measures and defending investor subsidies.
Question from Jess Teesdale
The member asked for details on the government's leadership in protecting children from social media harms.
Background: The member asked how the government was leading the world in keeping children safe from social media harms.
Answer from Anika Wells
The Minister stated that since the social media minimum age laws commenced on 10 December, over five million accounts belonging to under-16s had been removed or restricted. She noted that tech companies like Roblox and Apple had introduced improved safety features inspired by Australia's approach. The Minister announced plans to introduce a digital duty of care to prevent harm from AI chatbots, algorithmic recommendations, and other online risks. She urged support for amendments to allow the eSafety Commissioner to hold platforms accountable.
Question from Jess Teesdale
The member asked what measures the government was taking to help first-home buyers and which policies might make homeownership more difficult for young people.
Background: A government member asked the Minister for Housing about actions to assist first-home buyers and what approaches might hinder homeownership for young Australians.
Answer from Clare O'Neil
The Minister highlighted legislation aimed at leveling the playing field for first-home buyers and delivering tax cuts for all workers. She argued that the previous housing market structure favored investors, leading to a 400 per cent rise in house prices and declining homeownership rates for young people. She framed the current legislative choice as one between rewarding hard work or maintaining a system dependent on inherited wealth, asserting that the government's approach supported aspiration and fairness.
Question from Jess Teesdale
The member asked how the government was strengthening paid parental leave and what risks were involved.
Background: The government was expanding paid parental leave entitlements.
Answer from Tanya Plibersek
The Minister announced that from 1 July, paid parental leave would extend to six months, with payments reaching almost $30,000. She noted increased flexibility and eligibility, benefiting 180,000 families annually. She criticized the opposition for opposing leave for permanent residents and highlighted cheaper childcare and higher wages as part of the broader support package.
Question from Jess Teesdale
The member asked how the budget would ease cost-of-living pressures, help younger Australians enter the housing market, and make the economy more resilient for future generations.
Background: A government member asked the Prime Minister to outline how the budget would address cost-of-living pressures, assist younger Australians with housing, and enhance economic resilience.
Answer from Anthony Albanese
The Prime Minister stated that the budget helps Australians with the cost of living and builds national resilience, noting that fuel supplies were higher than on 28 February. He highlighted that the government had cut taxes for 13 million Australians five times, including a top-up starting on 1 July and a further top-up the following year, alongside a $1,000 automatic tax deduction and the Working Australians Tax Offset, totaling approximately $2,800 for average workers. He mentioned measures such as cheaper medicines, permanent urgent care clinics, and free TAFE. The Prime Minister asserted that the government was giving Australians a fair chance at buying their first home, contrasting this with the opposition's stated intention to repeal these measures.
Question from Jess Teesdale
The member asked how the government was helping farmers, fishers, and producers manage the impacts and continue production.
Background: Farmers and producers were impacted by the conflict in the Middle East.
Answer from Julie Collins
The Minister listed actions including legislation to underwrite fuel and fertiliser purchases, halving the fuel excise, amending fuel standards, and releasing 20 per cent of the strategic fuel stockpile. She noted the Fertiliser Supply Working Group would meet soon. She mentioned ATO hardship measures and the deferral of full cost recovery for export services until 1 July 2027. She cited support from the Australian Meat Industry Council.
Question from Jess Teesdale
The member asked how the government was progressing on reforms to improve the university system for students, making it better and fairer.
Background: Reforms to the university system.
Answer from Jason Clare
The Minister reported that student debt has been cut by 20 per cent and that more Australians are starting university degrees than ever before. He announced legislation to reduce the length and cost of degrees for those with relevant TAFE qualifications and to increase Commonwealth-supported places for students from disadvantaged or regional backgrounds. He highlighted the establishment of the National Student Ombudsman, Remuneration Tribunal involvement in vice-chancellor salaries, and strengthened powers for TEQSA. He also noted the appointment of David Gonski to chair the Antisemitism Education Taskforce.
Question from Jess Teesdale
The member asked how the government was investing in bulk-billing and strengthening Medicare, and how these policies corrected past mistakes.
Background: The member sought to highlight government investments in Medicare and bulk-billing following a decade of perceived neglect.
Answer from Anthony Albanese
The Prime Minister noted that the tripling of the bulk-billing incentive began rolling out in November, leading to more than eight in ten GP visits being fully bulk-billed. He stated that nearly 3,400 GP practices were now fully bulk-billing, an increase of 1,300 clinics since November. The Prime Minister contrasted this with opposition policies, citing past calls for GP co-payments and freezes on Medicare rebates. He listed government measures including cheaper medicines, urgent care clinics, increased hospital funding, and mental health clinics as part of the effort to repair damage from previous administrations.
Question from Jess Teesdale
The member asked how the government was working to boost productivity and modernise the economy, and how this compared to other approaches.
Background: The government was focusing on boosting productivity and modernising the economy amidst global uncertainty.
Answer from Jim Chalmers
The Treasurer outlined reforms including competition policy changes, FIRB reform, payment system reform, and abolishing non-compete clauses. He noted progress in speeding up approvals, pausing the construction code, and releasing a national AI plan. He contrasted this with the opposition's record, claiming they had never delivered a surplus and proposed policies involving higher taxes and nuclear energy that lacked economic credibility. He emphasised that the upcoming budget would focus on inflation, productivity, and global uncertainty.
Question from Jess Teesdale
The member asked what the latest inflation figures indicated and how the government's cost-of-living assistance compared to alternative approaches.
Background: New ABS inflation figures were released, showing steady monthly prices but an annual increase.
Answer from Jim Chalmers
The Treasurer stated that while October inflation was flat due to falling electricity and fuel prices, the annual figure had ticked up due to temporary factors like state energy rebate timing and volatile travel costs. He emphasized that the current inflation rate was significantly lower than when the government took office. He highlighted the government's efforts to improve the budget, including achieving surpluses and reducing debt by $200 billion compared to the previous administration. He noted that tax cuts and cost-of-living relief were being rolled out to ease pressure on households, contrasting this with the Coalition's history of deficits and debt accumulation.
Question from Jess Teesdale
The member asked how the government's energy approach was securing the future of Australian manufacturing and jobs, and what risks existed.
Background: The member asked about the impact of energy policy on the manufacturing industry.
Answer from Pat Conroy
The Minister reported a 12-month in-principle electricity agreement for the Bell Bay Aluminium smelter, providing breathing space for long-term negotiations. He highlighted government initiatives like Future Made in Australia and the Capacity Investment Scheme to ensure cheap, reliable power. He criticized the opposition for opposing renewable energy rollout and for having failed energy policies during their time in government.
Question from Jess Teesdale
The member asked how the government was continuing to make medicines cheaper for Australians.
Background: The member sought an update on efforts to reduce medicine costs.
Answer from Mark Butler
The minister highlighted the passage of the National Health Amendment (Cheaper Medicines) Bill, which would reduce the maximum PBS co-payment to $25 from 1 January. He noted that without government cuts, the cost would have exceeded $50. He stated that the reform would deliver $200 million in annual savings, adding to $112 billion already saved. He also mentioned upcoming investments in bulk-billing and urgent care clinics.
Question from Jess Teesdale
The member asked how the government's online safety measures would prioritize Australian families over online platforms.
Background: A government member asked the Minister for Communications about the government's online safety measures and how they prioritize families over platforms.
Answer from Anika Wells
The minister described the social media minimum age rules as world-leading and designed to protect children from abuse and predatory algorithms. She cited positive feedback from parents who felt the laws would make enforcement easier. She stated that the measures would allow young people an additional three years to develop genuine relationships and digital resilience, prioritizing safety over platform profits.
Question from Jess Teesdale
The member asked what the government was doing to improve child safety in early education and care services.
Background: A government member asked the Minister for Education about lifting child safety in early education and care services.
Answer from Jason Clare
The Minister announced the introduction of legislation to cut funding to childcare centres that fail to meet quality and safety standards. He noted that the government provides $16 billion annually in childcare subsidies, covering about 70 per cent of operating costs. He stated that the legislation was designed to raise standards rather than shut down centres, and acknowledged bipartisan engagement on the issue.
Other Parliamentary Activity
-
Scolyer, Professor Richard, AO
House of Representatives · Thursday 2 July 2026 · Condolence
Contributed to this debate
-
Paid Parental Leave
House of Representatives · Monday 29 June 2026 · General Debate
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Employment
House of Representatives · Monday 22 June 2026 · General Debate
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Combatting Illicit Tobacco Bill 2026; Second Reading
House of Representatives · Monday 22 June 2026 · Second Reading
Contributed to this debate
-
Budget
House of Representatives · Thursday 4 June 2026 · Matter of Public Importance
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Appropriation Bill (No. 1) 2026-2027; Consideration in Detail
House of Representatives · Tuesday 2 June 2026 · Consideration in Detail
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Telecommunications Legislation Amendment (Universal Outdoor Mobile Obligation) Bill 2025; Second Reading
House of Representatives · Wednesday 11 March 2026 · Second Reading
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Tertiary Education
House of Representatives · Monday 24 November 2025 · General Debate
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Economy
House of Representatives · Thursday 30 October 2025 · Matter of Public Importance
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Telecommunications
House of Representatives · Monday 1 September 2025 · General Debate
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Fiscal Policy
House of Representatives · Thursday 28 August 2025 · Matter of Public Importance
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
National Health Amendment (Cheaper Medicines) Bill 2025; Second Reading
House of Representatives · Wednesday 27 August 2025 · Second Reading
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
- Votes recorded
- 288
- Aye votes (46.5%)
- 134
- No votes (53.5%)
- 154
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 58 · 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
About this page
This page tracks Jess Teesdale'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.