Kate Thwaites
Australian Labor Party Member for Jagajaga
Currently sitting
Photo: Thescrubbythug, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Seat and party history (1)
- Australian Labor Party - Jagajaga (House) - 18 May 2019 to present
- Seat and party records: OpenAustralia member data.
Contact
Electorate office: (03) 9459 1411
2/37 Burgundy Street, Heidelberg VIC 3084
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
Kate Thwaites compared with all 150 sitting House members.
Questions asked in Question Time
Lower than 54% of House members- This member
- 10
- Average
- 11.2
- Median
- 12
Debates spoken in
Lower than 71% of House members- This member
- 20
- Average
- 35.9
- Median
- 30.5
Votes cast
Higher than 89% of House members- This member
- 321
- Average
- 253.0
- Median
- 265
Share of divisions voted in
Higher than 78% of House members- This member
- 97%
- 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 Kate Thwaites
The member asked how the government's reforms were protecting children online and helping them learn, and what the response had been.
Background: The government was implementing reforms to protect children online and improve education.
Answer from Jason Clare
The minister highlighted the New South Wales government's announcement of screen-time limits in schools, supporting the concept of a digital detox. He noted that evidence showed excessive screen time correlated with declining results. He referenced a viral speech by a principal about keeping girls safe from harmful algorithms and cited criticism of algorithms as 'force-fed speech'. He stated that teachers, parents, and principals expected the government to crack down on harmful algorithms.
Question from Kate Thwaites
The member asked how the government was supporting sustainable Australian journalism via the news bargaining incentive.
Background: The member asked about government support for Australian journalism through the news bargaining incentive.
Answer from Daniel Mulino
The Minister explained that the news bargaining incentive encourages digital platforms to make fair commercial deals with Australian news publishers. He noted that the legislation had passed the Senate and included incentives for small and medium publishers. Funds collected from platforms that do not make deals would be distributed to news organisations based on the number of journalists employed, with a 20 per cent bonus for small and diverse publishers. The Minister thanked the opposition and crossbench for their support.
Question from Kate Thwaites
The member asked how the government was delivering change through expanded paid parental leave and what risks existed.
Background: A government member asked about the expansion of paid parental leave and potential risks to the scheme.
Answer from Tanya Plibersek
The Minister reported that paid parental leave had reached six months with a weekly rate exceeding $1,000, including superannuation. She noted that the total value had more than doubled since 2022, reaching almost $30,000. She highlighted increased flexibility and eligibility thresholds. She contrasted this support with past opposition rhetoric that criticized parents for taking leave, stating that the government was proud to provide substantial assistance to families.
Question from Kate Thwaites
The member asked how the government had acted to bolster fuel security and protect Australians from the effects of the Middle East conflict.
Background: The member asked about government actions to strengthen fuel security amid Middle East conflicts.
Answer from Chris Bowen
The Minister stated that Australia held greater fuel reserves than at any point since the minimum stock obligation began, with 44 days of petrol, 39 days of diesel, and 32 days of jet fuel. He noted that 51 ships were en route with fuel and 3.9 billion litres were contracted for delivery over the next four weeks. The Minister criticized opposition members for predicting shortages and rationing, asserting that the government's calm approach had ensured supply security. He thanked the private sector and trading partners for their cooperation.
Question from Kate Thwaites
The member asked the Minister to describe the reception of the housing reforms by experts and advocates and to identify any alternative policy approaches.
Background: A government member asked the Minister for Housing how experts and advocates have received the housing reform package and if alternative approaches exist.
Answer from Clare O'Neil
The Minister stated that experts, economists, and housing advocates support the reforms, which aim to level the playing field for first-home buyers. She cited positive comments from economist Saul Eslake, National Shelter, and former Liberal minister Rob Stokes. She argued that the coalition defends the broken status quo, while the government's plan, including the five per cent deposit program, supports both first-home buyers and new housing supply.
Question from Kate Thwaites
The member asked how the government was acting to support Australia's fuel security and supply given the impact of the Middle East conflict on global supply chains.
Background: A government member asked the Prime Minister about actions taken to support fuel security amidst global supply chain disruptions caused by the war in the Middle East.
Answer from Anthony Albanese
The Prime Minister stated that the government was addressing global fuel price increases by establishing a Fuel Supply Taskforce, releasing 20 per cent of the country's fuel stockpiles, and adjusting fuel specifications to boost supply. He noted that the government had supported domestic oil refineries, ensured Australian-made fuel was used locally, and gave the ACCC new powers to tackle price gouging. The Fair Work Act was amended to ensure truck drivers were paid fairly during price spikes. The government was coordinating with states and territories through National Cabinet to distribute fuel effectively and working with Asian trading partners to secure additional supplies. He emphasized that Australia had high reserves when the war began and would continue to act in the national interest.
Question from Kate Thwaites
The member asked how the government was delivering on its commitments to build Australia's future and provide cost-of-living relief.
Background: A government member asked the Prime Minister about the government's delivery on commitments and cost-of-living relief.
Answer from Anthony Albanese
The Prime Minister listed achievements including 132 urgent care clinics, increased bulk-billing rates, reduced PBS medicine costs, and tax cuts. He highlighted funding for schools and hospitals, paid practical training for students, and free TAFE for 750,000 Australians. He stated that the government was focused on delivery while the opposition was distracted.
Question from Kate Thwaites
The member asked how the government is working with households to modernise the energy grid.
Background: The government is working to rebuild the energy grid after a period of neglect.
Answer from Chris Bowen
The Minister reported that 225,531 cheaper home batteries had been installed, benefiting over half a million Australians. He stated that 42 per cent of these installations were in rural and regional areas. He highlighted that 7.7 gigawatts of dispatchable large-scale power had been added since May 2022, contrasting this with the previous government's failure to deliver new capacity.
Question from Kate Thwaites
The member asked why reliable energy was important to the economy and how the government's approach compared to alternatives.
Background: The member asked about the economic importance of reliable energy and how it compared to other approaches.
Answer from Jim Chalmers
The Treasurer stated that Treasury modelling showed an orderly transition to clean energy would create additional employment, increase pay, and improve quality of life. He argued that a disorderly transition or abandoning net zero would result in higher electricity prices, lower investment, and fewer jobs. He criticized the opposition for proposing to abandon net zero, calling it economic insanity.
Question from Kate Thwaites
The member asked what the government was doing to support first home buyers and construct more dwellings, and what obstacles remained.
Background: A government member asked about government actions to support first home buyers and increase housing supply.
Answer from Clare O'Neil
The minister highlighted that about 500 people in the member's electorate had used the five per cent deposit scheme. She stated that the government's $43 billion housing agenda was focused on building 55,000 social and affordable homes. She noted that new housing starts were up 17 per cent and construction cost inflation had fallen below general inflation. She criticized the opposition for opposing the deposit scheme and claimed the government was delivering the boldest housing agenda in 70 years.
Other Parliamentary Activity
-
Carbon Credits and Other Legislation Amendment (Integrity and Transparency) Bill 2026; Second Reading
House of Representatives · Wednesday 16 September 2026 · Second Reading
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Energy
House of Representatives · Tuesday 15 September 2026 · Matter of Public Importance
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
News Journalism Payments Bill 2026, News Journalism Payments (Consequential Amendments) Bill 2026; Second Reading
House of Representatives · Tuesday 18 August 2026 · Second Reading
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Universities Accord (Opening the Doors of Opportunity) Bill 2026; Second Reading
House of Representatives · Monday 17 August 2026 · Second Reading
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Refugees
House of Representatives · Monday 29 June 2026 · General Debate
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Appropriation Bill (No. 1) 2026-2027; Consideration in Detail
House of Representatives · Wednesday 3 June 2026 · Consideration in Detail
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Appropriation Bill (No. 1) 2026-2027, Appropriation Bill (No. 2) 2026-2027, Appropriation (Parliamentary Departments) Bill (No. 1) 2026-2027; Second Reading
House of Representatives · Monday 25 May 2026 · Second Reading
Contributed to this debate
-
Treasury Laws Amendment (Doubling Penalties for ACCC Enforcement) Bill 2026, Fair Work Amendment (Fairer Fuel) Bill 2026; Second Reading
House of Representatives · Thursday 26 March 2026 · Second Reading
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Victoria: Bushfires
House of Representatives · Monday 9 February 2026 · General Debate
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Universities Accord (Australian Tertiary Education Commission) Bill 2025, Universities Accord (Australian Tertiary Education Commission) (Consequential and Transitional Provisions) Bill 2025; Second Reading
House of Representatives · Monday 9 February 2026 · Second Reading
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Medicare
House of Representatives · Monday 9 February 2026 · General Debate
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Bondi Beach Attack Victims
House of Representatives · Monday 19 January 2026 · Condolence
Contributed to this debate
-
VET Student Loans (Miscellaneous Measures) Bill 2025; Second Reading
House of Representatives · Tuesday 25 November 2025 · Second Reading
Opened this debate
-
Environment Protection Reform Bill 2025, National Environmental Protection Agency Bill 2025, Environment Information Australia Bill 2025, Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (Customs Charges Imposition) Bill 2025, Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (Excise Charges Imposition) Bill 2025, Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (General Charges Imposition) Bill 2025, Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (Restoration Charge Imposition) Bill 2025; Second Reading
House of Representatives · Tuesday 4 November 2025 · Second Reading
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Jagajaga Electorate: Infrastructure
House of Representatives · Tuesday 26 August 2025 · General Debate
Opened this debate
-
Early Childhood Education and Care (Three Day Guarantee) Bill 2025; Second Reading
House of Representatives · Wednesday 12 February 2025 · Second Reading
Responded as minister
-
Biodiversity
House of Representatives · Wednesday 12 February 2025 · Matter of Public Importance
Responded as minister
-
Andrews, Hon. Kevin James, AM
House of Representatives · Wednesday 12 February 2025 · Condolence
Contributed to this debate
-
AusCheck Amendment (Global Entry Program) Bill 2025; Third Reading
House of Representatives · Tuesday 11 February 2025 · Third Reading
Contributed to this debate
-
Scams Prevention Framework Bill 2024; Second Reading
House of Representatives · Thursday 6 February 2025 · Second Reading
Responded as minister
- Votes recorded
- 321
- Aye votes (48.6%)
- 156
- No votes (51.4%)
- 165
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 Kate Thwaites'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.