Marielle Smith
Australian Labor Party Senator for SA
Currently sitting
Seat and party history (1)
- Australian Labor Party - SA (Senate) - 1 Jul 2019 to present
- Seat and party records: OpenAustralia member data.
Contact
Office: (08) 8340 0444
T1 10 Park Terrace, Bowden SA 5007
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
Marielle Smith 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 71% of senators- This member
- 30
- Average
- 44.8
- Median
- 40
Votes cast
Higher than 66% of senators- This member
- 919
- Average
- 743.0
- Median
- 730
Share of divisions voted in
Higher than 63% of senators- This member
- 82%
- 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 Marielle Smith
The senator asked the minister to outline the impact of government policies on trade apprenticeship completions and commencements.
Background: New national apprenticeship data showed increases in trade apprenticeship completions and commencements, particularly in housing construction.
Answer from Murray Watt
The minister reported that trade apprenticeship completions rose by 10 per cent, marking the strongest outcome in ten years, and commencements increased by 2 per cent year-on-year. He highlighted significant jumps in electrical (19 per cent), carpentry and joinery (10 per cent), and plumbing (5 per cent) commencements. The minister noted a 15 per cent increase in school student commencements and increases in women entering construction and electrotechnology trades, attributing these results to targeted government incentives.
Question from Marielle Smith
The member asked how many women had benefited from cheaper medicines under the government's women's health package and how these measures addressed cost-of-living challenges. She sought details on improvements to access, choice, and affordability for women's healthcare.
Background: During Women's Health Week, the question highlighted the historical dismissal of women's pain and high costs for contraceptives and menopause treatments. It sought to showcase the benefits of the government's women's health package.
Answer from Katy Gallagher
The minister stated that over one million women had accessed cheaper medicines for contraception, endometriosis, and menopause since the $800 million package was introduced. She noted that more than four million cheaper prescriptions had been filled, saving over $150 million. She highlighted the capping of PBS costs at $25, the listing of new contraceptive and menopause treatments, and the expansion of bulk-billing. She also mentioned the opening of 33 endo and pelvic pain clinics and a national menopause awareness campaign.
Question from Marielle Smith
The senator asked how the government was strengthening Medicare to provide more choice and lower costs for women and girls. She specifically inquired about measures to help women with endometriosis and pelvic pain receive earlier care, noting that diagnosis often takes seven years.
Background: Women's Health Week provided an opportunity to highlight government actions on women's health issues such as endometriosis, menopause, and contraception access.
Answer from Jenny McAllister
The minister outlined a $792 million women's health package aimed at providing affordable care. She noted that over one million women had reduced costs for contraceptives, IVF, and medicines for endometriosis and menopause. New oral contraceptive pills, including Yaz and Slinda, were listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme for the first time in 30 years. Additionally, 33 endometriosis and pelvic pain clinics were established across Australia to facilitate earlier diagnosis and treatment, alongside perimenopause and menopause care.
Question from Marielle Smith
The senator asked the minister to provide details on the wage growth data and outline the factors contributing to the increase in Australian workers' wages.
Background: New ABS data showed real wages grew in the June quarter, with annual nominal wages growing above three per cent for the fourth consecutive year.
Answer from Murray Watt
The minister attributed wage growth to the government's workplace laws and cost-of-living relief, including tax cuts for 14 million taxpayers and pay boosts for 2.8 million minimum wage workers. He emphasized that higher productivity was key to long-term wage growth and criticized the opposition for historically opposing wage increases.
Question from Marielle Smith
The senator asked how the government is strengthening the future health workforce and easing financial pressure on students. She also sought details on how the government is backing aged-care workers to earn more.
Background: The question addressed the expansion of the Commonwealth Prac Payment to more frontline health professions and wage increases for aged-care nurses.
Answer from Jenny McAllister
The minister stated that the Commonwealth Prac Payment is being expanded to 10 more professions, including psychologists, pharmacists, and podiatrists, providing up to $338.60 a week. She noted that this builds on previous cuts to student debt. Regarding aged care, she confirmed the fifth wage increase for nurses, resulting in a pay rise of more than $36,000 per year for registered nurses since 2022. She argued that these measures help attract and retain staff, improving care quality, and criticised the opposition for complaining about pay increases for unionised workers.
Question from Marielle Smith
The senator asked how the government was delivering better outcomes for low-paid workers and supporting them to earn more amid cost-of-living pressures.
Background: The government had advocated for wage rises and the Fair Work Commission had recently made a decision regarding junior rates.
Answer from Murray Watt
The minister highlighted the government's submission to the Fair Work Commission for a real wage increase and noted that the minimum wage had increased by over $9,000 per year since the government took office. He mentioned workplace reforms, including funding wage increases for aged-care and early childhood workers, and protecting penalty rates. The minister welcomed the Fair Work Commission's ruling to end lower pay scales for employees aged 18 to 20, stating that tens of thousands of young workers would benefit.
Question from Marielle Smith
The member asked the minister to explain how responsible economic management was enabling the government to deliver on its commitments. She sought details on the link between budget repair and service delivery.
Background: The government has focused on repairing the budget and delivering support for Australians.
Answer from Katy Gallagher
The minister stated that the budget would be $233 billion stronger in total across the seven-year period ending in 2028-29, with $176 billion less debt than forecast prior to the 2022 election. She noted savings of around $60 billion in expected interest costs and the delivery of two surpluses. She linked this fiscal improvement to investments in wages, health, defence, and education, contrasting these with the opposition's proposed cuts.
Question from Marielle Smith
The member asked the minister to outline the government's actions to drive change in ending gender-based violence, including progress on the National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children.
Background: The question coincided with the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.
Answer from Katy Gallagher
The minister announced an additional $41.8 million for 1800RESPECT to enhance support services, including video and SMS capabilities. She highlighted investments in the Leaving Violence Program, emergency housing, legal services, and paid domestic violence leave. The minister also noted the implementation of the National Higher Education Code and Respect@Work recommendations, and an inquiry into suicide related to domestic violence.
Question from Marielle Smith
The senator asked about the impact of recent reforms on Australian women and how they reflected the government's commitment to improving access, choice, and lower costs. She highlighted the expansion of bulk-billing incentives and the $792.9 million women's health package.
Background: New health measures commenced on 1 November 2025, including record investments in women's health and expanded bulk-billing incentives.
Answer from Katy Gallagher
The minister detailed the expansion of bulk-billing incentives for all Australians and the listing of new contraceptives on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, including NuvaRing, Yaz, Yasmin, and Slinda. She noted that these listings reduced annual costs significantly, with NuvaRing dropping from over $270 to $31.60 per script. She also mentioned the new Medicare rebate for menopause health assessments, which had been accessed by over 20,000 women since 1 July.
Question from Marielle Smith
The member asked how Australian women were benefiting from the government's record investments in women's health, including Medicare rebates and cheaper medicines.
Background: National Women's Health Week was underway, highlighting government investments in pelvic pain clinics, contraceptives, and menopause treatments.
Answer from Katy Gallagher
The minister acknowledged the work of Senator Smith and others in advancing women's health. She reported that 22 endometriosis and pelvic pain clinics had opened, and new contraceptives and menopause therapies were listed on the PBS. Over 20,000 women had accessed menopause health assessments since 1 July. She noted that costs for contraceptives dropped from approximately $380 to $126.40 annually, and menopause treatments from up to $670 to $31.60 per script. Further investments included 11 more clinics, cheaper long-acting reversible contraception, and $1 billion for public mental health services.
Question from Marielle Smith
The member asked for an update on the latest economic data and progress in fighting inflation. She also asked about the importance of budget repair in this effort and what other measures are helping households.
Background: The questioner referenced new ABS data showing headline and underlying inflation at their lowest rates in four years.
Answer from Katy Gallagher
The minister stated that both headline and core inflation had dropped to their lowest levels in almost four years, with headline inflation staying inside the target range for a complete year. She credited this achievement to prudent economic stewardship, citing $100 billion in savings since assuming office, comprising $94 billion in the first term and $6.4 billion pledged for the subsequent three years. The minister pointed to gains in real wages, jobs, and debt reduction, adding that the Treasurer would hold a productivity roundtable next month.
Question from Marielle Smith
The senator asked how the government was delivering on its education commitments, specifically regarding HECS debt relief and fair funding for schools. She sought details on the impact of the 20 per cent HECS debt cut and the Better and Fairer Schools Agreement.
Background: A government senator asked about the government's education commitments.
Answer from Jess Walsh
The minister confirmed the introduction of legislation to wipe 20 per cent off HECS debts, saving an average of $512 per person and totaling $16 billion in debt reduction. She highlighted the Better and Fairer Schools Agreement, which provides $16.5 billion in additional funding to public schools. She also noted that the HECS repayment threshold was being raised from $54,000 to $67,000, reducing repayments for low-income earners.
Question from Marielle Smith
The member asked how the government is strengthening Medicare and making it easier and cheaper for Australians to see a doctor.
Background: Australians are facing cost-of-living pressures, with concerns about access to affordable healthcare.
Answer from Penny Wong
The minister highlighted the government's largest investment in Medicare in over 40 years, including expanded bulk-billing, training more doctors, and opening 87 urgent care clinics with 50 more promised. She noted investments in cheaper medicines and women's health. The minister contrasted this with the opposition's record, citing past cuts to hospitals and a freeze on Medicare rebates under Peter Dutton. She warned that a Liberal-National government would cut cost-of-living support, including Medicare funding and urgent care clinics.
Question from Marielle Smith
The member asked what specific benefits the policy would deliver for women and how it would reduce their healthcare expenses.
Background: The government announced an investment of over half a billion dollars to improve healthcare choices and reduce costs for women.
Answer from Katy Gallagher
The minister explained that the funding, sourced from budget repairs, would list common contraceptive pills and menopause hormone therapies on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme from 1 March. She stated these listings would save women up to $577 annually if they held a concession card. The investment also included expanding endometriosis and pelvic pain clinics, raising their count from 22 to 33, with existing clinics receiving increased funding for perimenopause and menopause care. Additionally, centres of excellence would be established to train general practitioners.
Question from Marielle Smith
The member asked why it was significant to deliver assistance with living expenses and measures that impact people's daily existence.
Background: The government had implemented various cost-of-living measures including tax cuts, energy bill relief, and cheaper medicines.
Answer from Katy Gallagher
The minister stated that the government prioritised cost-of-living support where responsible, noting inflation had come down and wages were rising. She listed measures including fairer tax cuts for 14 million taxpayers, energy bill relief, and cheaper medicines. She contrasted this with opposition policies, citing proposed nuclear energy costs and service cuts.
Other Parliamentary Activity
-
Universities Accord (Opening the Doors of Opportunity) Bill 2026; Second Reading
Senate · Wednesday 16 September 2026 · Second Reading
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Manufacturing Industry
Senate · Wednesday 16 September 2026 · Matter of Public Importance
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Answers to Questions
Senate · Wednesday 16 September 2026 · Take Note Debate
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
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
-
Cost of Living
Senate · Monday 14 September 2026 · Matter of Public Importance
Contributed to this debate · Position: oppose
-
Veterans: Health Care
Senate · Tuesday 8 September 2026 · Matter of Public Importance
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Answers to Questions
Senate · Thursday 20 August 2026 · Take Note Debate
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Taxation
Senate · Tuesday 18 August 2026 · Matter of Public Importance
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Council of the National Library of Australia
Senate · Wednesday 12 August 2026 · General Debate
Contributed to this debate
-
Budget
Senate · Tuesday 12 May 2026 · Matter of Public Importance
Contributed to this debate · Position: oppose
-
Taxation
Senate · Tuesday 31 March 2026 · Matter of Public Importance
Responded as minister
-
Answers to Questions
Senate · Tuesday 31 March 2026 · Take Note 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
Senate · Monday 30 March 2026 · Second Reading
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
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
-
Migration Amendment (2026 Measures No. 1) Bill 2026; First Reading
Senate · Wednesday 11 March 2026 · First Reading
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Answers to Questions
Senate · Thursday 5 March 2026 · Take Note Debate
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Picton, Mr Tim
Senate · Wednesday 4 February 2026 · Condolence
Contributed to this debate
-
Bolkus, Hon. Nick
Senate · Tuesday 3 February 2026 · Condolence
Contributed to this debate
-
Bondi Beach: Attack
Senate · Monday 19 January 2026 · Condolence
Contributed to this debate
-
Housing
Senate · Wednesday 26 November 2025 · Matter of Public Importance
Contributed to this debate · Position: oppose
-
Answers to Questions
Senate · Monday 24 November 2025 · Take Note Debate
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Fair Work Amendment (Baby Priya's) Bill 2025; Second Reading
Senate · Monday 3 November 2025 · Second Reading
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Questions without Notice
Senate · Thursday 30 October 2025 · General Debate
Opened this debate
-
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
-
Economic Reform Roundtable
Senate · Monday 25 August 2025 · Take Note Debate
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
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: 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 · Monday 28 July 2025 · Second Reading
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Health Legislation Amendment (Improved Medicare Integrity and Other Measures) Bill 2025; Second Reading
Senate · Monday 28 July 2025 · Second Reading
Opened this debate
-
Health Legislation Amendment (Improved Medicare Integrity and Other Measures) Bill 2025; Second Reading
Senate · Thursday 24 July 2025 · Second Reading
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Cost of Living
Senate · Tuesday 11 February 2025 · Matter of Public Importance
Contributed to this debate · Position: oppose
- Votes recorded
- 919
- Aye votes (27.9%)
- 256
- No votes (72.1%)
- 663
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 -
Manufacturing Industry
16 Sep 2026 · Ayes 20, Noes 27 · 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 -
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
About this page
This page tracks Marielle Smith'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.