Peter Whish-Wilson
Australian Greens Senator for TAS
No longer sitting
Seat and party history (1)
- Australian Greens - TAS (Senate) - 20 Jun 2012 to 20 Aug 2026
- Seat and party records: OpenAustralia member data.
Contact
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.
Question Time
Question from Peter Whish-Wilson
The member asked if the minister could confirm receiving over 70,000 submissions opposing the project and what he would say to Australians concerned about marine life.
Background: The Western Australian EPA had previously recommended against the Woodside gas project due to environmental concerns, and new science links emissions to coral deaths.
Answer from Murray Watt
The minister acknowledged the controversy and confirmed that the number of submissions was roughly in the order of 70,000. He stated that the decision would be made in accordance with the EPBC Act, focusing on whether the project significantly impacts matters of national environmental significance. He noted that an additional matter of national environmental significance was being considered and that a public announcement would follow the decision.
Question from Peter Whish-Wilson
The member asked if it was acceptable to grant ocean access to oil and gas companies during a climate emergency. He further asked how the government planned to transition off fossil fuels to protect future generations while continuing to open new exploration areas, and addressed concerns about toxic algal blooms linked to warming oceans.
Background: Senator Whish-Wilson questioned the decision to open 25,000 square kilometres of ocean in the Otway Basin for oil and gas exploration amidst extreme weather events linked to climate change.
Answer from Tim Ayres
The minister argued that the Greens' approach would wreck international climate negotiations and harm Australian industry. He stated that 52 per cent of Australia's oceans are already protected and the government is working towards protecting 30 per cent highly. He maintained that gas exports are necessary for lower emissions and sustainable industry, and that releasing new acreage helps address energy needs. The minister highlighted government investments in transforming the electricity system and supporting industries to move to lower-cost electricity.
Question from Peter Whish-Wilson
The member asked if the minister was ashamed of the job cuts at the CSIRO, which he described as the largest in the organisation's history. He specifically noted that the Environment Research Unit was facing a 20 per cent staff reduction and asked if climate science and the environment were national priorities. He also asked for the minister's message to young scientists facing job uncertainty.
Background: The question highlighted significant job cuts at the CSIRO, including over 800 jobs lost in 18 months and 350 more planned, with criticism from unions and staff associations.
Answer from Tim Ayres
The minister explained that the changes were part of a strategic review to align CSIRO research with national science priorities, noting that the government allocated close to $1 billion annually to the organisation. He stated that the reprioritisation aimed to strengthen areas such as climate adaptation, zoonotic disease, and landscape pests, which were critical for future resilience. He acknowledged the difficulty of the process for passionate scientists but insisted it was necessary to ensure the CSIRO was fit for purpose. He encouraged young Australians to pursue careers in science, emphasising the importance of a strong national science institution for climate, energy, and economic security.
Question from Peter Whish-Wilson
The member questioned whether the absence of federal prohibitions on single-use plastics, mandatory waste-reduction goals, or producer responsibility legislation damaged Australia's international standing. He urged the minister to pledge to enact reforms addressing the plastic waste emergency within the current parliamentary term.
Background: The questioner raised concerns about microplastics and the upcoming global plastics treaty negotiations in Geneva, questioning Australia's domestic legislative record.
Answer from Murray Watt
The minister stated that Australia is viewed as a world leader in ocean protection and the High Ambition Coalition for the plastics treaty. He highlighted first-term actions, including over $1 billion invested to increase annual recycling capacity by 1.4 million tonnes and $60 million for soft plastics. The minister noted ongoing work with states and territories on packaging regulations and affirmed that more action would be taken in this term. He declined to make a specific immediate legislative commitment, instead inviting further discussion and Greens support.
Other Parliamentary Activity
-
Woodside Energy
Senate · Thursday 13 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
Opened this debate
-
Forestry Industry
Senate · Tuesday 23 June 2026 · Matter of Public Importance
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Gas Industry: Taxation
Senate · Monday 22 June 2026 · Matter of Public Importance
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Commonwealth Electoral Amendment (Banning Dirty Donations) Bill 2026; Second Reading
Senate · Thursday 14 May 2026 · Second Reading
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Extended Producer Responsibility Scheme for Packaging (No Time to Waste) Bill 2026; Second Reading
Senate · Wednesday 13 May 2026 · Second Reading
Opened this debate
-
Extended Producer Responsibility Scheme for Packaging (No Time to Waste) Bill 2026; First Reading
Senate · Wednesday 13 May 2026 · First Reading
Contributed to this debate
-
Budget
Senate · Wednesday 13 May 2026 · Matter of Public Importance
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Climate Change
Senate · Wednesday 1 April 2026 · Matter of Public Importance
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Defence Amendment (Parliamentary Approval of Overseas Service) Bill 2020; Second Reading
Senate · Wednesday 25 March 2026 · Second Reading
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Sovereign Capability
Senate · Tuesday 24 March 2026 · Matter of Public Importance
Contributed to this debate · Position: mixed
-
High Seas Biodiversity Bill 2026; In Committee
Senate · Monday 23 March 2026 · In Committee
Opened this debate
-
Fuel Security
Senate · Tuesday 10 March 2026 · Matter of Public Importance
Contributed to this debate · Position: mixed
-
Competition and Consumer Amendment (Make Price Gouging Illegal) Bill 2024; Second Reading
Senate · Thursday 5 February 2026 · Second Reading
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
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; In Committee
Senate · Thursday 27 November 2025 · In Committee
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation
Senate · Wednesday 26 November 2025 · Matter of Public Importance
Contributed to this debate · Position: oppose
-
Climate Change
Senate · Monday 24 November 2025 · Take Note Debate
Opened this debate
-
Environment
Senate · Monday 3 November 2025 · Matter of Public Importance
Contributed to this debate · Position: oppose
-
Energy
Senate · Wednesday 3 September 2025 · Matter of Public Importance
Contributed to this debate · Position: mixed
-
Climate Change
Senate · Tuesday 2 September 2025 · Take Note Debate
Opened this debate
-
Gas Industry
Senate · Monday 1 September 2025 · Matter of Public Importance
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Environmental Conservation
Senate · Wednesday 30 July 2025 · Take Note Debate
Opened this debate
-
Trade with the United States of America: Beef Industry
Senate · Monday 28 July 2025 · Matter of Public Importance
Contributed to this debate · Position: mixed
-
North West Shelf Project
Senate · Wednesday 23 July 2025 · Take Note Debate
Opened this debate
-
Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Amendment (Reconsiderations) Bill 2025; Second Reading
Senate · Wednesday 26 March 2025 · Second Reading
Contributed to this debate · Position: oppose
-
Murujuga Cultural Landscape
Senate · Wednesday 12 February 2025 · Take Note Debate
Opened this debate
- Votes recorded
- 923
- Aye votes (58.4%)
- 539
- No votes (41.6%)
- 384
Showing the latest 50 votes.
-
Consideration of Legislation
13 Aug 2026 · Ayes 25, Noes 33 · Failed
VOTED NO -
Consideration of Legislation
13 Aug 2026 · Ayes 34, Noes 26 · Passed
VOTED AYE -
COVID-19: Vaccination; Order for the Production of Documents
13 Aug 2026 · Ayes 25, Noes 34 · Failed
VOTED NO -
Health Technology Assessment Review Implementation Advisory Group; Order for ...
13 Aug 2026 · Ayes 26, Noes 33 · Failed
VOTED NO -
Prime Minister; Order for the Production of Documents
13 Aug 2026 · Ayes 36, Noes 24 · Passed
VOTED AYE -
Legal and Constitutional Affairs References Committee; Reference
13 Aug 2026 · Ayes 12, Noes 32 · Failed
VOTED AYE -
Selection of Bills Committee; Report
13 Aug 2026 · Ayes 34, Noes 25 · Passed
VOTED AYE -
Selection of Bills Committee; Report
13 Aug 2026 · Ayes 12, Noes 33 · Failed
VOTED AYE -
Gas Industry: Taxation
12 Aug 2026 · Ayes 11, Noes 30 · Failed
VOTED AYE -
Community Affairs Legislation Committee; Reporting Date
12 Aug 2026 · Ayes 11, Noes 35 · Failed
VOTED AYE -
Australian Prudential Regulation Authority; Order for the Production of Docum...
12 Aug 2026 · Ayes 36, Noes 24 · Passed
VOTED AYE -
Crimes and Other Legislation Amendment (Omnibus No. 1) Bill 2026; Second Read
12 Aug 2026 · Ayes 25, Noes 34 · Failed
VOTED NO -
Environment and Communications References Committee; Reference
11 Aug 2026 · Ayes 12, Noes 31 · Failed
VOTED AYE -
Taxation
11 Aug 2026 · Ayes 24, Noes 34 · Failed
VOTED NO -
Productivity in Australia Select Committee; Reporting Date
11 Aug 2026 · Ayes 24, Noes 33 · Failed
VOTED NO -
National Security
11 Aug 2026 · Ayes 24, Noes 35 · Failed
VOTED NO -
National Security
11 Aug 2026 · Ayes 35, Noes 24 · Passed
VOTED AYE -
Taxation
11 Aug 2026 · Ayes 25, Noes 37 · Failed
VOTED NO -
Australian Defence Force; Order for the Production of Documents
2 Jul 2026 · Ayes 33, Noes 21 · Passed
VOTED AYE -
Australian Defence Force; Order for the Production of Documents
2 Jul 2026 · Ayes 15, Noes 24 · Failed
VOTED AYE -
Nuclear Waste Management; Order for the Production of Documents
2 Jul 2026 · Ayes 15, Noes 24 · Failed
VOTED AYE -
International Relations: Australia and Papua New Guinea; Order for the Produc...
2 Jul 2026 · Ayes 15, Noes 24 · Failed
VOTED AYE -
International Relations: Australia and Nauru; Order for the Production of Doc...
2 Jul 2026 · Ayes 33, Noes 21 · Passed
VOTED AYE -
Personal Information and Privacy; Order for the Production of Documents
2 Jul 2026 · Ayes 33, Noes 21 · Passed
VOTED AYE -
National Anti-Corruption Commission; Order for the Production of Documents
2 Jul 2026 · Ayes 15, Noes 25 · Failed
VOTED AYE -
Economics References Committee; Reference
2 Jul 2026 · Ayes 24, Noes 31 · Failed
VOTED NO -
Selection of Bills Committee; Report
2 Jul 2026 · Ayes 34, Noes 21 · Passed
VOTED AYE -
Selection of Bills Committee; Report
2 Jul 2026 · Ayes 31, Noes 24 · Passed
VOTED AYE -
Competition and Consumer Amendment (Unfair Trading Practices) Bill 2026; In C...
2 Jul 2026 · Ayes 11, Noes 22 · Failed
VOTED AYE -
Competition and Consumer Amendment (Unfair Trading Practices) Bill 2026; In C...
2 Jul 2026 · Ayes 24, Noes 31 · Failed
VOTED NO -
Competition and Consumer Amendment (Unfair Trading Practices) Bill 2026; In C...
2 Jul 2026 · Ayes 11, Noes 25 · Failed
VOTED AYE -
Competition and Consumer Amendment (Unfair Trading Practices) Bill 2026; In C...
2 Jul 2026 · Ayes 11, Noes 30 · Failed
VOTED AYE -
Competition and Consumer Amendment (Unfair Trading Practices) Bill 2026; In C...
2 Jul 2026 · Ayes 21, Noes 31 · Failed
VOTED NO -
Aged Care Amendment (Restoring Human Override for Aged Care Needs Assessments...
2 Jul 2026 · Ayes 32, Noes 20 · Passed
VOTED AYE -
Aged Care Amendment (Restoring Human Override for Aged Care Needs Assessments...
2 Jul 2026 · Ayes 32, Noes 20 · Passed
VOTED AYE -
Aged Care Amendment (Restoring Human Override for Aged Care Needs Assessments...
2 Jul 2026 · Ayes 31, Noes 20 · Passed
VOTED AYE -
Sex Discrimination Amendment (Restoring Common Sense and Recognising Biologic...
1 Jul 2026 · Ayes 21, Noes 30 · Failed
VOTED NO -
Consideration of Legislation
1 Jul 2026 · Ayes 32, Noes 20 · Passed
VOTED AYE -
Consideration of Legislation
1 Jul 2026 · Ayes 32, Noes 20 · Passed
VOTED AYE -
Consideration of Legislation
1 Jul 2026 · Ayes 32, Noes 20 · Passed
VOTED AYE -
Universal Periodic Review
1 Jul 2026 · Ayes 11, Noes 30 · Failed
VOTED AYE -
Treasury Laws Amendment (Payday Superannuation) Regulations 2026; Disallowanc
1 Jul 2026 · Ayes 11, Noes 27 · Failed
VOTED AYE -
Rearrangement
1 Jul 2026 · Ayes 25, Noes 11 · Passed
VOTED NO -
Rearrangement
1 Jul 2026 · Ayes 27, Noes 11 · Passed
VOTED NO -
Rearrangement
1 Jul 2026 · Ayes 26, Noes 11 · Passed
VOTED NO -
Rearrangement
1 Jul 2026 · Ayes 26, Noes 11 · Passed
VOTED NO -
Consideration by Estimates Committees
1 Jul 2026 · Ayes 26, Noes 11 · Passed
VOTED NO -
Competition and Consumer Amendment (Unfair Trading Practices) Bill 2026; Seco...
1 Jul 2026 · Ayes 20, Noes 30 · Failed
VOTED NO -
Health Legislation Amendment (Prescribing of Pharmaceutical Benefits) Bill 20...
1 Jul 2026 · Ayes 31, Noes 21 · Passed
VOTED AYE -
Health Legislation Amendment (Prescribing of Pharmaceutical Benefits) Bill 20...
1 Jul 2026 · Ayes 32, Noes 19 · Passed
VOTED AYE
About this page
This page tracks Peter Whish-Wilson'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.