Sarah Hanson-Young
Australian Greens Senator for SA
Currently sitting
Photo: Australian Greens, CC BY-SA 2.5 au, via Wikimedia Commons
Seat and party history (1)
- Australian Greens - SA (Senate) - 1 Jul 2008 to present
- Seat and party records: OpenAustralia member data.
Contact
Office: (08) 8227 0425
Level 7, 147 Pirie Street, Adelaide SA 5000
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
Sarah Hanson-Young compared with all 76 sitting senators.
Questions asked in Question Time
Lower than 53% of senators- This member
- 9
- 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 86% of senators- This member
- 1045
- Average
- 743.0
- Median
- 730
Share of divisions voted in
Higher than 80% of senators- This member
- 93%
- 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 Sarah Hanson-Young
The senator asked when the government would introduce a moratorium on new AI data centres or ensure forthcoming AI legislation applied retrospectively to protect Australians. She pressed for a commitment to retrospective laws or a moratorium, citing concerns that corporations were rushing projects before guardrails were in place.
Background: New York and Texas imposed moratoriums on AI data centres, and tech CEOs called for regulation due to catastrophic risks.
Answer from Penny Wong
The minister stated that AI had enormous potential benefits and risks, requiring agreed guidelines for deployment. She confirmed that the government would legislate Australian standards for AI, ensuring large data centres met minimum requirements for energy, water, and location. She emphasized the need to keep Australians safe while spreading the benefits of the technology. She did not commit to a moratorium or retrospective legislation, instead focusing on the development of standards and guardrails to ensure safe rollout.
Question from Sarah Hanson-Young
The senator asked the minister what Peta Murphy would say regarding the government's approach to gambling reform.
Background: The question referenced Peta Murphy, a prominent advocate for gambling reform.
Answer from Penny Wong (Minister representing the Prime Minister)
The minister did not provide a substantive answer to the question, as the transcript indicates the exchange ended without a recorded response or with an interjection not captured in the provided text segments for a full answer.
Question from Sarah Hanson-Young
The senator asked why the government is allowing gambling ads to be shown more easily on streaming services than currently permitted. She followed up by asking why the government is letting the online gambling industry off the hook. Finally, she asked if the government would ban all gambling advertising on public broadcasters.
Background: Current rules ban gambling ads on streaming services during live sport between 5 am and 8 pm. Proposed changes would remove this ban. Senator Hanson-Young asked how the government claims to be taking strong action when this creates a regulatory loophole.
Answer from Don Farrell
The minister rejected the claim that the government was not doing enough, pointing to more than $110 million allocated for gambling harm reduction in the budget. He outlined $112 million over five years for consumer protections, including $39 million for financial counselling and $28.7 million to enhance BetStop. He asserted that the government had delivered the most significant gambling advertising reform in Australian history. He did not pledge to ban ads on public broadcasters, restating the scope of the current reforms.
Question from Sarah Hanson-Young
The member asked whether the government would support a $200 million two-year boost for wildlife resilience and habitat protection. She sought information on modelling regarding the impact on native species and when a moratorium on habitat clearing would be implemented.
Background: Australia confirmed its first cases of H5N1 bird flu, raising concerns about impacts on endangered wildlife and agriculture.
Answer from Murray Watt
The minister stated that the government had already invested $113 million in preparedness efforts, including $11 million in the current budget, based on susceptibility analyses of at-risk species. He noted that only two cases had been confirmed and that the government was treating the matter seriously. Regarding habitat clearing, the minister referenced recent environmental law reform legislation supported by the Greens, which included protections for threatened species. He declined to implement a moratorium, citing the existing legislative framework.
Question from Sarah Hanson-Young
The member asked why the government was failing to legislate a digital duty of care to protect Australians from harmful social media algorithms, despite a commitment made 18 months prior. She referenced the US court ruling against tech giants.
Background: A US jury found Meta and Google liable for designing addictive social media platforms, raising questions about the delay in implementing a digital duty of care in Australia.
Answer from Don Farrell
The minister claimed the government had taken world-leading action in this space, citing early leadership from the South Australian Premier. He stated that the government was not afraid of US political pressure. He dismissed the suggestion that the government was delaying action to avoid upsetting Donald Trump, answering 'no' to that specific implication. He emphasised that the government was protecting ordinary Australians, particularly young people.
Question from Sarah Hanson-Young
The senator asked whether the minister was prepared to compromise with climate-denying Coalition members on environmental reforms, implying this reflected poorly on Labor's principles. She followed up by asking if the laws were designed to appease fossil fuel interests and posed a risk to renewable energy investment. She also asked if the legislation made it easier and cheaper for coal and gas projects to gain approval.
Background: The senator questioned the minister's willingness to negotiate environmental laws with the Coalition, citing the National Party's recent abandonment of net-zero targets.
Answer from Murray Watt
The minister suggested that the Greens should support the reforms rather than blocking them, as they had done in the previous term. He argued that the legislation introduced stronger environmental standards than currently existed, contrary to the Greens' claims. He stated that the laws established national environmental standards for the first time, increased penalties for breaches, required proponents to mitigate impacts before offsetting, and mandated net gains for environmental offsets. He characterized the Greens' opposition as political grandstanding rather than a focus on outcomes.
Question from Sarah Hanson-Young
The senator asked if the government would work with the Greens to protect native forests and deliver modern environmental law reform. She also asked who was being consulted on the proposed coordinator-general role and whether the minister was running the consultation, questioning if the model would allow fossil fuel companies to bypass environmental laws.
Background: The government committed to reforming environmental laws, with the Treasurer suggesting a coordinator-general role to speed up approvals.
Answer from Murray Watt
The minister stated that the government was open to working with both the Greens and the Coalition to pass reforms that included strong protections and faster approvals. He explained that the Treasurer was establishing a Treasury Front Door and consulting on a Commonwealth coordinator-general role to better coordinate approvals across agencies, such as the Foreign Investment Review Board. He noted that environment groups supported faster approvals provided they aligned with new national safeguards, and that the government was listening to both industry and environmental sectors.
Question from Sarah Hanson-Young
The senator asked why the government had not declared the algal bloom a national disaster and whether fossil fuel companies like Santos and Woodside would be held liable for the damage.
Background: Senator Hanson-Young questioned the government's response to the toxic algal bloom in South Australia, criticizing the funding amount and the lack of a national disaster declaration.
Answer from Murray Watt
The minister stated that $14 million in federal funding had been provided, matching the South Australian government's request, as part of a $28 million package. He explained that the event was treated like a drought rather than a sudden natural disaster because it developed over time. He rejected calls to hold fossil fuel companies liable, emphasizing that the government used taxpayer funds to support the community and environment directly. He criticized the Greens for political point-scoring rather than providing solutions.
Question from Sarah Hanson-Young
The member asked if the government had compromised environmental protections to benefit the salmon industry. She questioned whether the laws would be weaker than those in place at the start of the term.
Background: Senator Hanson-Young asked the Minister representing the Environment Minister whether the new legislation would weaken environmental laws compared to when Labor took office.
Answer from Jenny McAllister
The minister accused the Greens of blocking previous reforms that would have established an independent EPA and increased penalties. She stated that the Greens preferred to keep issues unresolved for political gain. She argued that environmental progress in Australia had historically occurred under Labor governments.
Other Parliamentary Activity
-
Online Safety Amendment (Strengthening Enforcement for the Social Media Minimum Age) Bill 2026; In Committee
Senate · Thursday 10 September 2026 · In Committee
Contributed to this debate · Position: oppose
-
Online Safety Amendment (Strengthening Enforcement for the Social Media Minimum Age) Bill 2026; In Committee
Senate · Wednesday 9 September 2026 · In Committee
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Online Safety Amendment (Strengthening Enforcement for the Social Media Minimum Age) Bill 2026; Second Reading
Senate · Tuesday 8 September 2026 · Second Reading
Contributed to this debate · Position: mixed
-
News Journalism Payments Bill 2026, News Journalism Payments (Consequential Amendments) Bill 2026, News Media Bargaining (Administration) Bill 2026, News Media Bargaining Charge Bill 2026, Treasury Laws Amendment (News Media Bargaining) (Consequential) Bill 2026; Second Reading
Senate · Thursday 20 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; Second Reading
Senate · Wednesday 19 August 2026 · Second Reading
Contributed to this debate · Position: oppose
-
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: oppose
-
Gambling
Senate · Tuesday 18 August 2026 · Take Note Debate
Opened this debate
-
Criminal Code Amendment (Equal Access to Voluntary Assisted Dying) Bill 2026; Second Reading
Senate · Thursday 13 August 2026 · Second Reading
Opened this debate
-
Criminal Code Amendment (Equal Access to Voluntary Assisted Dying) Bill 2026; First Reading
Senate · Thursday 13 August 2026 · First Reading
Contributed to this debate
-
Data Centres
Senate · Tuesday 30 June 2026 · Matter of Public Importance
Contributed to this debate · Position: oppose
-
Treasury Laws Amendment (Delivering an Efficient and Trusted Tax System) Bill 2026; Second Reading
Senate · Monday 29 June 2026 · Second Reading
Contributed to this debate · Position: mixed
-
Online Safety and Other Legislation Amendment (My Face, My Rights) Bill 2025; Second Reading
Senate · Thursday 25 June 2026 · Second Reading
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Crossin, Ms Patricia Margaret (Trish), AM
Senate · Wednesday 24 June 2026 · Condolence
Contributed to this debate
-
Budget
Senate · Wednesday 13 May 2026 · Matter of Public Importance
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Online Safety Amendment (Fix Our Feeds) Bill 2026; Second Reading
Senate · Wednesday 1 April 2026 · Second Reading
Opened this debate
-
Online Safety Amendment (Fix Our Feeds) Bill 2026; First Reading
Senate · Wednesday 1 April 2026 · First Reading
Contributed to this debate
-
Criminal Code Amendment (Keeping Australia Safe) Bill 2026; Second Reading
Senate · Wednesday 1 April 2026 · Second Reading
Contributed to this debate · Position: oppose
-
Public Transport
Senate · Monday 30 March 2026 · Matter of Public Importance
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Fuel
Senate · Monday 30 March 2026 · General Debate
Contributed to this debate · Position: mixed
-
Fuel
Senate · Monday 23 March 2026 · Matter of Public Importance
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Online Safety Act 2021
Senate · Wednesday 4 March 2026 · General Debate
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Defence Amendment (Parliamentary Joint Committee on Defence) Bill 2025; In Committee
Senate · Tuesday 3 March 2026 · In Committee
Contributed to this debate · Position: oppose
-
Middle East
Senate · Monday 2 March 2026 · Take Note Debate
Opened this debate
-
Bolkus, Hon. Nick
Senate · Tuesday 3 February 2026 · Condolence
Contributed to this debate
-
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; Second Reading
Senate · Thursday 27 November 2025 · Second Reading
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
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
Opened 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; Limitation of Debate
Senate · Thursday 27 November 2025 · Limitation of Debate
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Question Time
Senate · Monday 3 November 2025 · General Debate
Contributed to this debate · Position: mixed
-
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: support
-
Immigration
Senate · Monday 1 September 2025 · Take Note Debate
Contributed to this debate · Position: oppose
-
Environment
Senate · Wednesday 27 August 2025 · Take Note Debate
Opened this debate
-
Defence Housing Australia Amendment Bill 2025; Second Reading
Senate · Monday 25 August 2025 · Second Reading
Contributed to this debate · Position: oppose
-
Universities Accord (Cutting Student Debt by 20 Per Cent) Bill 2025; Third Reading
Senate · Thursday 31 July 2025 · Third Reading
Contributed to this debate
-
Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Amendment (Climate Trigger) Bill 2022; Second Reading
Senate · Wednesday 23 July 2025 · Second Reading
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
-
Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Amendment (Reconsiderations) Bill 2025; Reference to Committee
Senate · Tuesday 25 March 2025 · Reference to Committee
Opened this debate
-
Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Amendment (Reconsideration of Decisions) Bill 2024; Second Reading
Senate · Wednesday 12 February 2025 · Second Reading
Contributed to this debate · Position: oppose
-
Great Australian Bight (World Heritage Protection) Bill 2025; Second Reading
Senate · Tuesday 11 February 2025 · Second Reading
Opened this debate
-
Great Australian Bight (World Heritage Protection) Bill 2025; First Reading
Senate · Tuesday 11 February 2025 · First Reading
Contributed to this debate
-
Interactive Gambling Amendment (Ban Gambling Ads) Bill 2024; Second Reading
Senate · Wednesday 5 February 2025 · Second Reading
Opened this debate
-
Nature Positive (Environment Protection Australia) Bill 2024, Nature Positive (Environment Information Australia) Bill 2024, Nature Positive (Environment Law Amendments and Transitional Provisions) Bill 2024
Senate · Tuesday 4 February 2025 · Matter of Public Importance
Contributed to this debate · Position: oppose
- Votes recorded
- 1045
- Aye votes (57.0%)
- 596
- No votes (43.0%)
- 449
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 Sarah Hanson-Young'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.