Ross Cadell
National Party Senator for NSW
Currently sitting
Seat and party history (1)
- National Party - NSW (Senate) - 21 May 2022 to present
- Seat and party records: OpenAustralia member data.
Contact
Office: (02) 6492 0586
Ground Floor, 28-30 Bolton Street, Newcastle NSW 2300
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
Ross Cadell compared with all 76 sitting senators.
Questions asked in Question Time
Same as the median- This member
- 10
- Average
- 10.4
- Median
- 10
Debates spoken in
Higher than 53% of senators- This member
- 43
- Average
- 44.8
- Median
- 40
Votes cast
Lower than 67% of senators- This member
- 609
- Average
- 743.0
- Median
- 730
Share of divisions voted in
Lower than 70% of senators- This member
- 54%
- 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 Ross Cadell
The member asked how the government allowed veterans to feel they had to fight for promised health care. He asked if the Veterans' Minister was fit for purpose given claims of a lack of empathy and whether the government would remove the $5,000 threshold causing concern.
Background: Veterans protested against changes to health care entitlements, specifically a $5,000 threshold for allied health services.
Answer from Penny Wong
The minister thanked veterans for their service and stated that the government is listening through consultations and meetings with veteran groups. She clarified that the $5,000 threshold does not prevent access to clinically necessary allied health services. She acknowledged that the process might need careful consideration and that the consultation process would address these issues. She affirmed that the Veterans' Minister has secured additional funding to implement royal commission recommendations.
Question from Ross Cadell
The senator asked what additional costs Australians would face at the pump due to a proposed carbon tax on fuel. He followed up by asking for the specific cost impact on diesel for truckies and why the government was withholding cost modelling.
Background: A consultation paper on fuel security and low-carbon liquid fuels was released.
Answer from Penny Wong
The minister denied that there would be additional costs, stating that the consultation paper on fuel security and low-carbon liquid fuels was welcomed by the National Farmers' Federation and GrainCorp. She emphasized that the policy aims to diversify supply chains and improve fuel resilience, particularly in light of global disruptions. She clarified that the allowable level of ethanol in petrol is already established under fuel quality standards and that the government does not plan to change or increase these limits. She characterized the opposition's concerns as a scare campaign not supported by industry feedback.
Question from Ross Cadell
The senator asked why the government would not support a proper inquiry into how taxpayer money and environmental water were being used, given that the Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder rarely used all its allocated water.
Background: The Liberal and National parties had introduced a bill for a commission of inquiry into environmental water use in the Murray-Darling Basin.
Answer from Murray Watt
The minister criticized the National Party for raising the issue only after the Farrer by-election was called and for following requests from other parties. He stated the government would not support the inquiry. In response to supplementary questions about Narrandera's water supply, he noted that the government had funded a business case for a water purification plant, unlike the previous coalition government. He defended water buybacks as necessary for sustaining the Murray-Darling Basin.
Question from Ross Cadell
The member asked why the government was sacrificing farming jobs and land during a time of instability. He questioned the impact of carbon credit schemes and renewable energy infrastructure on agricultural production.
Background: ABARES reported that energy policies could remove 18 million hectares from farming for carbon credits. A university consortium estimated another 12 million hectares needed for renewables.
Answer from Malarndirri McCarthy
The minister stated that the government supported a robust and sustainable agricultural industry. She highlighted investments of over $2 billion in agriculture, including $60.8 million for emissions reduction and $87 million for the Zero Net Emissions Agriculture Cooperative Research Centre. She argued that farmers were choosing to earn money through carbon credits and hosting renewables.
Question from Ross Cadell
The member asked how the government justified spending $96 million on a website that performed worse than free apps, particularly given its impact on food security and safety.
Background: Farmers and fishers reported difficulties accessing local weather data due to failures in the new Bureau of Meteorology platform.
Answer from Murray Watt
The minister expressed dissatisfaction with the Bureau's handling of the website upgrade and noted he had met with the acting CEO to request urgent changes. He clarified that the initial $4 million estimate was for the public-facing site, while the total program cost was higher. He emphasized the independence of the Bureau and stated he had confidence in the new CEO to investigate the issues and ensure taxpayer money was spent wisely.
Question from Ross Cadell
The member asked whether the government was reducing rural speed limits to meet net zero goals and why rural drivers were being targeted, citing a carbon price calculation in the regulatory impact analysis.
Background: The question referenced a consultation on reducing rural speed limits to 70 km/h to reduce emissions.
Answer from Malarndirri McCarthy
The minister stated that the consultation on speed limits was a continuation of a policy initiated by the Nationals in 2018. She emphasized that the government had doubled funding for the Roads to Recovery Program to $1 billion per year and reversed freezes on highway maintenance. The minister argued that the opposition was not genuinely interested in road safety and was using the issue for political gain.
Question from Ross Cadell
The member asked if the minister or his department were involved in the pre-rollout of the new Bureau of Meteorology website. He also asked about external testing and why action was only taken after public outcry and storm failures.
Background: Public complaints arose regarding the new Bureau of Meteorology website. The member asked about pre-rollout testing and ministerial awareness.
Answer from Murray Watt
The minister stated he was not personally briefed or involved in the website rollout. He confirmed that the Bureau had undertaken beta testing which received positive feedback, but acknowledged that user experience did not meet expectations. He noted that urgent changes were being made following complaints and severe weather events in South East Queensland.
Question from Ross Cadell
The senator asked whether the government was aware of any IRGC involvement in attending, encouraging, or fuelling protests in Australia, given the recent listing of the group as a terrorist organisation. He also asked if security agencies would receive extra resources to prevent future attacks and what new protections would be in place for Jewish institutions.
Background: Protests in Sydney featured imagery of Iranian leadership, prompting questions about IRGC involvement in domestic unrest.
Answer from Penny Wong
The minister stated that the IRGC has engaged in foreign interference globally and that ASIO would outline further details appropriate for public release. She confirmed that additional resources had been directed to combat antisemitism, including a joint police taskforce called Special Operation Avalite and funding for security at Jewish schools. She noted that $57.5 million was committed for improved safety at Jewish sites, $1.2 million for upgrading security at existing structures, and $30 million to restore the Adass Israel Synagogue and community centre.
Question from Ross Cadell
The senator asked when emergency support would be provided to South Australian communities and businesses affected by the algal bloom. He followed up by asking how much of the $14 million federal package would go to regional tourism and fishing industries.
Background: The senator asked about support for communities affected by the toxic algal bloom in South Australia.
Answer from Penny Wong
The minister confirmed that $14 million had already been provided as part of a jointly funded $28 million package with South Australia. She noted the funds supported science, research, cleanup, and small-business grants. She acknowledged the severe impact on commercial fishing and aquaculture but stated she could not provide detailed grant allocations as they were administered by the state government. She emphasized the unprecedented scale of the environmental disaster.
Question from Ross Cadell
The member asked if the Prime Minister would promise to permanently abandon nature positive laws and reverse the decision on the McPhillamys gold mine.
Background: Reports suggested the Prime Minister was engaging with the mining sector despite previous criticisms of the industry.
Answer from Penny Wong
The minister confirmed that the nature positive legislation would not be reintroduced, stating that the government was committed to law reform to deliver faster project approvals and better environmental protection. Regarding the McPhillamys gold mine, she noted that the decision was made by the responsible minister under statutory powers and that the company had commenced legal proceedings in the Federal Court. She highlighted that the government had approved 40 mining projects and doubled the rate of on-time approvals. She challenged the member to support production tax credits for the mining sector if they were genuinely pro-mining.
Other Parliamentary Activity
-
Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Veterans' Healthcare Without Caps) Bill 2026; Second Reading
Senate · Thursday 17 September 2026 · Second Reading
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Migration
Senate · Thursday 17 September 2026 · Take Note Debate
Opened this debate
-
Answers to Questions
Senate · Monday 14 September 2026 · Take Note Debate
Opened this debate
-
Statute Update Bill 2026; Second Reading
Senate · Thursday 10 September 2026 · Second Reading
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Housing
Senate · Wednesday 9 September 2026 · Matter of Public Importance
Contributed to this debate · Position: oppose
-
Veterans: Health Care
Senate · Tuesday 8 September 2026 · Matter of Public Importance
Opened this debate
-
Answers to Questions
Senate · Tuesday 8 September 2026 · Take Note Debate
Contributed to this debate · Position: oppose
-
Tobacco Control
Senate · Monday 7 September 2026 · Matter of Public Importance
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Veterans: Women's Health
Senate · Wednesday 19 August 2026 · Matter of Public Importance
Responded as shadow minister
-
Interactive Gambling Amendment (Gambling Reform) Bill 2026, National Self-exclusion Register (Cost Recovery Levy) Amendment Bill 2026, Interactive Gambling (Cost Recovery Levy) Bill 2026; Second Reading
Senate · Wednesday 19 August 2026 · Second Reading
Contributed to this debate · Position: mixed
-
Interactive Gambling Amendment (Gambling Reform) Bill 2026, National Self-exclusion Register (Cost Recovery Levy) Amendment Bill 2026, Interactive Gambling (Cost Recovery Levy) Bill 2026; In Committee
Senate · Wednesday 19 August 2026 · In Committee
Contributed to this debate · Position: mixed
-
Housing
Senate · Tuesday 11 August 2026 · Take Note Debate
Contributed to this debate · Position: oppose
-
Taxation
Senate · Wednesday 1 July 2026 · Matter of Public Importance
Responded as shadow minister
-
Answers to Questions
Senate · Tuesday 30 June 2026 · Take Note Debate
Opened this debate
-
Treasury Laws Amendment (Tax Reform No. 1) Bill 2026, Income Tax Rates Amendment (Tax Reform No. 1) Bill 2026; In Committee
Senate · Thursday 25 June 2026 · In Committee
Contributed to this debate
-
Answers to Questions
Senate · Thursday 25 June 2026 · Take Note Debate
Contributed to this debate · Position: oppose
-
Treasury Laws Amendment (Tax Reform No. 1) Bill 2026, Income Tax Rates Amendment (Tax Reform No. 1) Bill 2026; Second Reading
Senate · Tuesday 23 June 2026 · Second Reading
Contributed to this debate · Position: oppose
-
Forestry Industry
Senate · Tuesday 23 June 2026 · Matter of Public Importance
Responded as shadow minister
-
Answers to Questions
Senate · Tuesday 23 June 2026 · Take Note Debate
Contributed to this debate · Position: oppose
-
Answers to Questions
Senate · Thursday 14 May 2026 · Take Note Debate
Opened this debate
-
Competition and Consumer Amendment (Responding to Exceptional Circumstances) Bill 2026; Second Reading
Senate · Wednesday 13 May 2026 · Second Reading
Contributed to this debate · Position: oppose
-
Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder Commission of Inquiry Bill 2026; Second Reading
Senate · Wednesday 1 April 2026 · Second Reading
Opened this debate
-
Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder Commission of Inquiry Bill 2026; Second Reading
Senate · Tuesday 31 March 2026 · Second Reading
Opened this debate
-
Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder Commission of Inquiry Bill 2026; First Reading
Senate · Tuesday 31 March 2026 · First Reading
Contributed to this debate
-
Answers to Questions
Senate · Tuesday 31 March 2026 · Take Note Debate
Opened this debate
-
Universities Accord (Australian Tertiary Education Commission) Bill 2025, Universities Accord (Australian Tertiary Education Commission) (Consequential and Transitional Provisions) Bill 2025; In Committee
Senate · Monday 30 March 2026 · In Committee
Contributed to this debate · Position: mixed
-
Answers to Questions
Senate · Thursday 26 March 2026 · Take Note Debate
Opened this debate
-
Answers to Questions
Senate · Monday 23 March 2026 · Take Note Debate
Opened this debate
-
Answers to Questions
Senate · Thursday 12 March 2026 · Take Note Debate
Opened this debate
-
Fuel Security
Senate · Tuesday 10 March 2026 · Matter of Public Importance
Contributed to this debate · Position: oppose
-
Boswell, Hon. Ronald (Ron) Leslie Doyle, AO
Senate · Tuesday 3 March 2026 · Condolence
Contributed to this debate
-
Combatting Antisemitism, Hate and Extremism (Firearms and Customs Laws) Bill 2026; Second Reading
Senate · Tuesday 20 January 2026 · Second Reading
Contributed to this debate · Position: oppose
-
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
-
Energy
Senate · Monday 3 November 2025 · Take Note Debate
Opened this debate
-
Agriculture
Senate · Tuesday 2 September 2025 · Ministerial Statement
Responded as shadow minister
-
Answers to Questions
Senate · Monday 1 September 2025 · Take Note Debate
Responded as shadow minister
-
Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water
Senate · Tuesday 26 August 2025 · Matter of Public Importance
Responded as shadow minister
-
Stone, Mr John Owen, AO
Senate · Monday 28 July 2025 · Condolence
Contributed to this debate
-
Nixon, Hon. Peter James, AO
Senate · Thursday 24 July 2025 · Condolence
Contributed to this debate
-
Electricity Infrastructure Legislation Amendment Bill 2025; Second Reading
Senate · Thursday 13 February 2025 · Second Reading
Contributed to this debate · Position: oppose
-
Electoral Legislation Amendment (Electoral Reform) Bill 2024; In Committee
Senate · Wednesday 12 February 2025 · In Committee
Contributed to this debate
-
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
-
Answers to Questions
Senate · Thursday 6 February 2025 · Take Note Debate
Opened this debate
- Votes recorded
- 609
- Aye votes (67.0%)
- 408
- No votes (33.0%)
- 201
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 AYE -
Defence Force Discipline Amendment (RCDVS Implementation and Related Measures...
17 Sep 2026 · Ayes 30, Noes 24 · Passed
VOTED NO -
Corruption in the Construction Industry Select Committee; Appointment
17 Sep 2026 · Ayes 23, Noes 31 · Failed
VOTED AYE -
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 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 AYE -
Manufacturing Industry
16 Sep 2026 · Ayes 20, Noes 27 · Failed
VOTED AYE -
Personal Information and Privacy; Order for the Production of Documents
16 Sep 2026 · Ayes 30, Noes 19 · Passed
VOTED AYE -
Census; Order for the Production of Documents
16 Sep 2026 · Ayes 23, Noes 30 · Failed
VOTED AYE -
Improved Native Forest Management; Order for the Production of Documents
16 Sep 2026 · Ayes 26, Noes 31 · Failed
VOTED AYE -
Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport References Committee; Reference
16 Sep 2026 · Ayes 27, Noes 31 · Failed
VOTED AYE -
Middle East
16 Sep 2026 · Ayes 32, Noes 20 · Passed
VOTED NO -
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 AYE -
Cybersafety Legislation; Order for the Production of Documents
15 Sep 2026 · Ayes 34, Noes 19 · Passed
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 AYE -
Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport References Committee; Reference
14 Sep 2026 · Ayes 25, Noes 31 · Failed
VOTED AYE -
Cost of Living
14 Sep 2026 · Ayes 22, Noes 32 · Failed
VOTED AYE -
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 AYE -
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 AYE -
Major Sporting Events (Indicia and Images) Protection Amendment Bill 2026; Th...
14 Sep 2026 · Ayes 31, Noes 18 · Passed
VOTED NO -
Major Sporting Events (Indicia and Images) Protection Amendment Bill 2026; Se...
14 Sep 2026 · Ayes 31, Noes 18 · Passed
VOTED NO -
Regulatory Reform Omnibus Bill 2026; In Committee
14 Sep 2026 · Ayes 21, Noes 32 · Failed
VOTED AYE -
Regulatory Reform Omnibus Bill 2026; In Committee
14 Sep 2026 · Ayes 31, Noes 22 · Passed
VOTED NO -
Consideration of Legislation
14 Sep 2026 · Ayes 19, Noes 33 · Failed
VOTED NO -
Carbon Farming Initiative--Improved Forest Management in Multiple-use Public ...
10 Sep 2026 · Ayes 27, Noes 34 · Failed
VOTED AYE -
Statute Update Bill 2026; Limitation of Debate
10 Sep 2026 · Ayes 35, Noes 20 · Passed
VOTED AYE -
Statute Update Bill 2026; Limitation of Debate
10 Sep 2026 · Ayes 22, Noes 32 · Failed
VOTED AYE -
Statute Update Bill 2026; Limitation of Debate
10 Sep 2026 · Ayes 35, Noes 20 · Passed
VOTED AYE -
Statute Update Bill 2026; Limitation of Debate
10 Sep 2026 · Ayes 35, Noes 20 · Passed
VOTED AYE -
Regulatory Reform Omnibus Bill 2026; Second Reading
10 Sep 2026 · Ayes 23, Noes 32 · Failed
VOTED AYE -
Defence Properties; Order for the Production of Documents
10 Sep 2026 · Ayes 36, Noes 21 · Passed
VOTED AYE -
Rearrangement
10 Sep 2026 · Ayes 21, Noes 36 · Failed
VOTED NO -
Housing; Order for the Production of Documents
10 Sep 2026 · Ayes 37, Noes 21 · Passed
VOTED AYE -
Online Safety Amendment (Strengthening Enforcement for the Social Media Minim...
10 Sep 2026 · Ayes 31, Noes 20 · Passed
VOTED NO -
Online Safety Amendment (Strengthening Enforcement for the Social Media Minim...
10 Sep 2026 · Ayes 32, Noes 21 · Passed
VOTED NO -
Online Safety Amendment (Strengthening Enforcement for the Social Media Minim...
10 Sep 2026 · Ayes 22, Noes 31 · Failed
VOTED AYE -
Online Safety Amendment (Strengthening Enforcement for the Social Media Minim...
10 Sep 2026 · Ayes 22, Noes 31 · Failed
VOTED AYE -
Online Safety Amendment (Strengthening Enforcement for the Social Media Minim...
10 Sep 2026 · Ayes 20, Noes 30 · Failed
VOTED AYE -
Online Safety Amendment (Strengthening Enforcement for the Social Media Minim...
10 Sep 2026 · Ayes 33, Noes 23 · Passed
VOTED NO -
Protecting Australians from Foreign Terrorist Fighters Bill 2026; Second Read
10 Sep 2026 · Ayes 21, Noes 32 · Failed
VOTED AYE -
Superannuation
9 Sep 2026 · Ayes 21, Noes 34 · Failed
VOTED NO -
Taxation; Order for the Production of Documents
9 Sep 2026 · Ayes 27, Noes 33 · Failed
VOTED AYE
About this page
This page tracks Ross Cadell'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.