Josh Dolega
Australian Labor Party Senator for TAS
Currently sitting
Photo: Taiwan Presidential Office, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Seat and party history (1)
- Australian Labor Party - TAS (Senate) - 27 May 2025 to present
- Seat and party records: OpenAustralia member data.
Contact
Office: (03) 6423 1933
1-3 Rooke Street, Devonport TAS 7310
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
Josh Dolega compared with all 76 sitting senators.
Questions asked in Question Time
Higher than 66% of senators- This member
- 14
- Average
- 10.4
- Median
- 10
Debates spoken in
Lower than 71% of senators- This member
- 30
- Average
- 44.8
- Median
- 40
Votes cast
Higher than 67% of senators- This member
- 937
- Average
- 743.0
- Median
- 730
Share of divisions voted in
Higher than 82% of senators- This member
- 94%
- 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 Josh Dolega
The senator asked how the government was strengthening Medicare and making medicines more affordable for Australians.
Background: The government had delivered the largest investment in Medicare since its creation, aiming to increase bulk-billing and reduce medicine costs.
Answer from Jenny McAllister
The minister reported that over 3,800 GP practices were fully bulk-billing, two years ahead of schedule, with more than eight out of 10 GP visits in Tasmania being free. She noted the establishment of 137 permanent Medicare urgent care clinics nationwide. Regarding medicines, she stated that the government had reduced the maximum PBS co-payment to $25 from 1 January, the lowest level since 2004, contrasting this with opposition policies that would have resulted in higher costs.
Question from Josh Dolega
The member asked how these changes had benefited workers across the country. He later asked how these workplace law changes complemented the government's broader economic management and what the government was protecting workers from.
Background: One year had passed since the introduction of reforms protecting penalty rates and the right to disconnect.
Answer from Jess Walsh
The minister stated that the reforms protected penalty rates for 2.6 million Australians and that the right to disconnect had improved employee engagement and productivity. She noted that 1.3 million extra jobs had been created and wages had grown above three per cent for 16 quarters. She argued that the government was protecting workers from opposition policies that sought to scrap penalty rates and reduce job security.
Question from Josh Dolega
The member asked how important the government's position on boosting wages was to improving Australians' lives and how unity in policy provided certainty.
Background: New ABS data showed an increase in average weekly earnings.
Answer from Murray Watt
The minister cited ABS data showing average weekly full-time earnings had increased by more than $300 since the government was elected, with an annualized growth of 4.2 per cent versus 2.5 per cent under the previous government. He noted the gender pay gap had fallen to 11.3 per cent. He emphasized the government's unity on raising wages and tax cuts, contrasting it with opposition disunity.
Question from Josh Dolega
The member asked how the government's support ensured workers would earn more and how enterprise agreements were contributing to wage growth.
Background: The member noted that cost-of-living measures, including wage rises, came into effect on 1 July.
Answer from Murray Watt
The minister stated that millions of workers saw their real wages rise by a minimum of 4.75 per cent. He provided examples: personal care workers gained $59 per week, registered nurses $86, and enrolled nurses $67. He noted that the government had advocated for pay rises for five consecutive years. Regarding enterprise agreements, he cited ABS data showing 3.2 per cent annual private sector wage growth and 4.1 per cent increases in newly approved agreements. He contrasted this with the previous government's suppression of enterprise bargaining.
Question from Josh Dolega
The member asked for an update on free TAFE enrolments and their impact on the economy. He also asked about other programs supporting skilled workers in housing construction and the care sector.
Background: The government's free TAFE program had seen significant enrolments, particularly in construction and care sectors.
Answer from Murray Watt
The minister reported 742,000 free TAFE enrolments in three years, with over 58,000 in construction courses. He highlighted the Key Apprenticeship Program, which provided $10,000 incentives for new apprentices in housing construction, resulting in 29,000 starts since July 2025. He noted that care sector courses represented one in four enrolments, with over 60 per cent of enrolments being women. He criticised the opposition for voting against these programs.
Question from Josh Dolega
The senator asked what actions the government had taken to shield Australians from the impacts of the conflict on fuel prices and supply. He sought details on specific measures to ensure fuel security.
Background: Global energy markets were disrupted by conflict in the Middle East, raising concerns about fuel supply in Australia.
Answer from Tim Ayres
The minister reported that Australia had 44 days' worth of petrol, 39 days' worth of diesel, and 32 days' worth of jet fuel, all increases since the conflict began. He noted that fuel stocks were at their highest level since the minimum stockholding obligation commenced in 2023, with 51 ships en route and 3.9 billion litres contracted for delivery. In response to supplementary questions, he stated that Export Finance Australia had secured an additional 50 million litres of diesel and that a shipment of urea had docked in Brisbane. He confirmed that supplies of diesel totalling 800 million litres, jet fuel amounting to 155 million litres, and 340,000 tonnes of fertiliser had been secured. He also highlighted a $14.8 billion budget package for fuel security, including $3.2 billion for a strategic fuel reserve.
Question from Josh Dolega
The member asked how the government was deepening ties with the European Union to secure Australia's interests, and about the significance of recent announcements regarding trade, security, and research.
Background: The member asked about deepening relationships with the European Union amidst global instability.
Answer from Penny Wong
The minister highlighted the visit of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and the agreement on a new security and defence partnership. She noted that this partnership would build capacity to manage security threats, combat online radicalisation, and counter terrorism financing, while establishing a space security dialogue. She also mentioned commencing negotiations for association with Horizon Europe for 2027. The minister described these initiatives as part of 'amplified middle-power diplomacy' to strengthen cooperation, support Ukraine, and secure prosperity in a less predictable world.
Question from Josh Dolega
The member asked for an update on the government's assessment of the conflict and the safety of Australians in the region, noting that commercial flights were the primary means of evacuation.
Background: Conflict in the Middle East had escalated, with Iran attacking ten countries in the region, causing significant instability and travel disruptions for Australians.
Answer from Penny Wong
The minister confirmed that a plane with over 200 Australians had departed Dubai for Sydney. She stated that all Australian personnel in the region were safe and accounted for, and that six crisis response teams were being deployed within 24 hours. She noted that travel disruptions would likely continue and that the government was working with airlines and regional partners to facilitate departures. The minister highlighted that Australia was fuel secure, with reserves at their highest level in 15 years, and that the Treasurer had written to the ACCC to prevent price gouging by retailers.
Question from Josh Dolega
The member asked how the government had managed the budget and inflation challenges since taking office. He followed up by asking how strengthening the budget supported job creation and wage growth while lowering inflation. Finally, he asked how the government would continue to strengthen the budget and support households with cost-of-living pressures.
Background: The member asked about the government's approach to managing inflation and the budget while maintaining low unemployment and economic growth.
Answer from Katy Gallagher
The minister highlighted that the December MYEFO showed improved bottom lines and reduced debt in all forward estimate years, citing a $233.5 billion nominal budget improvement and $114 billion in savings since 2022. She noted gross debt was $176 billion lower than inherited levels, avoiding over $60 billion in interest payments. She reported an unemployment rate of 4.1 per cent in December, with 65,000 new jobs bringing total employment to a record 14,684,000. She stated the government would continue to manage the budget, find savings, and support households through tax cuts and measures like the Parental Leave Pay increase.
Question from Josh Dolega
The senator asked how the government was delivering cheaper and cleaner energy and why replacing coal plants was a priority.
Background: Voters have backed the government's commitment to cleaner energy, and renewable costs are falling.
Answer from Tim Ayres
The minister highlighted current outages in the coal-fired electricity system and stated that the government's plan, including the Cheaper Home Batteries scheme and Solar Sharer scheme, would deliver the cheapest possible energy. He explained that replacing unreliable coal plants was a priority because unplanned outages drive up power prices. In response to supplementary questions, he stated that investing in coal would make electricity more expensive and criticized the opposition's plans to extend the life of coal assets as ineffective and costly.
Question from Josh Dolega
The member asked how many renewable projects had been approved since May 2022 and how the government's consistent policy was ensuring market certainty and supporting rural businesses.
Background: Renewable energy reached 50 per cent of the national market in October. The question sought to highlight the number of approved projects and the stability provided by government policy.
Answer from Murray Watt
The minister stated that 111 renewable energy projects had been approved since May 2022, enough to power every home in Australia. He highlighted a 27 per cent reduction in wholesale prices due to renewable penetration. He emphasized that consistent support for net zero by 2050 provided investment certainty and created jobs, citing examples of farmers earning income from hosting solar farms.
Question from Josh Dolega
The senator asked for an update on the settlement outcome reached with victims of the robodebt scheme and how the government was addressing the legacy of the program.
Background: The Royal Commission into the Robodebt Scheme highlighted the devastating impact of the former coalition government's unlawful debt recovery program on individuals and families.
Answer from Katy Gallagher
The minister confirmed a settlement subject to court approval would make $475 million available for compensation. She noted the scheme had been projected to save $4.7 billion but only delivered $406 million in savings while costing $971 million to implement. The total cost to the budget, including legal settlements and debt repayments, was stated to be $2.9 billion. She emphasised the importance of a well-resourced public service to prevent such failures.
Question from Josh Dolega
The senator asked the minister to outline improvements in housing supply based on latest data showing an 11.9 per cent rise in approvals and 11.7 per cent rise in commencements. He also asked about measures taken to increase supply and the impact of expanding the five per cent deposit scheme to all first home buyers from 1 October.
Background: Recent Australian Bureau of Statistics figures showed increases in dwelling approvals and commencements.
Answer from Tim Ayres
The minister reported that total dwellings approved rose 27.4 per cent over the year and commencements rose 17.3 per cent over the year. He stated that 500,000 homes had been built since the government took office, with 28,000 social and affordable homes under construction or planned, supported by a $43 billion housing agenda. Regarding the deposit scheme, he explained it would help young Australians save for deposits sooner, potentially reducing the time spent saving by a decade.
Question from Josh Dolega
The member asked how the government is protecting young Australians from the harms of social media and providing peace of mind to parents. He sought details on how the legislation holds tech companies accountable and what the rules mean for young people, referencing advice from the eSafety Commissioner.
Background: The questioner highlighted the government's commitment to online safety measures and the legislated minimum age limit for social media access.
Answer from Jess Walsh
The minister stated that from 10 December 2025, social media platforms must act reasonably to stop Australians under 16 from holding accounts, with fines reaching $49.5 million for each breach of non-compliance. She explained that the law aims to give children three more years of development away from predatory algorithms. The minister noted that rules based on eSafety Commissioner advice exclude messaging apps and health or education services from the ban. She emphasised that there are no penalties for under-16s or parents who facilitate access, placing the onus strictly on platforms.
Other Parliamentary Activity
-
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 · Monday 14 September 2026 · Take Note Debate
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Veterans: Health Care
Senate · Tuesday 8 September 2026 · Matter of Public Importance
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
News Journalism Payments Bill 2026, News Journalism Payments (Consequential Amendments) Bill 2026, News Media Bargaining (Administration) Bill 2026, News Media Bargaining Charge Bill 2026, Treasury Laws Amendment (News Media Bargaining) (Consequential) Bill 2026; Second Reading
Senate · Thursday 20 August 2026 · Second Reading
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 · Thursday 13 August 2026 · Take Note Debate
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Cost of Living
Senate · Wednesday 1 July 2026 · Matter of Public Importance
Contributed to this debate · Position: oppose
-
Health Legislation Amendment (Prescribing of Pharmaceutical Benefits) Bill 2025; Second Reading
Senate · Tuesday 30 June 2026 · Second Reading
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Taxation
Senate · Monday 29 June 2026 · Matter of Public Importance
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Forestry Industry
Senate · Tuesday 23 June 2026 · Matter of Public Importance
Contributed to this debate · Position: oppose
-
Answers to Questions
Senate · Monday 22 June 2026 · Take Note Debate
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Private Health Insurance
Senate · Tuesday 12 May 2026 · Matter of Public Importance
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Climate Change
Senate · Wednesday 1 April 2026 · Matter of Public Importance
Contributed to this debate · Position: oppose
-
Answers to Questions
Senate · Tuesday 24 March 2026 · Take Note Debate
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Treasury Laws Amendment (Supporting Choice in Superannuation and Other Measures) Bill 2025; Second Reading
Senate · Wednesday 11 March 2026 · Second Reading
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Fiscal Policy, Defence Properties
Senate · Thursday 5 February 2026 · Take Note Debate
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Bondi Beach: Attack
Senate · Monday 19 January 2026 · Condolence
Contributed to this debate
-
Minister for Climate Change and Energy
Senate · Tuesday 25 November 2025 · Matter of Public Importance
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Construction, Forestry and Maritime Employees Union
Senate · Wednesday 5 November 2025 · Matter of Public Importance
Responded as minister
-
Migration, Economy
Senate · Tuesday 4 November 2025 · Take Note Debate
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Treasury Laws Amendment (Payday Superannuation) Bill 2025, Superannuation Guarantee Charge Amendment Bill 2025; Second Reading
Senate · Monday 3 November 2025 · Second Reading
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Commonwealth Workplace Protection Orders Bill 2025; Second Reading
Senate · Wednesday 29 October 2025 · Second Reading
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Energy
Senate · Wednesday 3 September 2025 · Matter of Public Importance
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Cost of Living
Senate · Monday 1 September 2025 · Matter of Public Importance
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Answers to Questions
Senate · Monday 1 September 2025 · Take Note Debate
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Housing
Senate · Wednesday 27 August 2025 · Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
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
-
Dolega, Senator Josh
Senate · Wednesday 30 July 2025 · First Speech
Contributed to this debate
-
Health Legislation Amendment (Improved Medicare Integrity and Other Measures) Bill 2025; Second Reading
Senate · Monday 28 July 2025 · Second Reading
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Answers to Questions
Senate · Monday 28 July 2025 · Take Note Debate
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
- Votes recorded
- 937
- Aye votes (26.8%)
- 251
- No votes (73.2%)
- 686
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 -
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 NO -
Artificial Intelligence Joint Select Committee; Appointment
16 Sep 2026 · Ayes 17, Noes 25 · Failed
VOTED NO -
Artificial Intelligence Joint Select Committee; Appointment
16 Sep 2026 · Ayes 17, Noes 26 · Failed
VOTED NO -
Improved Native Forest Management; Order for the Production of Documents
16 Sep 2026 · Ayes 26, Noes 31 · Failed
VOTED NO -
Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport References Committee; Reference
16 Sep 2026 · Ayes 27, Noes 31 · Failed
VOTED NO -
Middle East
16 Sep 2026 · Ayes 32, Noes 20 · Passed
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 -
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
About this page
This page tracks Josh Dolega'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.