Sarah Henderson
Liberal Party Senator for VIC
Currently sitting
Photo: Alan Barber, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Seat and party history (2)
- Liberal Party - VIC (Senate) - 11 Sep 2019 to present
- Liberal Party - Corangamite (House) - 7 Sep 2013 to 18 May 2019
- Seat and party records: OpenAustralia member data.
Contact
Office: (03) 5221 5900
231-233 Moorabool Street, Geelong VIC 3220
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 Henderson compared with all 76 sitting senators.
Questions asked in Question Time
Lower than 66% of senators- This member
- 6
- Average
- 10.4
- Median
- 10
Debates spoken in
Lower than 80% of senators- This member
- 26
- Average
- 44.8
- Median
- 40
Votes cast
Lower than 59% of senators- This member
- 655
- Average
- 743.0
- Median
- 730
Share of divisions voted in
Lower than 62% of senators- This member
- 58%
- 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 Henderson
The member asked when the government became aware of the six cancelled fuel shipments and whether any further shipments had been contracted, asserting this was a matter of national interest.
Background: The member followed up on a previous question regarding when the government became aware of six cancelled fuel shipments.
Answer from Tim Ayres
The minister updated the figure of petrol stations with unavailable fuel grades from nine per cent to eight per cent. He stated that the Minister for Climate Change and Energy had been in daily contact with fuel companies since the Middle East crisis began, with companies locking in supply until mid-April. He declined to release commercial-in-confidence information daily but confirmed that on Saturday, he discussed cancelled ships with industry representatives. In response to supplements, he provided days of supply figures as of 17 March: 38 days for unleaded petrol, 30 days for jet fuel, and 30 days for diesel. He also announced changes to diesel standards to free up more supply.
Question from Sarah Henderson
The member asked if the government accepted that fuel shortages were forcing transport operators and businesses to shut down, citing warnings of crop losses and livestock deaths. She challenged the government to admit the reality of the crisis.
Background: A fuel distributor reported severe wholesale price spikes and reduced distribution capacity.
Answer from Tim Ayres
The minister denied that Australia faced a supply challenge, stating that ships were arriving as predicted and stocks remained high. He attributed the crisis to unprecedented consumer demand and panic buying, citing the National Farmers' Federation's report of a 40 per cent increase in demand. He reiterated that penalties for price gouging were being doubled and accused opposition parties of spreading fear and division rather than addressing the issue transparently.
Question from Sarah Henderson
The member asked if the Minister for Trade was consulted before signing the declaration and whether economic modelling was conducted on its impact on coal and gas exports.
Background: The government signed the Belem declaration on transitioning away from fossil fuels.
Answer from Don Farrell
The minister stated that climate issues fell under the purview of the Minister for Climate Change and Energy. He rejected the premise that the declaration ended fossil fuel exports, emphasizing the continued role of gas as a transition fuel. He noted that Australia would continue to honor contractual obligations for gas exports, particularly to Japan.
Question from Sarah Henderson
The member asked why superannuation funds were the biggest beneficiaries of the Housing Australia Future Fund. She questioned the government's transparency and the suitability of super funds as landlords.
Background: Superannuation funds were major beneficiaries of the Housing Australia Future Fund, raising concerns about conflicts of interest.
Answer from Katy Gallagher
The minister stated that all HAFF applications were handled independently. She highlighted the government's commitment to social housing and the use of various levers, including super funds, to deliver housing. She did not address the specific concern about conflicts of interest.
Question from Sarah Henderson
The senator asked whether the government would rule out a spare bedroom tax today. She pressed for a direct confirmation that there would be no such tax under the Prime Minister's leadership.
Background: Senator Henderson asked the minister to rule out a spare bedroom tax, referencing previous government statements.
Answer from Penny Wong
The minister confirmed there were no plans for bedroom inspectors. She stated that the government would keep improving tax efficiency and fairness, implementing tax cuts for every Australian on 1 July 2024, 2026, and 2027. She criticised the opposition for not learning from the election and for engaging in internal debates on policy.
Question from Sarah Henderson
The senator asked when the Treasurer would introduce quantifiable fiscal rules to control spending, citing calls from the roundtable for fiscal discipline.
Background: The Treasurer held an Economic Reform Roundtable where attendees called for budget rules.
Answer from Katy Gallagher
The minister defended the government's fiscal record, citing two budget surpluses and a $207 billion improvement in the budget position. She stated that the government's fiscal strategy included improving the budget position and reducing gross debt, which had decreased by $177 billion. She noted that average real spending growth was kept to 1.7 per cent per year, well below the 30-year average.
Other Parliamentary Activity
-
Online Safety Amendment (Strengthening Enforcement for the Social Media Minimum Age) Bill 2026; In Committee
Senate · Wednesday 9 September 2026 · In Committee
Responded as shadow minister
-
Online Safety Amendment (Strengthening Enforcement for the Social Media Minimum Age) Bill 2026; Second Reading
Senate · Tuesday 8 September 2026 · Second Reading
Opened this debate
-
Major Sporting Events (Indicia and Images) Protection Amendment Bill 2026; Second Reading
Senate · Monday 7 September 2026 · Second Reading
Opened this debate
-
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: support
-
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
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; In Committee
Senate · Wednesday 19 August 2026 · In Committee
Responded as shadow minister · Position: support
-
Superannuation Legislation Amendment (Tackling the Gender Super Gap) Bill 2025; Second Reading
Senate · Wednesday 24 June 2026 · Second Reading
Opened this debate
-
Superannuation Legislation Amendment (Tackling the Gender Super Gap) Bill 2025; Second Reading
Senate · Wednesday 13 May 2026 · Second Reading
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Online Safety Act 2021
Senate · Wednesday 4 March 2026 · General Debate
Contributed to this debate · Position: oppose
-
Cost of Living
Senate · Thursday 5 February 2026 · General Debate
Opened this debate
-
Allen, Dr Katrina Jane (Katie)
Senate · Wednesday 4 February 2026 · Condolence
Contributed to this debate
-
Answers to Questions
Senate · Tuesday 3 February 2026 · Take Note Debate
Contributed to this debate · Position: oppose
-
Answers to Questions
Senate · Wednesday 26 November 2025 · Take Note Debate
Contributed to this debate · Position: oppose
-
Migration, Economy
Senate · Tuesday 4 November 2025 · Take Note Debate
Contributed to this debate · Position: oppose
-
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: oppose
-
Albanese Government
Senate · Thursday 4 September 2025 · General Debate
Opened this debate
-
Answers to Questions
Senate · Monday 1 September 2025 · Take Note Debate
Contributed to this debate · Position: oppose
-
Taxation
Senate · Tuesday 26 August 2025 · Matter of Public Importance
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Fair Work Amendment (Protecting Penalty and Overtime Rates) Bill 2025; Second Reading
Senate · Tuesday 26 August 2025 · Second Reading
Responded as shadow minister
-
Answers to Questions
Senate · Tuesday 26 August 2025 · Take Note Debate
Contributed to this debate · Position: oppose
-
Universities Accord (Cutting Student Debt by 20 Per Cent) Bill 2025; In Committee
Senate · Wednesday 30 July 2025 · In Committee
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Universities Accord (National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-based Violence) Bill 2025, Universities Accord (National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-based Violence) (Consequential Amendments) Bill 2025; Second Reading
Senate · Tuesday 29 July 2025 · Second Reading
Contributed to this debate · Position: mixed
-
Universities Accord (Cutting Student Debt by 20 Per Cent) Bill 2025; Second Reading
Senate · Tuesday 29 July 2025 · Second Reading
Contributed to this debate · Position: oppose
-
Andrews, Hon. Kevin James, AM
Senate · Tuesday 11 February 2025 · Condolence
Contributed to this debate
-
Interactive Gambling Amendment (Ban Gambling Ads) Bill 2024; Second Reading
Senate · Wednesday 5 February 2025 · Second Reading
Responded as shadow minister
-
Antisemitism
Senate · Tuesday 4 February 2025 · Take Note Debate
Opened this debate
- Votes recorded
- 655
- Aye votes (68.7%)
- 450
- No votes (31.3%)
- 205
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 -
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 -
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 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 -
Red Lines Package Omnibus Bill 2026; First Reading
15 Sep 2026 · Ayes 39, Noes 14 · Passed
VOTED NO -
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 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 -
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 -
Senate Estimates: Questions on Notice; Order for the Production of Documents
9 Sep 2026 · Ayes 37, Noes 22 · Passed
VOTED AYE -
Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport References Committee; Reference
9 Sep 2026 · Ayes 23, Noes 35 · Failed
VOTED AYE -
Online Safety Amendment (Strengthening Enforcement for the Social Media Minim...
9 Sep 2026 · Ayes 31, Noes 22 · Passed
VOTED NO -
Defence Properties
8 Sep 2026 · Ayes 39, Noes 23 · Passed
VOTED AYE
About this page
This page tracks Sarah Henderson'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.