Raff Ciccone
Australian Labor Party Senator for VIC
Currently sitting
Photo: AusEditFrame, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
Seat and party history (1)
- Australian Labor Party - VIC (Senate) - 6 Mar 2019 to present
- Seat and party records: OpenAustralia member data.
Contact
Office: (03) 9894 2098
Suite 12.01, Level 12, 1 Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
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
Raff Ciccone compared with all 76 sitting senators.
Questions asked in Question Time
Higher than 53% of senators- This member
- 12
- Average
- 10.4
- Median
- 10
Debates spoken in
Lower than 89% of senators- This member
- 22
- Average
- 44.8
- Median
- 40
Votes cast
Higher than 74% of senators- This member
- 951
- Average
- 743.0
- Median
- 730
Share of divisions voted in
Higher than 70% of senators- This member
- 85%
- 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 Raff Ciccone
The senator asked how the deal would deliver for Australian farmers, producers, miners, and exporters, and whether there were any risks to the agreement.
Background: The Prime Minister announced a landmark free-trade agreement with the European Union in March.
Answer from Don Farrell
The minister described the agreement as a once-in-a-generation deal with a $30 trillion market. He stated it would remove tariffs on agricultural products and create new access for beef and sheep meat through tariff-rate quotas, benefiting regional jobs and supply chains. In response to supplementary questions, he warned that blocking the agreement would deny producers access to the EU market and put jobs at risk, criticizing those who oppose it as prioritizing populism over policy.
Question from Raff Ciccone
The senator asked the minister to explain the importance of the new treaties for Australia and how ongoing involvement with the Pacific region strengthens Australia's position. He referenced the recent Pacific Islands Forum Foreign Ministers Meeting.
Background: The question followed the signing of the Vuvale Union and the Ocean of Peace Alliance treaties between Australia and Fiji, and the government's intention to table them in parliament.
Answer from Penny Wong
The minister described the treaties as comprehensive endeavours grounded in trust and respect. She explained that the Vuvale Union covers security, economies, and people, while the Ocean of Peace Alliance is a mutual defence treaty committing both nations to aid each other in times of need. She stated that these agreements mark milestones in securing Australia's future in the region, noting that Fiji and Papua New Guinea are now considered allies. She emphasised that a stable and prosperous Pacific benefits all Australians and highlighted the government's ongoing work to advance Pacific priorities through sustained engagement.
Question from Raff Ciccone
The member asked how the tax cuts and other cost-of-living help arriving on 1 July were making a difference for working people. He further asked how the expansion of paid parental leave to six months with superannuation was supporting parents and their retirement savings.
Background: A government senator asked the minister to outline the impact of the fifth tax cut and other cost-of-living measures commencing on 1 July.
Answer from Katy Gallagher
The minister outlined that from 1 July, the 16 per cent tax rate would reduce to 15 per cent, and the Working Australian Tax Offset of up to $250 would become permanent. She noted the $1,000 instant deduction, a six per cent increase in the national minimum wage, and indexation of social security payments for 2.6 million Australians. She highlighted that paid parental leave would extend to six months with superannuation paid on it, helping families share care and protecting retirement savings. She stated that once fully implemented, the five tax cuts would make the average worker $2,800 better off annually from 2028.
Question from Raff Ciccone
The member asked what actions the government was taking to strengthen the manufacturing industry and support businesses facing global supply chain pressures. He specifically asked about the Economic Resilience Program.
Background: The government had announced support for the manufacturing sector, including the Economic Resilience Program.
Answer from Tim Ayres
The minister stated that the government had delivered the biggest pro-manufacturing package in history, with 712,000 more manufacturing firms since 2020 and a 43 per cent increase in exports. He detailed that the Economic Resilience Program had approved over $220 million in zero-interest loans for more than 240 firms, primarily small and medium businesses in freight and logistics. He highlighted support for specific industries, including smelters and steel production, and criticised the opposition for lacking industrial policy.
Question from Raff Ciccone
The senator asked how the new fuel security powers would help secure fuel supplies and keep the economy moving. He sought details on how these measures would shield Australians from the impacts of the Middle East conflict.
Background: The Prime Minister announced new fuel security powers to address global supply shocks.
Answer from Don Farrell
The minister explained that Export Finance Australia would be given financial tools, including insurance and loans, to support companies in securing additional fuel shipments. He stated that this support would target additional supplies beyond commercial contracts to ensure wider availability. He also mentioned that strategic reserves would secure supplies of critical minerals and other goods impacted by the conflict.
Question from Raff Ciccone
The senator asked how the fuel security and excise announcements were helping to keep Australians on the road and supporting tourism businesses. He also asked about support for businesses facing supply chain issues and actions to diversify trade.
Background: The government announced fuel excise relief and security measures.
Answer from Don Farrell
The minister stated that halving the fuel excise and reducing road user charges would lower costs for families and tourism operators. He highlighted the Trade Diversification Network, established under the $50 million Accessing New Markets Initiative, which included 40 peak bodies. He noted that Austrade was providing market support and connecting exporters with alternative markets and logistics providers to mitigate reliance on the Gulf region.
Question from Raff Ciccone
The member asked what measures the government was implementing to protect Australian households and businesses from the economic impacts of global energy uncertainty.
Background: The member noted that conflict in the Middle East was causing global energy market instability and shocks.
Answer from Penny Wong
The minister outlined actions including releasing 20 per cent of diesel and fuel reserves, cracking down on price gouging via the ACCC, and appointing Anthea Harris as fuel supply taskforce coordinator. She noted that ministers were engaging internationally, including a joint statement with Singapore on energy security, to ensure critical waterways remained open.
Question from Raff Ciccone
The member asked for an update on the conflict and the government's response, specifically regarding the safety of Australians in the region and the deployment of defence assets.
Background: The member sought an update on the escalating conflict in the Middle East, where Iran had attacked 12 countries, causing significant travel disruptions and economic uncertainty.
Answer from Penny Wong
The minister reported that 2,600 Australians had returned on 18 commercial flights, with bus transport arranged for those stranded in Kuwait and Bahrain. She emphasized that commercial airlines remained the fastest repatriation method and urged Australians wishing to leave to do so immediately. Regarding defence, she confirmed the deployment of an E-7A Wedgetail aircraft to the Gulf for four weeks and the provision of missiles to the UAE for defensive purposes. She clarified that Australia was not taking offensive action against Iran nor deploying troops on the ground, and noted that three Australian personnel were present on a US submarine off Sri Lanka.
Question from Raff Ciccone
The member asked for the Australian government's response to the military actions taken by the US and Israel against Iran.
Background: Israel and the United States conducted military strikes against Iran following a breakdown in nuclear negotiations.
Answer from Penny Wong
The minister affirmed that Australia supports the actions taken by the US and Israel to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons and to protect international peace and security. She highlighted previous government actions, including sanctions on over 200 individuals and designating the IRGC as a state sponsor of terrorism. She condemned Iran's retaliatory missile and drone attacks and called for all parties to uphold international humanitarian law. In response to supplementary questions regarding Australians in the region, she stated that the crisis centre was activated and registration portals were opened for those in the UAE, Qatar, Iran, and Israel. She estimated approximately 115,000 Australians were in the broader Middle East region and urged them to register for consular assistance.
Question from Raff Ciccone
The senator asked for an update on the Prime Minister's statement concerning the outcomes of investigations into antisemitic attacks against the Jewish community since October 2023.
Background: The Prime Minister, along with security officials, had advised Australians of investigation outcomes regarding antisemitic attacks linked to Iran.
Answer from Penny Wong
The minister reported that ASIO intelligence concluded the Iranian government directed at least two attacks: one on Lewis' Continental Kitchen in Sydney on 20 October and another on the Adass Israel Synagogue in Melbourne on 6 December. She announced that Iran's ambassador to Australia and three other officials had been declared persona non grata, marking the first postwar expulsion of an ambassador. Additionally, Australia's ambassador to Iran was withdrawn, embassy operations in Tehran were suspended, and legislation would be introduced to list the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organisation. The minister also noted the establishment of Special Operation Avalite and funding for security upgrades and Torah scroll restoration.
Question from Raff Ciccone
The member asked how the government planned to build on its approach of supporting renewable energy to deliver more clean and affordable electricity. He also asked how the government intended to capitalize on Australia's comparative energy advantage through the Future Made in Australia agenda.
Background: The CSIRO GenCost2024-25 report indicated that wind and solar were the cheapest sources of electricity for the seventh consecutive year.
Answer from Tim Ayres
The minister cited the CSIRO GenCost report to confirm that firmed renewables were the lowest-cost new-build technology, with solar costs falling by eight per cent and battery costs by 20 per cent. He stated that the Future Made in Australia agenda aimed to leverage Australia's renewable resources and critical minerals to create jobs and industrial capability. The minister emphasized that policy certainty was essential for investment and criticized the opposition for supporting expensive nuclear power options.
Question from Raff Ciccone
The senator asked how the passage of the bill contributes to delivering a better future for workers, businesses, and communities by unlocking national prosperity.
Background: The Future Made in Australia (Production Tax Credits and Other Measures) Bill 2024 passed the Senate.
Answer from Penny Wong
The minister stated the bill establishes tax incentives to keep resource processing onshore, creating tens of thousands of blue-collar jobs and strengthening sovereign capability in regions such as South Australia, Queensland, and Victoria. She noted the bill incentivises green hydrogen production and cited the Chamber of Minerals and Energy's support for the message it sends to investors. In supplementary answers, she highlighted the creation of 1.1 million jobs since taking office, including 47,000 in manufacturing. She also mentioned the removal of $20 billion in trade impediments and the government's focus on deepening economic engagement with South-East Asia.
Other Parliamentary Activity
-
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
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Defence Properties
Senate · Tuesday 8 September 2026 · Matter of Public Importance
Contributed to this debate · Position: oppose
-
Answers to Questions
Senate · Tuesday 8 September 2026 · Take Note Debate
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Ocean of Peace Alliance and Fiji-Australia Vuvale Union
Senate · Tuesday 11 August 2026 · Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Taxation
Senate · Wednesday 1 July 2026 · Matter of Public Importance
Opened this debate
-
Answers to Questions
Senate · Wednesday 1 July 2026 · Take Note Debate
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Forestry Industry
Senate · Tuesday 23 June 2026 · Matter of Public Importance
Contributed to this debate · Position: oppose
-
Answers to Questions
Senate · Tuesday 12 May 2026 · Take Note Debate
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Fuel Security
Senate · Monday 30 March 2026 · Matter of Public Importance
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Answers to Questions
Senate · Wednesday 11 March 2026 · Take Note Debate
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Australian Security Intelligence Organisation Amendment Bill (No. 2) 2025; Report from Committee
Senate · Thursday 5 February 2026 · Report from Committee
Opened this debate
-
Bondi Beach: Attack
Senate · Monday 19 January 2026 · Condolence
Contributed to this debate
-
Criminal Code Amendment (State Sponsors of Terrorism) Bill 2025; Second Reading
Senate · Thursday 6 November 2025 · Second Reading
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Energy
Senate · Monday 3 November 2025 · Take Note Debate
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Fair Work Amendment (Protecting Penalty and Overtime Rates) Bill 2025; In Committee
Senate · Thursday 28 August 2025 · In Committee
Opened this debate
-
Defence Housing Australia Amendment Bill 2025; Second Reading
Senate · Monday 25 August 2025 · Second Reading
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Answers to Questions
Senate · Monday 28 July 2025 · Take Note Debate
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Human Rights (Parliamentary Scrutiny) Amendment (Consideration of UNDRIP) Bill 2023; Second Reading
Senate · Thursday 13 February 2025 · Second Reading
Contributed to this debate · Position: oppose
-
National Organic Standard Bill 2024; Report from Committee
Senate · Tuesday 11 February 2025 · Report from Committee
Contributed to this debate
-
Answers to Questions
Senate · Tuesday 11 February 2025 · Take Note Debate
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Commission of Inquiry into Antisemitism at Australian Universities Bill 2024 (No. 2); Second Reading
Senate · Thursday 6 February 2025 · Second Reading
Contributed to this debate · Position: oppose
-
United States of America
Senate · Tuesday 4 February 2025 · Matter of Public Importance
Contributed to this debate · Position: oppose
- Votes recorded
- 951
- Aye votes (28.3%)
- 269
- No votes (71.7%)
- 682
Showing the latest 50 votes.
-
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 -
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 -
Personal Information and Privacy; Order for the Production of Documents
16 Sep 2026 · Ayes 30, Noes 19 · Passed
VOTED NO -
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 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 -
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 NO -
Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport References Committee; Reference
14 Sep 2026 · Ayes 35, Noes 19 · Passed
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 -
Regulatory Reform Omnibus Bill 2026; In Committee
10 Sep 2026 · Ayes 12, Noes 24 · Failed
VOTED NO
About this page
This page tracks Raff Ciccone'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.