Penny Allman-Payne
Australian Greens Senator for QLD
Currently sitting
Seat and party history (1)
- Australian Greens - QLD (Senate) - 21 May 2022 to present
- Seat and party records: OpenAustralia member data.
Contact
Office: (07) 4972 0380
20-22 Herbert Street, Gladstone QLD 4680
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
Penny Allman-Payne compared with all 76 sitting senators.
Questions asked in Question Time
Lower than 75% of senators- This member
- 4
- Average
- 10.4
- Median
- 10
Debates spoken in
Higher than 53% of senators- This member
- 43
- Average
- 44.8
- Median
- 40
Votes cast
Higher than 96% of senators- This member
- 1112
- Average
- 743.0
- Median
- 730
Share of divisions voted in
Higher than 95% of senators- This member
- 99%
- 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 Penny Allman-Payne
The member asked what specific actions the department had taken to implement Commonwealth Ombudsman recommendations and prevent further misconduct by private employment services providers. She questioned why the department had failed to carry out an independent assessment to establish the precise count of people affected by the Targeted Compliance Framework dysfunction.
Background: The Department of Employment and Workplace Relations announced the resumption of welfare payment cancellations and suspensions from October, following a two-year suspension due to unlawful breaches by private providers.
Answer from Murray Watt
The minister emphasized the government's support for mutual obligation, stating that those out of work have an obligation to seek employment. He noted that a review of the Targeted Compliance Framework had been initiated by Deloitte during his previous tenure as minister, and the department was implementing those recommendations. He stated that the government did not support unlawful deprivation of social security payments and that the department had undertaken significant work to address findings from the Ombudsman. The minister confirmed that funding had been provided to introduce additional safeguards to ensure individual circumstances are considered before compliance decisions are applied.
Question from Penny Allman-Payne
The senator asked whether the government would suspend mutual obligations to relieve the burden on people living on below-poverty-line payments, given the skyrocketing fuel prices.
Background: Rising fuel prices were impacting welfare recipients who were required to travel for appointments and Work for the Dole activities.
Answer from Murray Watt
The minister stated that the government supported the concept of mutual obligations, expecting unemployed people to seek work. He highlighted that the government had increased support payments for unemployed people and single mothers. In response to supplementary questions, he noted that large-scale reforms to the employment services system were underway and that the government had halved the petrol excise to provide relief. He rejected the comparison to pandemic measures, stating that further decisions would be made in the context of the budget.
Question from Penny Allman-Payne
The member asked how long it would take for the government to stop chasing old welfare debts and reinstate the six-year limitation on debt recovery as intended by the Royal Commission.
Background: The member noted that over two years after the Royal Commission, the government had not fully implemented recommendations, including reinstating the six-year limitation on debt recovery.
Answer from Katy Gallagher
The minister acknowledged the significant work done to reform service delivery and ensure legal backing for policies. She stated that further law reform was underway to address areas identified by the ombudsman and to make the debt recovery system fairer, particularly regarding low-level debts. She clarified that specific remediation decisions were being led by the Minister for Social Services in collaboration with her portfolio.
Question from Penny Allman-Payne
The senator asked if the government would legislate a six-year limitation on debt recovery to prevent vulnerable people from being pursued for historical debts related to income apportionment.
Background: Two years after the Robodebt Royal Commission, some recommendations, including a six-year debt recovery limit, remained unactioned.
Answer from Katy Gallagher
The minister distinguished between Robodebt and income apportionment, stating the latter was designed to reduce reporting burdens. She confirmed that discussions were ongoing regarding debt recovery periods and low-level debts, with a response expected shortly after consultations with the Minister for Social Services. She declined to provide immediate details on policy changes.
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
-
Artificial Intelligence
Senate · Monday 14 September 2026 · General Debate
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
International Relations: Australia and the United States of America
Senate · Thursday 20 August 2026 · General Debate
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Privatisation
Senate · Tuesday 18 August 2026 · Matter of Public Importance
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Aged Care
Senate · Tuesday 18 August 2026 · General Debate
Opened this debate
-
National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026; Second Reading
Senate · Monday 17 August 2026 · Second Reading
Contributed to this debate · Position: oppose
-
Human Rights
Senate · Monday 17 August 2026 · Matter of Public Importance
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Department of Employment and Workplace Relations
Senate · Monday 17 August 2026 · Take Note Debate
Opened this debate
-
Extended Producer Responsibility Scheme for Packaging (No Time to Waste) Bill 2026; Second Reading
Senate · Thursday 13 August 2026 · Second Reading
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Aged Care Amendment (Restoring Human Override for Aged Care Needs Assessments) Bill 2026; Third Reading
Senate · Thursday 2 July 2026 · Third Reading
Contributed to this debate
-
Aged Care Amendment (Restoring Human Override for Aged Care Needs Assessments) Bill 2026; Second Reading
Senate · Thursday 2 July 2026 · Second Reading
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Cost of Living
Senate · Wednesday 1 July 2026 · Matter of Public Importance
Contributed to this debate · Position: oppose
-
Answers to Questions
Senate · Wednesday 1 July 2026 · Take Note Debate
Contributed to this debate · Position: mixed
-
Senior Australians
Senate · Tuesday 30 June 2026 · Matter of Public Importance
Contributed to this debate · Position: mixed
-
Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility Amendment Bill 2026; In Committee
Senate · Tuesday 30 June 2026 · In Committee
Contributed to this debate · Position: oppose
-
Data Centres
Senate · Tuesday 30 June 2026 · Matter of Public Importance
Contributed to this debate · Position: oppose
-
Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility Amendment Bill 2026; Second Reading
Senate · Monday 29 June 2026 · Second Reading
Contributed to this debate · Position: oppose
-
National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026
Senate · Monday 22 June 2026 · General Debate
Contributed to this debate · Position: oppose
-
Taxation: Gas Industry
Senate · Thursday 14 May 2026 · Take Note Debate
Opened this debate
-
Pensions and Benefits
Senate · Wednesday 1 April 2026 · Take Note Debate
Opened this debate
-
Social Security and Other Legislation Amendment (Technical Changes No. 1) Bill 2026; Second Reading
Senate · Thursday 26 March 2026 · Second Reading
Contributed to this debate · Position: mixed
-
Social Security and Other Legislation Amendment (Technical Changes No. 1) Bill 2026; In Committee
Senate · Thursday 26 March 2026 · In Committee
Opened this debate · Position: support
-
Treasury Laws Amendment (Supporting Choice in Superannuation and Other Measures) Bill 2025; In Committee
Senate · Wednesday 11 March 2026 · In Committee
Contributed to this debate · Position: oppose
-
Middle East
Senate · Tuesday 10 March 2026 · Matter of Public Importance
Contributed to this debate · Position: oppose
-
Fossil Fuel Industry
Senate · Wednesday 4 March 2026 · Take Note Debate
Contributed to this debate · Position: oppose
-
Middle East
Senate · Monday 2 March 2026 · Take Note Debate
Contributed to this debate · Position: oppose
-
Bondi Beach: Attack
Senate · Monday 19 January 2026 · Condolence
Contributed to this debate
-
Social Security and Other Legislation Amendment (Technical Changes No. 2) Bill 2025; In Committee
Senate · Wednesday 26 November 2025 · In Committee
Contributed to this debate · Position: oppose
-
Social Security and Other Legislation Amendment (Technical Changes No. 2) Bill 2025; In Committee
Senate · Tuesday 25 November 2025 · In Committee
Opened this debate
-
Social Security and Other Legislation Amendment (Technical Changes No. 2) Bill 2025; Second Reading
Senate · Monday 24 November 2025 · Second Reading
Contributed to this debate · Position: oppose
-
Social Security and Other Legislation Amendment (Technical Changes No. 2) Bill 2025; In Committee
Senate · Monday 24 November 2025 · In Committee
Contributed to this debate · Position: oppose
-
Aged Care Act 2024
Senate · Thursday 6 November 2025 · General Debate
Opened this debate
-
Social Security and Other Legislation Amendment (Technical Changes No. 2) Bill 2025; Second Reading
Senate · Wednesday 5 November 2025 · Second Reading
Contributed to this debate · Position: oppose
-
Climate Change Amendment (Duty of Care and Intergenerational Climate Equity) Bill 2025; Second Reading
Senate · Wednesday 29 October 2025 · Second Reading
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Telecommunications Legislation Amendment (Triple Zero Custodian and Emergency Calling Powers) Bill 2025; Second Reading
Senate · Monday 27 October 2025 · Second Reading
Contributed to this debate · Position: mixed
-
Aged Care and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2025, Aged Care (Accommodation Payment Security) Levy Amendment Bill 2025; In Committee
Senate · Wednesday 3 September 2025 · In Committee
Contributed to this debate · Position: oppose
-
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
Contributed to this debate · Position: mixed
-
Aged Care
Senate · Tuesday 2 September 2025 · Matter of Public Importance
Contributed to this debate · Position: oppose
-
Social Security and Other Legislation Amendment (Responding to Robodebt) Bill 2025; Second Reading
Senate · Tuesday 26 August 2025 · Second Reading
Opened this debate
-
Social Security and Other Legislation Amendment (Responding to Robodebt) Bill 2025; First Reading
Senate · Tuesday 26 August 2025 · First Reading
Contributed to this debate
-
Royal Commission into the Robodebt Scheme
Senate · Monday 25 August 2025 · Take Note Debate
Opened this debate
-
Middle East
Senate · Wednesday 30 July 2025 · Matter of Public Importance
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Albanese Government
Senate · Tuesday 11 February 2025 · Matter of Public Importance
Contributed to this debate · Position: mixed
- Votes recorded
- 1112
- Aye votes (57.6%)
- 641
- No votes (42.4%)
- 471
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 AYE -
Universities Accord (Opening the Doors of Opportunity) Bill 2026; Second Read
17 Sep 2026 · Ayes 13, Noes 23 · Failed
VOTED AYE -
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 AYE -
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 AYE -
Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Veterans' Healthcare With...
17 Sep 2026 · Ayes 33, Noes 19 · Passed
VOTED AYE -
Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Veterans' Healthcare With...
17 Sep 2026 · Ayes 34, Noes 19 · Passed
VOTED AYE -
Migration
16 Sep 2026 · Ayes 19, Noes 30 · Failed
VOTED NO -
Manufacturing Industry
16 Sep 2026 · Ayes 20, Noes 27 · Failed
VOTED NO -
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 AYE -
Climate Change; Order for the Production of Documents
16 Sep 2026 · Ayes 16, Noes 23 · Failed
VOTED AYE -
Census; Order for the Production of Documents
16 Sep 2026 · Ayes 23, Noes 30 · Failed
VOTED NO -
ASECA Judicial Seminar; Order for the Production of Documents
16 Sep 2026 · Ayes 12, Noes 28 · Failed
VOTED AYE -
Middle East; Order for the Production of Documents
16 Sep 2026 · Ayes 13, Noes 27 · Failed
VOTED AYE -
North to East Australia Pipeline; Order for the Production of Documents
16 Sep 2026 · Ayes 18, Noes 25 · Failed
VOTED AYE -
Artificial Intelligence Joint Select Committee; Appointment
16 Sep 2026 · Ayes 17, Noes 25 · Failed
VOTED AYE -
Artificial Intelligence Joint Select Committee; Appointment
16 Sep 2026 · Ayes 17, Noes 26 · Failed
VOTED AYE -
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 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 NO -
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 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 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 AYE -
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 AYE -
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 AYE -
Health Care; Order for the Production of Documents
14 Sep 2026 · Ayes 23, Noes 28 · Failed
VOTED NO -
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 NO -
Wage Justice for Early Childhood Education and Care Workers (Special Account)...
14 Sep 2026 · Ayes 12, Noes 25 · Failed
VOTED AYE -
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 NO
About this page
This page tracks Penny Allman-Payne'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.