Matt O'Sullivan
Liberal Party Senator for WA
Currently sitting
Photo: M Chan, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Seat and party history (1)
- Liberal Party - WA (Senate) - 1 Jul 2019 to present
- Seat and party records: OpenAustralia member data.
Contact
Office: (08) 9226 5387
Unit 10, Cockburn Gateway Shopping Centre, 816 Beeliar Drive, Success WA 6164
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
Matt O'Sullivan compared with all 76 sitting senators.
Questions asked in Question Time
Lower than 58% of senators- This member
- 8
- Average
- 10.4
- Median
- 10
Debates spoken in
Higher than 62% of senators- This member
- 46
- Average
- 44.8
- Median
- 40
Votes cast
Higher than 50% of senators- This member
- 731
- Average
- 743.0
- Median
- 730
Share of divisions voted in
Lower than 53% of senators- This member
- 65%
- 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 Matt O'Sullivan
The senator asked what the Prime Minister would say to Australians who bought homes under Labor and were now financially worse off due to negative equity and higher repayments.
Background: Analysis suggested 20 per cent of recent home buyers were facing higher repayments and falling property values, with some in negative equity.
Answer from Penny Wong
The minister stated that housing affordability issues were fundamentally about supply and demand, noting that investor loans for new builds had increased by 27.5 per cent and construction loans by 20 per cent due to tax incentives. She reported that less than one per cent of mortgage holders were in negative equity, compared to over two per cent when the opposition was in government. The minister argued that increasing supply and removing competitive advantages for investors over first-home buyers were the correct strategies to improve affordability.
Question from Matt O'Sullivan
The member asked if the government's housing policy was deliberately designed to reduce the value of family homes, citing forecasts of price declines and negative equity. He also asked if higher rents were a deliberate effect of the new taxes, noting budget papers admitted rents would rise.
Background: Morgan Stanley forecast property prices could decline by up to 10 per cent, and Roy Morgan reported high levels of mortgage stress among Australians.
Answer from Penny Wong
The minister stated that the policy objective was to help 75,000 more Australians become homeowners and level the playing field for first home buyers. She noted that Treasury modelling indicated house prices would continue to grow, albeit 2 per cent lower than otherwise. She argued that the status quo of high prices locking out young Australians was unacceptable. She rejected the notion that the government wanted to harm existing homeowners, emphasising the need for intergenerational fairness.
Question from Matt O'Sullivan
The member asked what the minister said to Australians cancelling Easter plans due to the fuel crisis. He cited specific individuals unsure if they could travel due to cost and supply concerns.
Background: Reports indicated Australians were cancelling Easter travel plans due to high fuel prices and fears of shortages.
Answer from Tim Ayres
The minister reiterated that the conflict in the Middle East was causing a global energy shock. He listed government actions including doubling penalties for misleading conduct, convening National Cabinet, appointing a taskforce coordinator, releasing 20 per cent of fuel reserves, and changing petrol standards. He stated he could guarantee the government would continue to act in the national interest but did not provide a specific guarantee regarding individual travel plans. He criticised the opposition for a partisan approach rather than joining the government in acting in the national interest.
Question from Matt O'Sullivan
The member asked on what basis the government claimed no supply constraints existed when regional communities were experiencing shortages. He further asked when the government became aware of delivery restrictions and how it reconciled its claims with anecdotal evidence of long queues.
Background: The member cited reports of fuel rationing and pump closures in regional Western Australian towns, challenging the government's claim that there were no supply constraints.
Answer from Penny Wong
The minister stated that fuel imports into Australian ports remained at pre-conflict levels, characterizing the issue as a demand challenge rather than a supply problem. She attributed regional difficulties to panic buying and encouraged responsible behavior from the opposition. She confirmed that ministers were holding talks with suppliers and the farming sector regarding diesel and fertiliser issues. When asked about specific awareness timelines, she took the matter on notice, reiterating that the primary issue was changed demand patterns.
Question from Matt O'Sullivan
The member asked whether the government's environmental reform proposals had failed Western Australian business, given the Premier's rejection of the current draft.
Background: The member cited Western Australian Premier Roger Cook's concerns that the government's environmental reform proposals failed to address resources sector issues.
Answer from Penny Wong
The minister stated that the government sought faster decisions for business and stronger environmental protections. She urged the opposition to engage in good faith to pass the legislation, noting that the Premier had previously called for parliament to act. She argued that the legislation was in the national interest and encouraged all parties to look beyond political narratives to deliver necessary reforms.
Question from Matt O'Sullivan
The member asked when out-of-pocket costs for GP visits would fall to zero, citing specific examples of patients paying significantly more than the Medicare rebate.
Background: The member cited anecdotes of high out-of-pocket costs for GP visits, contrasting with promises of free care.
Answer from Jenny McAllister
The minister highlighted the rollout of the bulk-billing incentive program from 1 November. She stated that 134 GP practices in Western Australia, 904 in New South Wales, and 89 in South Australia had indicated they would move to full bulk billing. She did not provide a specific date when all out-of-pocket costs would be zero, focusing instead on the increase in bulk-billing practices.
Question from Matt O'Sullivan
The senator queried if the government's consultation involved reducing speed limits on every sealed road and the reason for this. He also asked why Minister McBain had supposedly misled regional Victorians. He followed up by asking whether the minister was ignorant of the consultation details or if the government was intentionally misleading the public. He further asked why the government was proposing speed cuts rather than repairing roads, noting the Coalition had not implemented such measures.
Background: The senator cited consultation documents suggesting speed limit reductions to 70 km/h on sealed and unsealed roads, contrasting this with a statement by Minister McBain that the changes would not apply to highways.
Answer from Malarndirri McCarthy
The minister noted that states and territories determine their own road laws and speed limits. She highlighted the government's investment in safer roads and fairer funding for regional communities. Regarding the specific comments by Minister McBain, she stated she would seek further advice from the minister. She reiterated the government's commitment to investing in regional roads and indicated she would get back to the senator with more information.
Question from Matt O'Sullivan
The member asked why the government was considering cutting speed limits on country roads instead of fixing them. He questioned the reduction in Commonwealth funding for regional roads.
Background: Concerns were raised about deteriorating regional roads and proposed speed limit reductions, alongside cuts to Commonwealth funding.
Answer from Malarndirri McCarthy
The minister denied the premise that roads were deteriorating, citing investments in the Northern Territory. She explained that speed limit reviews were part of a long-standing road safety agenda. She highlighted increased funding for the Roads to Recovery Program.
Other Parliamentary Activity
-
Universities Accord (Opening the Doors of Opportunity) Bill 2026; Second Reading
Senate · Wednesday 16 September 2026 · Second Reading
Opened this debate
-
Universities Accord (Opening the Doors of Opportunity) Bill 2026; Second Reading
Senate · Tuesday 15 September 2026 · Second Reading
Opened this debate
-
Economy
Senate · Tuesday 15 September 2026 · Matter of Public Importance
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
Responded as shadow minister
-
Wage Justice for Early Childhood Education and Care Workers (Special Account) (Extending Support and Strengthening Safety) Bill 2026; In Committee
Senate · Monday 14 September 2026 · In Committee
Opened this debate
-
Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Commission
Senate · Wednesday 9 September 2026 · Ministerial Statement
Responded as shadow minister
-
Online Safety Amendment (Strengthening Enforcement for the Social Media Minimum Age) Bill 2026; Second Reading
Senate · Tuesday 8 September 2026 · Second Reading
Responded as shadow minister
-
Tobacco Control
Senate · Monday 7 September 2026 · Matter of Public Importance
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
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
-
Higher Education Support Amendment (Reverse Job-Ready Graduates Fee Hikes and End 50k Arts Degrees) Bill 2025; Second Reading
Senate · Wednesday 1 July 2026 · Second Reading
Responded as shadow minister
-
Cost of Living
Senate · Wednesday 1 July 2026 · Matter of Public Importance
Responded as shadow minister
-
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
-
Superannuation Legislation Amendment (Tackling the Gender Super Gap) Bill 2025; Second Reading
Senate · Wednesday 13 May 2026 · Second Reading
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Kumanjayi Little Baby
Senate · Tuesday 12 May 2026 · General Debate
Contributed to this debate · Position: mixed
-
Taxation
Senate · Tuesday 31 March 2026 · Matter of Public Importance
Responded as shadow minister
-
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
Opened this debate
-
Universities Accord (Australian Tertiary Education Commission) Bill 2025, Universities Accord (Australian Tertiary Education Commission) (Consequential and Transitional Provisions) Bill 2025; In Committee
Senate · Monday 30 March 2026 · In Committee
Responded as shadow minister
-
Fair Work Amendment (Fairer Fuel) Bill 2026; Second Reading
Senate · Monday 30 March 2026 · Second Reading
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Sovereign Capability
Senate · Tuesday 24 March 2026 · Matter of Public Importance
Opened this debate
-
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: oppose
-
Answers to Questions
Senate · Tuesday 10 March 2026 · Take Note Debate
Contributed to this debate · Position: oppose
-
Online Safety Act 2021
Senate · Wednesday 4 March 2026 · General Debate
Responded as shadow minister
-
Closing the Gap
Senate · Monday 2 March 2026 · Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
-
Housing, Interest Rates, Economy
Senate · Wednesday 4 February 2026 · Take Note Debate
Opened this debate
-
Bondi Beach: Attack
Senate · Monday 19 January 2026 · Condolence
Contributed to 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
Senate · Thursday 27 November 2025 · Second Reading
Contributed to this debate · Position: oppose
-
Answers to Questions
Senate · Tuesday 25 November 2025 · Take Note Debate
Contributed to this debate · Position: oppose
-
Competition and Consumer Amendment (Australian Energy Regulator Separation) Bill 2025; Third Reading
Senate · Wednesday 29 October 2025 · Third Reading
Contributed to this debate
-
Climate Change Amendment (Duty of Care and Intergenerational Climate Equity) Bill 2025; Second Reading
Senate · Wednesday 29 October 2025 · Second Reading
Responded as shadow minister
-
Answers to Questions
Senate · Tuesday 2 September 2025 · Take Note Debate
Responded as shadow minister
-
Health Insurance (Pathology) (Fees) (Repeal) Bill 2025; Third Reading
Senate · Monday 1 September 2025 · Third Reading
Contributed to this debate
-
Cost of Living
Senate · Monday 1 September 2025 · Matter of Public Importance
Contributed to this debate · Position: oppose
-
Economic Reform Roundtable
Senate · Monday 25 August 2025 · Take Note Debate
Opened this debate
-
Defence Housing Australia Amendment Bill 2025; Second Reading
Senate · Monday 25 August 2025 · Second Reading
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Cost of Living
Senate · Monday 25 August 2025 · Matter of Public Importance
Responded as shadow minister
-
Customs Amendment (Australia-United Arab Emirates Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement Implementation) Bill 2025, Customs Tariff Amendment (Australia-United Arab Emirates Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement Implementation) Bill 2025; Third Reading
Senate · Thursday 31 July 2025 · Third Reading
Contributed to this debate
-
Answers to Questions
Senate · Thursday 31 July 2025 · Take Note Debate
Contributed to this debate · Position: mixed
-
Trade with the United States of America: Beef Industry
Senate · Monday 28 July 2025 · Matter of Public Importance
Contributed to this debate · Position: oppose
-
Answers to Questions
Senate · Monday 28 July 2025 · Take Note Debate
Opened this debate
-
Eggleston, Dr Alan, AM
Senate · Wednesday 23 July 2025 · Condolence
Contributed to this debate
-
Moore, Hon. John Colinton, AO
Senate · Thursday 13 February 2025 · Condolence
Contributed to this debate
-
Andrews, Hon. Kevin James, AM
Senate · Tuesday 11 February 2025 · Condolence
Contributed to this debate
-
Answers to Questions
Senate · Monday 10 February 2025 · Take Note Debate
Contributed to this debate · Position: oppose
-
Future Made in Australia (Production Tax Credits and Other Measures) Bill 2024; Second Reading
Senate · Wednesday 5 February 2025 · Second Reading
Contributed to this debate · Position: oppose
-
Central Australia: Crime and Community Safety
Senate · Wednesday 5 February 2025 · Matter of Public Importance
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Nature Positive (Environment Protection Australia) Bill 2024, Nature Positive (Environment Information Australia) Bill 2024, Nature Positive (Environment Law Amendments and Transitional Provisions) Bill 2024
Senate · Tuesday 4 February 2025 · Matter of Public Importance
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
- Votes recorded
- 731
- Aye votes (62.7%)
- 458
- No votes (37.3%)
- 273
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 -
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 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 -
Selection of Bills Committee; Report
17 Sep 2026 · Ayes 12, Noes 28 · Failed
VOTED NO -
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 -
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 AYE -
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 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 -
A New Tax System (Family Assistance) Amendment (No Jab No Pay Repeal) Bill 20...
16 Sep 2026 · Ayes 6, Noes 34 · Failed
VOTED NO -
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 -
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 AYE -
Environment and Communications References Committee; Reference
15 Sep 2026 · Ayes 21, Noes 33 · Failed
VOTED AYE -
Red Lines Package Omnibus Bill 2026; First Reading
15 Sep 2026 · Ayes 39, Noes 14 · Passed
VOTED NO -
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 -
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 -
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 -
Selection of Bills Committee; Report
10 Sep 2026 · Ayes 17, Noes 26 · Failed
VOTED NO -
Treasury Laws Amendment (Strengthening Accountability for Tax Adviser Miscond...
10 Sep 2026 · Ayes 36, Noes 4 · Passed
VOTED AYE -
Treasury Laws Amendment (Strengthening Accountability for Tax Adviser Miscond...
10 Sep 2026 · Ayes 37, Noes 4 · Passed
VOTED AYE -
Protecting Australians from Foreign Terrorist Fighters Bill 2026; Second Read
10 Sep 2026 · Ayes 21, Noes 32 · Failed
VOTED AYE -
Superannuation
9 Sep 2026 · Ayes 5, Noes 36 · Failed
VOTED NO
About this page
This page tracks Matt O'Sullivan'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.