Leah Blyth
Liberal Party Senator for SA
Currently sitting
Seat and party history (1)
- Liberal Party - SA (Senate) - 6 Feb 2025 to present
- Seat and party records: OpenAustralia member data.
Contact
Office: (08) 8354 1644
107 Sir Donald Bradman Drive, Hilton SA 5033
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
Leah Blyth compared with all 76 sitting senators.
Questions asked in Question Time
Lower than 71% of senators- This member
- 5
- Average
- 10.4
- Median
- 10
Debates spoken in
Higher than 59% of senators- This member
- 45
- Average
- 44.8
- Median
- 40
Votes cast
Lower than 66% of senators- This member
- 630
- Average
- 743.0
- Median
- 730
Share of divisions voted in
Lower than 67% of senators- This member
- 57%
- 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 Leah Blyth
The member asked if the Prime Minister intended to tax families for having children, given claims that adding a newborn to a family trust would revoke exemptions and tax income at 47 per cent. She asked how many families would be affected by these changes.
Background: Critics claimed the government's trust tax changes would penalize families adding newborns to family trusts.
Answer from Penny Wong
The minister stated that the changes are part of a consultation process and not the only way to arrange discretionary trusts. She clarified that a 30 per cent minimum levy on payments from such trusts applies from July 2028, with exemptions for farming income, testamentary trusts, and over 90 per cent of small businesses. She argued that the vast majority of Australians will not be affected because they do not use trusts to minimize tax, and the package includes tax cuts for wage-earning Australians.
Question from Leah Blyth
The member asked if the minister could identify a single year since Labor took office where productivity growth hit the long-run average needed to sustainably raise living standards. She questioned why the government had not produced sustained improvement after four years and asked for a date when Australians would see positive effects.
Background: ABS figures indicated that productivity dropped by 0.7 per cent during 2024-25, while GDP per hour worked decreased by 0.6 per cent in the March quarter.
Answer from Penny Wong
The minister acknowledged productivity as a longstanding challenge and highlighted the budget's 15 reforms aimed at increasing productivity, including the incentivising investment and innovation package with $312 billion in new measures. She noted that productivity had declined multiple times under the previous Morrison government. The minister argued that the opposition voted against key productivity measures such as EPBC reforms and regulatory reform. She stated that the government was cutting red tape by roughly $10 billion annually and focusing on a multifactor approach to attract investment and lower compliance costs.
Question from Leah Blyth
The member asked for the government's view on the incident and whether China was still considered a friend. She questioned how Australia was ensuring the safety of its personnel.
Background: A Chinese fighter jet released flares near an Australian surveillance aircraft, raising concerns about regional security.
Answer from Don Farrell
The minister stated that the government prioritized the protection of military personnel. He confirmed that the Prime Minister had raised the issue with Chinese officials. He highlighted investment in submarine construction in South Australia.
Question from Leah Blyth
The senator asked whether the minister would apologise to older Australians in the Yorke Peninsula for failing to support their community. She also inquired about commitments to release new home-care packages and progress assessments for those waiting, citing over 120,000 people awaiting assessment.
Background: Senator Blyth cited constituents in the Yorke Peninsula unable to access home-care services due to funding shortages, and a resident in Geelong waiting for reassessment.
Answer from Jenny McAllister
The minister invited the senator to raise individual cases with the Minister for Aged Care. She highlighted that the government had invested $5.6 billion in aged-care reforms, the largest improvement in 30 years, including delivering registered nurses on site more than 99 per cent of the time. She noted that a new single assessment system was being rolled out to reduce wait times and improve the experience. The minister confirmed that a new program to increase care availability would commence on 1 November.
Question from Leah Blyth
The senator asked how many people were on the waiting list and why 83,000 promised packages had been withheld.
Background: Senator Blyth asked about the number of older Australians waiting for home-care packages, citing that the waiting list had doubled since 2022.
Answer from Jenny McAllister
The minister stated that 306,000 home-care packages were in use, a record high, and that the government had invested over $8 billion in the program last year. She explained that the new Support at Home program would commence on 1 November 2025, replacing the current system. She noted that high-priority cases received packages within a month and that the reforms were a bipartisan effort to address a decade of neglect.
Other Parliamentary Activity
-
Defence Legislation Amendment (RCDVS Implementation and Related Measures No. 2) Bill 2026; Second Reading
Senate · Thursday 17 September 2026 · Second Reading
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Defence Force Discipline Amendment (RCDVS Implementation and Related Measures No. 1) Bill 2026; Second Reading
Senate · Thursday 17 September 2026 · Second Reading
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Manufacturing Industry
Senate · Wednesday 16 September 2026 · Matter of Public Importance
Opened this debate
-
Answers to Questions
Senate · Wednesday 16 September 2026 · Take Note Debate
Contributed to this debate · Position: oppose
-
Answers to Questions
Senate · Tuesday 15 September 2026 · Take Note Debate
Contributed to this debate · Position: oppose
-
Health Legislation Amendment (Improving Choice and Transparency for Private Health Consumers) Bill 2026; Second Reading
Senate · Monday 14 September 2026 · Second Reading
Responded as shadow minister
-
Customs Amendment (Safeguard Inquiries) Bill 2026; Second Reading
Senate · Monday 14 September 2026 · Second Reading
Opened this debate
-
Defence Properties
Senate · Tuesday 8 September 2026 · Matter of Public Importance
Responded as shadow minister
-
Answers to Questions
Senate · Tuesday 18 August 2026 · Take Note Debate
Contributed to this debate · Position: oppose
-
Prime Minister
Senate · Monday 17 August 2026 · Matter of Public Importance
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Answers to Questions
Senate · Monday 17 August 2026 · Take Note Debate
Contributed to this debate · Position: oppose
-
Answers to Questions
Senate · Thursday 13 August 2026 · Take Note Debate
Contributed to this debate · Position: oppose
-
Crimes and Other Legislation Amendment (Omnibus No. 1) Bill 2026; Second Reading
Senate · Tuesday 11 August 2026 · Second Reading
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Coal Mining Industry (Long Service Leave) Legislation Amendment Bill 2026; Second Reading
Senate · Thursday 2 July 2026 · Second Reading
Responded as shadow minister
-
Answers to Questions
Senate · Tuesday 30 June 2026 · Take Note Debate
Contributed to this debate · Position: oppose
-
Answers to Questions
Senate · Thursday 25 June 2026 · Take Note Debate
Contributed to this debate · Position: oppose
-
Housing
Senate · Wednesday 24 June 2026 · Matter of Public Importance
Contributed to this debate · Position: oppose
-
Treasury Laws Amendment (Tax Reform No. 1) Bill 2026, Income Tax Rates Amendment (Tax Reform No. 1) Bill 2026; Second Reading
Senate · Tuesday 23 June 2026 · Second Reading
Contributed to this debate · Position: oppose
-
Budget
Senate · Monday 22 June 2026 · Matter of Public Importance
Contributed to this debate · Position: oppose
-
Competition and Consumer Amendment (Responding to Exceptional Circumstances) Bill 2026; Second Reading
Senate · Wednesday 13 May 2026 · Second Reading
Contributed to this debate · Position: oppose
-
Answers to Questions
Senate · Wednesday 13 May 2026 · Take Note Debate
Contributed to this debate · Position: oppose
-
Cost of Living
Senate · Wednesday 1 April 2026 · Matter of Public Importance
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Answers to Questions
Senate · Monday 30 March 2026 · Take Note Debate
Opened this debate
-
Answers to Questions
Senate · Thursday 12 March 2026 · Take Note Debate
Contributed to this debate · Position: oppose
-
National Anti-Racism Framework
Senate · Wednesday 11 March 2026 · Matter of Public Importance
Responded as shadow minister
-
Commonwealth Parole Board Bill 2025, Commonwealth Parole Board (Consequential and Transitional Provisions) Bill 2025; Second Reading
Senate · Thursday 5 March 2026 · Second Reading
Opened this debate
-
Housing, Interest Rates, Economy
Senate · Wednesday 4 February 2026 · Take Note Debate
Contributed to this debate · Position: oppose
-
Administrative Review Tribunal and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2025; In Committee
Senate · Wednesday 4 February 2026 · In Committee
Contributed to this debate · Position: oppose
-
Combatting Antisemitism, Hate and Extremism (Firearms and Customs Laws) Bill 2026; Second Reading
Senate · Tuesday 20 January 2026 · Second Reading
Contributed to this debate · Position: oppose
-
Bondi Beach: Attack
Senate · Monday 19 January 2026 · Condolence
Contributed to this debate
-
Minister for Climate Change and Energy
Senate · Tuesday 25 November 2025 · Matter of Public Importance
Contributed to this debate · Position: oppose
-
Higher Education Support Amendment (End Dirty University Partnerships) Bill 2025; Second Reading
Senate · Thursday 6 November 2025 · Second Reading
Contributed to this debate · Position: oppose
-
Superannuation Legislation Amendment (Tackling the Gender Super Gap) Bill 2025; Second Reading
Senate · Wednesday 5 November 2025 · Second Reading
Responded as shadow minister
-
Energy
Senate · Monday 3 November 2025 · Take Note Debate
Contributed to this debate · Position: oppose
-
Answers to Questions
Senate · Wednesday 3 September 2025 · Take Note Debate
Responded as shadow minister
-
Aged Care and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2025, Aged Care (Accommodation Payment Security) Levy Amendment Bill 2025; Second Reading
Senate · Tuesday 2 September 2025 · Second Reading
Opened this debate
-
Aged Care and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2025, Aged Care (Accommodation Payment Security) Levy Amendment Bill 2025; Second Reading
Senate · Monday 1 September 2025 · Second Reading
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Answers to Questions
Senate · Thursday 28 August 2025 · Take Note Debate
Opened this debate
-
International Relations: Australia and Iran
Senate · Wednesday 27 August 2025 · Matter of Public Importance
Responded as shadow minister
-
Energy
Senate · Wednesday 30 July 2025 · Matter of Public Importance
Contributed to this debate · Position: oppose
-
Early Childhood Education and Care (Strengthening Regulation of Early Education) Bill 2025; Second Reading
Senate · Wednesday 30 July 2025 · Second Reading
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Universities Accord (National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-based Violence) Bill 2025, Universities Accord (National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-based Violence) (Consequential Amendments) Bill 2025; Second Reading
Senate · Tuesday 29 July 2025 · Second Reading
Opened this debate
-
Universities Accord (Cutting Student Debt by 20 Per Cent) Bill 2025; Second Reading
Senate · Tuesday 29 July 2025 · Second Reading
Contributed to this debate · Position: oppose
-
Universities Accord (National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-based Violence) Bill 2025, Universities Accord (National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-based Violence) (Consequential Amendments) Bill 2025; Second Reading
Senate · Monday 28 July 2025 · Second Reading
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Blyth, Senator Leah
Senate · Wednesday 23 July 2025 · First Speech
Contributed to this debate
- Votes recorded
- 630
- Aye votes (66.7%)
- 420
- No votes (33.3%)
- 210
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 AYE -
Defence Force Discipline Amendment (RCDVS Implementation and Related Measures...
17 Sep 2026 · Ayes 30, Noes 24 · Passed
VOTED NO -
Corruption in the Construction Industry Select Committee; Appointment
17 Sep 2026 · Ayes 23, Noes 31 · Failed
VOTED AYE -
Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade References Committee; Reference
17 Sep 2026 · Ayes 34, Noes 21 · Passed
VOTED AYE -
Environment and Communications References Committee; Reference
17 Sep 2026 · Ayes 23, Noes 32 · Failed
VOTED AYE -
Migration
16 Sep 2026 · Ayes 19, Noes 30 · Failed
VOTED AYE -
Manufacturing Industry
16 Sep 2026 · Ayes 20, Noes 27 · Failed
VOTED AYE -
Personal Information and Privacy; Order for the Production of Documents
16 Sep 2026 · Ayes 30, Noes 19 · Passed
VOTED AYE -
Census; Order for the Production of Documents
16 Sep 2026 · Ayes 23, Noes 30 · Failed
VOTED AYE -
Improved Native Forest Management; Order for the Production of Documents
16 Sep 2026 · Ayes 26, Noes 31 · Failed
VOTED AYE -
Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport References Committee; Reference
16 Sep 2026 · Ayes 27, Noes 31 · Failed
VOTED AYE -
Middle East
16 Sep 2026 · Ayes 32, Noes 20 · Passed
VOTED NO -
Economy
15 Sep 2026 · Ayes 31, Noes 20 · Passed
VOTED AYE -
Australian Federal Police; Order for the Production of Documents
15 Sep 2026 · Ayes 31, Noes 19 · Passed
VOTED AYE -
Trade Unions; Order for the Production of Documents
15 Sep 2026 · Ayes 33, Noes 20 · Passed
VOTED AYE -
Consideration of Legislation
15 Sep 2026 · Ayes 22, Noes 32 · Failed
VOTED AYE -
Cybersafety Legislation; Order for the Production of Documents
15 Sep 2026 · Ayes 34, Noes 19 · Passed
VOTED AYE -
Waste Management and Recycling; Order for the Production of Documents
15 Sep 2026 · Ayes 34, Noes 19 · Passed
VOTED AYE -
Environment and Communications References Committee; Reference
15 Sep 2026 · Ayes 21, Noes 33 · Failed
VOTED AYE -
Artificial Intelligence
15 Sep 2026 · Ayes 35, Noes 20 · Passed
VOTED AYE -
Wage Justice for Early Childhood Education and Care Workers (Special Account)...
15 Sep 2026 · Ayes 25, Noes 36 · Failed
VOTED AYE -
Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport References Committee; Reference
14 Sep 2026 · Ayes 25, Noes 31 · Failed
VOTED AYE -
Cost of Living
14 Sep 2026 · Ayes 22, Noes 32 · Failed
VOTED AYE -
Digital Seller Underperformance Policy; Order for the Production of Documents
14 Sep 2026 · Ayes 32, Noes 18 · Passed
VOTED AYE -
Health Care; Order for the Production of Documents
14 Sep 2026 · Ayes 23, Noes 28 · Failed
VOTED AYE -
Intergenerational Trust Fund for the People of the Republic of Nauru; Order f...
14 Sep 2026 · Ayes 35, Noes 19 · Passed
VOTED AYE -
Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport References Committee; Reference
14 Sep 2026 · Ayes 35, Noes 19 · Passed
VOTED AYE -
Wage Justice for Early Childhood Education and Care Workers (Special Account)...
14 Sep 2026 · Ayes 24, Noes 35 · Failed
VOTED AYE -
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 NO -
Major Sporting Events (Indicia and Images) Protection Amendment Bill 2026; Se...
14 Sep 2026 · Ayes 31, Noes 18 · Passed
VOTED NO -
Regulatory Reform Omnibus Bill 2026; In Committee
14 Sep 2026 · Ayes 21, Noes 32 · Failed
VOTED AYE -
Regulatory Reform Omnibus Bill 2026; In Committee
14 Sep 2026 · Ayes 31, Noes 22 · Passed
VOTED NO -
Consideration of Legislation
14 Sep 2026 · Ayes 19, Noes 33 · Failed
VOTED NO -
Carbon Farming Initiative--Improved Forest Management in Multiple-use Public ...
10 Sep 2026 · Ayes 27, Noes 34 · Failed
VOTED AYE -
Statute Update Bill 2026; Limitation of Debate
10 Sep 2026 · Ayes 35, Noes 20 · Passed
VOTED AYE -
Statute Update Bill 2026; Limitation of Debate
10 Sep 2026 · Ayes 22, Noes 32 · Failed
VOTED AYE -
Statute Update Bill 2026; Limitation of Debate
10 Sep 2026 · Ayes 35, Noes 20 · Passed
VOTED AYE -
Statute Update Bill 2026; Limitation of Debate
10 Sep 2026 · Ayes 35, Noes 20 · Passed
VOTED AYE -
Regulatory Reform Omnibus Bill 2026; Second Reading
10 Sep 2026 · Ayes 23, Noes 32 · Failed
VOTED AYE -
Defence Properties; Order for the Production of Documents
10 Sep 2026 · Ayes 36, Noes 21 · Passed
VOTED AYE -
Rearrangement
10 Sep 2026 · Ayes 21, Noes 36 · Failed
VOTED NO -
Housing; Order for the Production of Documents
10 Sep 2026 · Ayes 37, Noes 21 · Passed
VOTED AYE -
Online Safety Amendment (Strengthening Enforcement for the Social Media Minim...
10 Sep 2026 · Ayes 31, Noes 20 · Passed
VOTED NO -
Online Safety Amendment (Strengthening Enforcement for the Social Media Minim...
10 Sep 2026 · Ayes 32, Noes 21 · Passed
VOTED NO -
Online Safety Amendment (Strengthening Enforcement for the Social Media Minim...
10 Sep 2026 · Ayes 22, Noes 31 · Failed
VOTED AYE -
Online Safety Amendment (Strengthening Enforcement for the Social Media Minim...
10 Sep 2026 · Ayes 22, Noes 31 · Failed
VOTED AYE -
Online Safety Amendment (Strengthening Enforcement for the Social Media Minim...
10 Sep 2026 · Ayes 20, Noes 30 · Failed
VOTED AYE -
Online Safety Amendment (Strengthening Enforcement for the Social Media Minim...
10 Sep 2026 · Ayes 33, Noes 23 · Passed
VOTED NO -
Protecting Australians from Foreign Terrorist Fighters Bill 2026; Second Read
10 Sep 2026 · Ayes 21, Noes 32 · Failed
VOTED AYE
About this page
This page tracks Leah Blyth'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.