Mike Freelander
Australian Labor Party Member for Macarthur
Currently sitting
Seat and party history (1)
- Australian Labor Party - Macarthur (House) - 2 Jul 2016 to present
- Seat and party records: OpenAustralia member data.
Contact
Electorate office: (02) 4620 0293
37 Queen Street, Campbelltown NSW 2560
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
Mike Freelander compared with all 150 sitting House members.
Questions asked in Question Time
Lower than 53% of House members- This member
- 11
- Average
- 11.2
- Median
- 12
Debates spoken in
Lower than 51% of House members- This member
- 29
- Average
- 35.9
- Median
- 30.5
Votes cast
Same as the median- This member
- 265
- Average
- 253.0
- Median
- 265
Share of divisions voted in
Lower than 51% of House members- This member
- 80%
- 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 Mike Freelander
The member asked about Dusty Langby's recent activities and the importance of his work for sick children in regional Australia.
Background: Dusty Langby, a young fundraiser for Little Wings, was visiting Parliament House after a long walk.
Answer from Anthony Albanese
The Prime Minister praised Dusty Langby for walking 540 kilometres to raise funds for Little Wings, which helps sick children in remote areas access specialist care. He announced that the government would match the nearly $500,000 raised by Dusty and extend funding for Little Wings for two additional years, providing an extra $1 million.
Question from Mike Freelander
The member asked what the government was undertaking to assist educators in schools and aid student learning, and what the response to these measures had been.
Background: The member asked about government actions to support teachers and improve student learning outcomes.
Answer from Jason Clare
The minister stated that $20 billion had been invested in public schools over the next decade, tied to reforms such as phonics-based reading instruction. He cited an example from a school in the member's electorate where the percentage of Year 1 students on track with reading rose from 22 per cent to 84 per cent. He mentioned upcoming curriculum changes for primary school maths and discussed the need to balance technology use in classrooms, noting evidence that excessive screen time could lower results. He linked these efforts to the broader digital duty of care reforms to protect children from harmful online content.
Question from Mike Freelander
The member asked how the government was securing the future of the NDIS and why it was important to protect the scheme for future generations.
Background: Reforms to secure the future of the NDIS were being considered by the Senate.
Answer from Mark Butler
The Minister stated that the NDIS had grown too large and costly, becoming a target for fraud. He reported that the Senate would consider legislation to make the scheme sustainable, including 33 additional amendments to clarify protections for high-support-need participants and tighten fraud controls. He thanked the shadow minister for constructive engagement on fraud and integrity amendments, emphasizing that the reforms would ensure the scheme's long-term viability.
Question from Mike Freelander
The member asked how the government was reinforcing social media laws to ensure big tech companies were held to account.
Background: A government member asked the Minister for Communications about strengthening social media laws to hold big tech companies accountable.
Answer from Anika Wells
The minister reported that over five million underage accounts had been deactivated since the law began six months prior. She cited survey data showing improvements in sleep, sports participation, and reductions in online bullying and exposure to violent content among young Australians. She announced that new legislation would double the maximum penalty for non-compliance from $49.5 million to $99 million and strengthen the eSafety Commissioner's information-gathering powers. She noted that the commissioner was actively investigating five major platforms for non-compliance.
Question from Mike Freelander
The member asked the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship how the government was reforming the migration system and how this compared to other approaches.
Background: A government member asked about migration system reforms.
Answer from Tony Burke
The Minister stated that net overseas migration had fallen to 45 per cent below its peak, largely due to caps on student visas linked to accommodation. He noted that the opposition had opposed this legislation. He mentioned upcoming changes to working holiday-maker visas. He criticized the Leader of the Opposition for suggesting that migrants from liberal democracies were more worthy, citing historical contributions from migrants from fascist Europe, the USSR, and Vietnam.
Question from Mike Freelander
The member asked what work the government was doing to support Australians and the transport industry.
Background: The transport industry was feeling the impacts of the war in the Middle East.
Answer from Catherine King
The Minister highlighted temporary relief from the ATO for businesses unable to meet tax obligations and easier access to credit for small businesses. She noted the three-month halving of fuel excise and the reduction of the heavy road user charge to zero. She listed previous actions including releasing strategic reserves, underwriting cargo, amending fuel standards, strengthening ACCC penalties, and changing the Fair Work Act to allow contract renegotiation. She criticized the opposition for heightening fears.
Question from Mike Freelander
The member asked what steps the government was taking regarding fuel supply and affordability, and how this compared to other approaches.
Background: Cost-of-living pressures were increasing due to fuel prices.
Answer from Jim Chalmers
The treasurer announced that legislation would be introduced to double penalties for fuel misconduct to a maximum of $100 million per offence. He highlighted previous legislation strengthening fuel security, including amendments to the Minimum Stockholding Obligation. He noted that the opposition had voted against these security measures and urged them to support the new penalty legislation.
Question from Mike Freelander
The member asked how the government was securing the future of the NDIS and delivering support to families.
Background: The NDIS faced sustainability challenges due to high growth rates and enrollment of young children with low-to-moderate needs.
Answer from Mark Butler
The Minister reported that the NDIS growth rate was on track to meet the 8 per cent target for 2026, with agreements to reduce it further to 5-6 per cent. He highlighted the Thriving Kids program, agreed to by state premiers, to assist young children with low-to-moderate needs without requiring formal diagnoses. This program aims to provide early, accessible support to help children thrive.
Question from Mike Freelander
The member asked what the government was doing to strengthen laws to combat antisemitism, hate, and extremism.
Background: The question followed the Bondi terror attack and sought details on legislative reforms.
Answer from Michelle Rowland
The Attorney-General stated that the government announced legislative reforms four days after the attack, targeting hate speech and firearms. She noted that the legislation was developed with consultation from experts and the Jewish community. The new laws targeted those spreading hatred and radicalising youth, noting that half of the 35 people currently before the courts for terrorism offences were minors. The laws created a regime for listing organisations promoting hate speech or violence and amended the Migration Act to allow visa refusal or cancellation for hate-motivated conduct. She stated that these measures sent a clear message that such conduct would not be tolerated.
Question from Mike Freelander
The member asked how the government was ensuring life-changing medicines remained on the PBS and why this was important.
Background: The government was highlighting its efforts to keep medicines affordable and listed on the PBS.
Answer from Mark Butler
The minister noted that four waves of cheaper medicines policies had saved Australians over $112 billion in co-payments. He announced a new PBS listing for Dupixent, a treatment for serious asthma, effective immediately. The minister cited the case of a 10-year-old boy whose family would have paid $11,000 annually but would now pay $31, reducing to $25 from 1 January if Senate legislation passed. He emphasized that 350 new or amended listings had been made during the government's term.
Question from Mike Freelander
The member asked how the government was fulfilling its election promises for low-paid workers.
Background: The government has made election commitments regarding wage increases and protections for low-paid workers.
Answer from Amanda Rishworth
The Minister reported that the government passed workplace relations reforms and made a submission to the Fair Work Commission for a real wage increase, resulting in a 3.5 per cent rise for minimum wage and award-reliant workers from 1 July. She stated that minimum wage workers have seen an average pay packet increase of $9,120 since the government took office. She highlighted the passing of legislation to protect overtime and penalty rates for around 2.6 million workers, preventing pay packets from going backwards. She also mentioned tax cuts for every worker as part of the commitment to helping Australians earn and keep more.
Other Parliamentary Activity
-
Private Health Insurance Amendment (Modernising the Private Health Insurance Rebate) Bill 2026; Second Reading
House of Representatives · Thursday 10 September 2026 · Second Reading
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Tobacco Control
House of Representatives · Tuesday 8 September 2026 · Matter of Public Importance
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Combatting Illicit Tobacco Bill 2026; Second Reading
House of Representatives · Wednesday 19 August 2026 · Second Reading
Opened this debate
-
Medicare
House of Representatives · Monday 22 June 2026 · General Debate
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026; Second Reading
House of Representatives · Wednesday 27 May 2026 · Second Reading
Contributed to this debate
-
Private Health Insurance
House of Representatives · Monday 25 May 2026 · General Debate
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Macarthur Electorate: Infrastructure
House of Representatives · Tuesday 31 March 2026 · General Debate
Opened this debate
-
National Disability Insurance Scheme
House of Representatives · Monday 30 March 2026 · General Debate
Contributed to this debate · Position: oppose
-
Treasury Laws Amendment (Genetic Testing Protections in Life Insurance and Other Measures) Bill 2025; Second Reading
House of Representatives · Wednesday 25 March 2026 · Second Reading
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Health Legislation Amendment (Improving Choice and Transparency for Private Health Consumers) Bill 2026; Second Reading
House of Representatives · Wednesday 25 March 2026 · Second Reading
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Women's Health
House of Representatives · Monday 23 March 2026 · General Debate
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Migration Amendment (2026 Measures No. 1) Bill 2026; Consideration in Detail
House of Representatives · Wednesday 11 March 2026 · Consideration in Detail
Contributed to this debate
-
Bondi Beach Attack Victims
House of Representatives · Monday 19 January 2026 · Condolence
Contributed to this debate
-
Medicare
House of Representatives · Monday 24 November 2025 · General Debate
Contributed to this debate · Position: oppose
-
Aged Care
House of Representatives · Monday 24 November 2025 · General Debate
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Appropriation Bill (No. 1) 2025-2026; Consideration in Detail
House of Representatives · Thursday 9 October 2025 · Consideration in Detail
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Private Health Insurance (National Joint Replacement Register Levy) Amendment Bill 2025; Second Reading
House of Representatives · Wednesday 8 October 2025 · Second Reading
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Australian Centre for Disease Control Bill 2025, Australian Centre for Disease Control (Consequential Amendments and Transitional Provisions) Bill 2025; Second Reading
House of Representatives · Wednesday 8 October 2025 · Second Reading
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Middle East
House of Representatives · Tuesday 7 October 2025 · Matter of Public Importance
Contributed to this debate · Position: mixed
-
Health Legislation Amendment (Miscellaneous Measures No. 1) Bill 2025; Second Reading
House of Representatives · Tuesday 7 October 2025 · Second Reading
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
National Health Amendment (Cheaper Medicines) Bill 2025; Second Reading
House of Representatives · Wednesday 27 August 2025 · Second Reading
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Antisemitism
House of Representatives · Wednesday 27 August 2025 · Matter of Public Importance
Contributed to this debate · Position: oppose
-
Health Legislation Amendment (Improved Medicare Integrity and Other Measures) Bill 2025; Second Reading
House of Representatives · Monday 25 August 2025 · Second Reading
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Telecommunications Amendment (Enhancing Consumer Safeguards) Bill 2025; Second Reading
House of Representatives · Wednesday 26 March 2025 · Second Reading
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Veterans' Entitlements, Treatment and Support (Simplification and Harmonisation) Bill 2024; Consideration of Senate Message
House of Representatives · Thursday 13 February 2025 · Consideration of Senate Message
Contributed to this debate
-
Rural and Regional Australia: Medical Workforce
House of Representatives · Monday 10 February 2025 · General Debate
Contributed to this debate · Position: mixed
-
Road Safety
House of Representatives · Monday 10 February 2025 · General Debate
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Customs Amendment (Expedited Seizure and Disposal of Engineered Stone) Bill 2024; Second Reading
House of Representatives · Monday 10 February 2025 · Second Reading
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Antisemitism
House of Representatives · Tuesday 4 February 2025 · General Debate
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
- Votes recorded
- 265
- Aye votes (52.5%)
- 139
- No votes (47.5%)
- 126
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 -
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 -
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 -
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 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; 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 -
Rearrangement
2 Jul 2026 · Ayes 90, Noes 42 · Passed
VOTED AYE -
Minister for Defence Industry; Attempted Censure
2 Jul 2026 · Ayes 90, Noes 41 · Passed
VOTED AYE -
Health Insurance Amendment (Incentive Payments and Other Measures) Bill 2026;...
2 Jul 2026 · Ayes 39, Noes 92 · Failed
VOTED NO -
Rearrangement
2 Jul 2026 · Ayes 71, Noes 12 · Passed
VOTED AYE -
Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Joint Committee; Appointment
2 Jul 2026 · Ayes 38, Noes 101 · Failed
VOTED NO -
National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future ...
1 Jul 2026 · Ayes 90, Noes 33 · Passed
VOTED AYE -
Regulatory Reform Omnibus Bill 2026; Report from Federation Chamber
1 Jul 2026 · Ayes 9, Noes 68 · Failed
VOTED NO -
Health Legislation Amendment (Prescribing of Pharmaceutical Benefits) Bill 20...
1 Jul 2026 · Ayes 90, Noes 43 · Passed
VOTED AYE
About this page
This page tracks Mike Freelander'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.