Rob Mitchell
Australian Labor Party Member for McEwen
Currently sitting
Photo: TheScrubby, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Seat and party history (1)
- Australian Labor Party - McEwen (House) - 21 Aug 2010 to present
- Seat and party records: OpenAustralia member data.
Contact
Electorate office: (03) 5716 3000
57-59 High Street, Wallan VIC 3756
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
Rob Mitchell compared with all 150 sitting House members.
Questions asked in Question Time
Higher than 56% of House members- This member
- 14
- Average
- 11.2
- Median
- 12
Debates spoken in
Lower than 77% of House members- This member
- 17
- Average
- 35.9
- Median
- 30.5
Votes cast
Higher than 78% of House members- This member
- 296
- Average
- 253.0
- Median
- 265
Share of divisions voted in
Higher than 63% of House members- This member
- 89%
- 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 Rob Mitchell
The member asked the Assistant Treasurer how the government was delivering secure retirements for workers and whether there were risks to this approach.
Background: The government was promoting its record on strengthening the superannuation system.
Answer from Daniel Mulino
The Assistant Treasurer highlighted measures such as payday super, super on paid parental leave, and strengthened low-income super tax offsets benefiting 1.3 million Australians. He criticized the opposition and One Nation for attacking superannuation, citing quotes from Liberal and National politicians describing it as a policy failure or communism. He argued that the government's approach of tax cuts and wage increases provided better cost-of-living relief than the opposition's proposals.
Question from Rob Mitchell
The member asked how the government was securing the NDIS's future and working with jurisdictions to deliver support for people with disability.
Background: The member asked about the government's efforts to secure the NDIS's future and collaborate with states on disability support.
Answer from Mark Butler
The minister stated that the Senate had passed reforms to make the NDIS sustainable, addressing issues of cost and fraud. He assured participants that the scheme would remain the largest social program outside the aged pension. He highlighted that new eligibility tests were being developed to focus on significant and permanent disability, while state governments were rebuilding support systems for lower-needs individuals. He noted that all states except Queensland had finalized plans for the Thriving Kids program, with rollout expected by the end of next year ahead of eligibility changes in January 2028.
Question from Rob Mitchell
The member asked what measures the government was implementing to assist Australians with living expenses and progress, and how these efforts compared to other political approaches.
Background: The member asked about the government's actions to assist Australians with the cost of living and how these compared to alternative approaches.
Answer from Jim Chalmers
The Treasurer stated that from 1 July, the government would deliver income tax cuts, wage boosts, extended paid parental leave, superannuation paid with wages, extended petrol price relief, and a permanent small business instant asset write-off. He cited specific weekly wage increases for aged care workers: $59 for personal care workers, $86 for registered nurses, and $67 for enrolled nurses. The Treasurer noted that national debt was $200 billion lower than when inherited and that the deficit would be smaller, contrasting this with the opposition's stance against these relief measures.
Question from Rob Mitchell
The member asked what the data revealed about economic resilience and how the government's agenda compared to other approaches.
Background: New national accounts data had been released regarding economic performance.
Answer from Jim Chalmers
The Treasurer highlighted 0.3 per cent quarterly growth and 2.5 per cent annual growth, driven by strong private sector investment. He noted business investment grew 5.7 per cent quarterly and was 12.9 per cent of the economy, up from 11.3 per cent. He contrasted this with the previous government's record and criticized the opposition for talking down the economy.
Question from Rob Mitchell
The member asked how the government was helping Australian workers and reducing cost-of-living pressures.
Background: A government member asked the Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations how the government is supporting workers and easing cost-of-living pressures.
Answer from Amanda Rishworth
The Minister highlighted tax cuts for working Australians and the same job, same pay laws, which have delivered pay increases to over 8,000 workers. She cited a recent Fair Work Commission decision that upheld these principles for coalmine workers in Central Queensland, resulting in higher pay for hundreds of labour hire employees. She emphasized that Labor is the only party backing workers' rights.
Question from Rob Mitchell
The member asked for an update on the outcomes of the National Cabinet meeting and how the agreed measures would boost Australia's fuel security and supply.
Background: A National Cabinet meeting had just concluded to address fuel security measures.
Answer from Anthony Albanese
The Prime Minister confirmed the endorsement of the National Fuel Security Plan, developed in cooperation with state and territory governments. He explained that the plan aims to keep Australia moving and avoid unnecessary restrictions. Immediate actions included cutting the levy on petrol and diesel by half for a three-month period beginning Wednesday, setting the heavy vehicle road user charge at nil for three months, and waiving GST windfalls for states to further reduce prices. A Fuel Supply Taskforce was established to coordinate bureaucratic efforts.
Question from Rob Mitchell
The member asked how the Albanese government was protecting consumers and maintaining economic stability despite increased global uncertainty.
Background: A government member asked the Assistant Treasurer how the government was protecting consumers and maintaining economic stability amid global volatility.
Answer from Daniel Mulino
The Assistant Treasurer highlighted Australia's economic resilience and banking system strength. He listed cost-of-living relief measures including tax cuts, student debt reduction, cheaper medicines, childcare, and healthcare access. He noted the doubling of ACCC penalties for false conduct to $100 million and directed the ACCC to monitor fuel prices weekly. The Assistant Treasurer mentioned an ACCC investigation into alleged anti-competitive conduct by major fuel companies and authorized fuel suppliers to coordinate supply to prioritize independent distributors and regional communities. He emphasized efforts to strengthen competition across the economy.
Question from Rob Mitchell
The member asked about the impact of the Middle East conflict on the global economy and Australia's preparedness.
Background: A government member asked the Treasurer about the economic impact of the Middle East conflict on Australia.
Answer from Jim Chalmers
The Treasurer noted significant market volatility, with oil prices rising from $73 to nearly $120 a barrel. He stated that Australia was well-placed due to strong economic growth, low unemployment, and robust financial systems. He highlighted large fuel stockpiles and empowered ACCC penalties of up to $50 million for price-gouging.
Question from Rob Mitchell
The member asked what reforms were being delivered to help disadvantaged children access early education and to improve safety in the early education and care system.
Background: A government member asked the Minister for Education about reforms to improve access to early education for disadvantaged children and enhance safety in the sector.
Answer from Jason Clare
The minister announced the delivery of the three-day child care guarantee, which would save families earning between $50,000 and $100,000 approximately $1,500 a year. Regarding safety, he stated that personal mobile phones were banned in centres, compliance officers were conducting spot checks, and a national CCTV trial had started. He noted that the national educator register and mandatory safety training would begin at the end of the month, and that funding notices had been sent to over 60 services failing to meet safety standards.
Question from Rob Mitchell
The member asked what the government was doing to improve how well integrity and transparency frameworks worked.
Background: The government introduced legislation to reform the Freedom of Information Act 1982.
Answer from Michelle Rowland
The minister stated that new legislation to reform the Freedom of Information Act 1982 had been introduced. The reforms seek to ban anonymous requests, stop vexatious and frivolous requests, clarify exemptions for cabinet material, and establish procedures for handling former ministers' records. She cited an example where the eSafety Commissioner received nearly 600 FOI requests from an automated generator, diverting staff for three months. The government would also refer the FOI legislation to the Senate Legal and Constitutional Affairs Committee. Additionally, the government was enhancing the public sector whistleblowing framework by establishing a new whistleblower ombudsman.
Question from Rob Mitchell
The member asked for an update on the government's progress in housing and the broader economy.
Background: A government member asked the Treasurer for an update on economic progress, particularly regarding housing.
Answer from Jim Chalmers
The Treasurer highlighted falling inflation, which had allowed the Reserve Bank to cut interest rates three times in six months. He noted that real wages had grown for the seventh consecutive quarter and that unemployment had decreased, with 25,000 new jobs created in July. He stated that average unemployment was lower than under any government in the last 50 years. He also mentioned rising consumer confidence and the stock market reaching 9,000 points. He acknowledged ongoing pressures and structural issues but emphasized the positive economic trajectory.
Question from Rob Mitchell
The member asked what the government was doing to ensure small businesses thrive as a driver of jobs and innovation.
Background: A government member asked about support for small businesses.
Answer from Anne Aly
The minister reported that over 800,000 new small businesses had been created since 2022, employing five million people. She highlighted $2 billion in targeted supports, including instant asset write-offs and energy bill relief. She announced plans to further extend asset write-offs and implement tax cuts for sole traders. She noted the release of the National Small Business Strategy and ongoing engagement with business representatives.
Question from Rob Mitchell
The member asked how the government was providing tax relief to Australians in the budget and what was preventing tax cuts from being implemented.
Background: A government member asked the Treasurer how the government was delivering tax relief in the budget and what obstacles existed.
Answer from Jim Chalmers
The Treasurer confirmed that tax cuts were being delivered three times for every taxpayer, with the bulk already flowing and two more top-ups scheduled. He emphasized that this helped people earn more and keep more of their income. He contrasted this with the opposition's alleged secret agenda for cuts that would make Australians worse off. He stated that the opposition wanted to return to higher inflation and stagnant wages, whereas the government had deliberately pursued a different approach to wages and tax cuts.
Question from Rob Mitchell
The member asked what the government had done to eliminate problematic visa programs and if alternative proposals would weaken the system.
Background: A government member asked the Immigration Minister about actions to remove dodgy visa programs and whether any proposals would undermine the system.
Answer from Tony Burke
The Minister cited the Nixon review, which found serious integrity issues in the previous visa system, including exploitation and human trafficking. He noted that compliance staff had been cut under the previous government. He referenced comments from Sir Bill Browder supporting the abolition of the significant investor visa, which the opposition wanted to restore. He accused the opposition of wanting to bring back a discredited visa and diverting police resources.
Other Parliamentary Activity
-
Cash Distribution Framework Bill 2026, Cash Distribution Framework (Consequential Amendments and Transitional Provisions) Bill 2026; Second Reading
House of Representatives · Wednesday 12 August 2026 · Second Reading
Responded as minister
-
Appropriation Bill (No. 1) 2026-2027, Appropriation Bill (No. 2) 2026-2027, Appropriation (Parliamentary Departments) Bill (No. 1) 2026-2027; Second Reading
House of Representatives · Wednesday 27 May 2026 · Second Reading
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Telecommunications Amendment (Enhancing Consumer Safeguards) Bill 2025; Second Reading
House of Representatives · Thursday 14 May 2026 · Second Reading
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Treasury Laws Amendment (Doubling Penalties for ACCC Enforcement) Bill 2026, Fair Work Amendment (Fairer Fuel) Bill 2026; Second Reading
House of Representatives · Thursday 26 March 2026 · Second Reading
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Energy
House of Representatives · Tuesday 10 March 2026 · Matter of Public Importance
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Victoria: Bushfires
House of Representatives · Monday 9 February 2026 · General Debate
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Albanese Government
House of Representatives · Tuesday 3 February 2026 · General Debate
Opened this debate
-
Men's Mental Health
House of Representatives · Monday 24 November 2025 · General Debate
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Regional Australia: Roads
House of Representatives · Monday 3 November 2025 · General Debate
Contributed to this debate · Position: oppose
-
Excise Tariff Amendment (Draught Beer) Bill 2025, Customs Tariff Amendment (Draught Beer) Bill 2025; Second Reading
House of Representatives · Monday 3 November 2025 · Second Reading
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Manufacturing Industry
House of Representatives · Thursday 9 October 2025 · Matter of Public Importance
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide
House of Representatives · Thursday 4 September 2025 · General Debate
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Men's Health
House of Representatives · Monday 28 July 2025 · General Debate
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Regional Australia
House of Representatives · Thursday 27 March 2025 · Matter of Public Importance
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
Opened this debate
-
Apprenticeships
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 · Thursday 6 February 2025 · Second Reading
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
- Votes recorded
- 296
- Aye votes (51.4%)
- 152
- No votes (48.6%)
- 144
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 -
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 -
Veterans
7 Sep 2026 · Ayes 88, Noes 49 · 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 -
Universities Accord (Opening the Doors of Opportunity) Bill 2026; Considerati...
20 Aug 2026 · Ayes 90, Noes 36 · Passed
VOTED AYE -
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 -
Minister for Veterans' Affairs
19 Aug 2026 · Ayes 83, Noes 44 · Passed
VOTED AYE -
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; 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 -
Cash Distribution Framework Bill 2026; Reference to Federation Chamber
12 Aug 2026 · Ayes 40, Noes 83 · Failed
VOTED NO -
International Relations: Australia and Japan
12 Aug 2026 · Ayes 88, Noes 41 · Passed
VOTED AYE -
Aged Care Amendment (Restoring Human Override for Aged Care Needs Assessments...
11 Aug 2026 · Ayes 42, Noes 87 · Failed
VOTED NO -
Suspension of Standing and Sessional Orders
11 Aug 2026 · Ayes 74, Noes 12 · Passed
VOTED AYE -
Rearrangement
11 Aug 2026 · Ayes 86, Noes 47 · 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 -
Social Policy and Legal Affairs Committee; Reference
2 Jul 2026 · Ayes 13, Noes 78 · Failed
VOTED NO -
Social Policy and Legal Affairs Committee; Reference
2 Jul 2026 · Ayes 72, Noes 12 · Passed
VOTED AYE
About this page
This page tracks Rob Mitchell'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.