Simon Kennedy
Liberal Party Member for Cook
Currently sitting
Seat and party history (1)
- Liberal Party - Cook (House) - 13 Apr 2024 to present
- Seat and party records: OpenAustralia member data.
Contact
Electorate office: (02) 9523 0339
Suite 102, Level 1, 30 The Kingsway, Cronulla NSW 2230
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
Simon Kennedy compared with all 150 sitting House members.
Questions asked in Question Time
Lower than 54% of House members- This member
- 10
- Average
- 11.2
- Median
- 12
Debates spoken in
Higher than 59% of House members- This member
- 37
- Average
- 35.9
- Median
- 30.5
Votes cast
Lower than 70% of House members- This member
- 228
- Average
- 253.0
- Median
- 265
Share of divisions voted in
Lower than 74% of House members- This member
- 69%
- 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 Simon Kennedy
The member asked what the Prime Minister discussed with Mr Shah during the dinner and how this aligned with safety agendas.
Background: Reports indicated the Prime Minister attended a fundraising dinner with Kunal Shah, who was subsequently charged with selling prohibited weapons.
Answer from Anthony Albanese
The Prime Minister declined to answer the specific question, characterizing it as a smear campaign by the opposition. He criticized the opposition for focusing on this issue rather than the job losses at Whyalla Steelworks.
Question from Simon Kennedy
The member asked why younger Australians are denied opportunities that the Prime Minister and his cabinet colleagues benefit from, referencing the Prime Minister's use of negative gearing and capital gains tax discounts.
Background: The member for Cook questioned the Prime Minister about his personal property ownership and negative gearing, citing reports that many Labor cabinet members own multiple properties.
Answer from Anthony Albanese
The Prime Minister withdrew the question, stating the premise was wrong. He clarified that he bought a house in Marrickville, lived in it as his family home, and later sold it. He noted that he and his wife recently bought a home for their future, which was publicly declared. He emphasized that the family home is sacrosanct and criticized the Opposition for focusing on personal wealth rather than legitimate policy criticism.
Question from Simon Kennedy
The member asked why the Prime Minister was preventing the next generation from using negative gearing and capital gains discounts, which he had personally used.
Background: The Shadow Assistant Minister asked the Prime Minister why he was stopping the next generation from using negative gearing and capital gains discounts, which the Prime Minister had personally benefited from.
Answer from Anthony Albanese
The Prime Minister stated that the government was ensuring young people were not left behind in the housing market. He clarified that people could still negatively gear properties and apply the 50 per cent capital gains discount, but the changes would encourage investment in new homes rather than existing ones, benefiting both individual aspiration and national housing supply. He contrasted this practical approach with the opposition's focus on internal leadership disputes.
Question from Simon Kennedy
The member asked the Prime Minister to confirm if 10 per cent of New South Wales service stations had no diesel and how many stations across Australia were without fuel.
Background: Reports indicated that some service stations in New South Wales had no diesel.
Answer from Anthony Albanese
The Prime Minister acknowledged supply issues at select petrol stations but did not provide specific numbers. He reiterated that the government was working to increase supply through changing fuel standards, releasing 20 per cent of reserves, and using Export Finance Australia to secure imports. He cited support from business leaders and some opposition members for these extraordinary measures.
Question from Simon Kennedy
The member asked whether the minister had received briefings from state or territory governments regarding fuel rationing measures.
Background: The Shadow Assistant Minister to the Leader asked the Minister for Climate Change and Energy if he had been briefed by state governments on fuel rationing, citing a report on NSW wargaming emergency powers.
Answer from Chris Bowen
The Minister confirmed that state and territory ministers had met with him on Friday to compare notes on contingency planning and powers. He referenced the National Liquid Fuel Emergency Response Plan and its graduated approach. The Minister criticized the member for spreading misinformation, specifically denying claims that the federal government was forcing fuel exports. He emphasized the need for factual communication with the public.
Question from Simon Kennedy
The member asked why the Treasurer would not acknowledge that government spending contributed to the interest rate rise.
Background: The Reserve Bank governor stated that government spending contributes to aggregate demand and inflationary pressures.
Answer from Jim Chalmers
The Treasurer argued that the opposition was conflating public demand as part of aggregate demand with public demand being the cause of recent inflation. He cited the Reserve Bank governor's statement that private demand, not public spending, drove the recent inflationary tick-up. He criticised the opposition for misrepresenting the governor's comments.
Question from Simon Kennedy
The member asked if a 20 per cent decrease in power bills was now government policy, citing a statement by the member for Solomon.
Background: A government member claimed on Sky News that power bills would decrease by 20 per cent.
Answer from Anthony Albanese
The Prime Minister expressed skepticism about the premise that a non-coalition member was on Sky News. He noted that the member for Solomon was quoting the Climate Change Authority's advice, which projected a 20 per cent fall in average household energy costs over the next decade under a coordinated renewables rollout. He advised the member to circulate his own past McKinsey article on net zero benefits.
Question from Simon Kennedy
The member asked when the government would address cost-of-living pressures, noting that many households were skipping meals or seeking financial assistance.
Background: The member cited statistics showing high levels of food insecurity and financial stress among New South Wales residents ahead of Christmas.
Answer from Anthony Albanese
The Prime Minister outlined several measures, including reducing the price of medicines to $25 from 1 January and freezing prices for pensioners at $7.70. He noted that 108,000 households had installed cheaper batteries, lowering their energy bills, and that tax cuts had been implemented for 14 million taxpayers. He argued that the opposition had opposed these measures and focused on internal disputes rather than helping families.
Question from Simon Kennedy
The member asked the minister to confirm if the statistic linking long wait times to higher death rates was true.
Background: A submission stated that waiting over six months for a home-care package increased the chance of death by 18 per cent.
Answer from Sam Rae
The minister stated he had canvassed these matters extensively and referred the member to his previous answers.
Question from Simon Kennedy
The member asked why the Prime Minister would not apologize for weak leadership given the rise in living costs.
Background: The member cited increases in food, gas, rents, and mortgage costs since the election.
Answer from Anthony Albanese
The Prime Minister rejected the premise, noting the opposition had opposed energy bill relief, cheaper medicines, higher wages, and tax cuts. He stated that if the opposition had their way, Australians would have been $7,200 worse off. He emphasized that the government had decreased inflation and increased wages while maintaining low unemployment.
Other Parliamentary Activity
-
Energy
House of Representatives · Monday 14 September 2026 · General Debate
Responded as shadow minister
-
Economy
House of Representatives · Monday 14 September 2026 · General Debate
Responded as shadow minister
-
Private Health Insurance Amendment (Modernising the Private Health Insurance Rebate) Bill 2026; Second Reading
House of Representatives · Thursday 10 September 2026 · Second Reading
Contributed to this debate · Position: oppose
-
Economy
House of Representatives · Monday 7 September 2026 · General Debate
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Combatting Illicit Tobacco Bill 2026; Second Reading
House of Representatives · 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; Second Reading
House of Representatives · Wednesday 12 August 2026 · Second Reading
Contributed to this debate
-
Defence Legislation Amendment (RCDVS Implementation and Related Measures No. 2) Bill 2026; Second Reading
House of Representatives · Wednesday 1 July 2026 · Second Reading
Contributed to this debate · Position: oppose
-
Paid Parental Leave
House of Representatives · Monday 29 June 2026 · General Debate
Contributed to this debate · Position: oppose
-
Workplace Relations Legislation Amendment (Building Cooperative Workplaces No. 1) Bill 2026; Second Reading
House of Representatives · Wednesday 24 June 2026 · Second Reading
Contributed to this debate · Position: mixed
-
Taxation
House of Representatives · Wednesday 3 June 2026 · Matter of Public Importance
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Treasury Laws Amendment (Tax Reform No. 1) Bill 2026, Income Tax Rates Amendment (Tax Reform No. 1) Bill 2026; Second Reading
House of Representatives · Tuesday 2 June 2026 · Second Reading
Contributed to this debate · Position: oppose
-
Telecommunications Legislation Amendment (Universal Outdoor Mobile Obligation) Bill 2025; Second Reading
House of Representatives · Thursday 28 May 2026 · Second Reading
Contributed to this debate · Position: mixed
-
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 · Thursday 28 May 2026 · Second Reading
Opened this debate
-
Budget
House of Representatives · Wednesday 27 May 2026 · Matter of Public Importance
Contributed to this debate · Position: oppose
-
National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026; Second Reading
House of Representatives · Wednesday 27 May 2026 · Second Reading
Contributed to this debate · Position: mixed
-
Treasury Laws Amendment (Fuel Excise Relief) Bill 2026; Second Reading
House of Representatives · Tuesday 31 March 2026 · Second Reading
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Housing
House of Representatives · Monday 30 March 2026 · General Debate
Contributed to this debate · Position: oppose
-
High Seas Biodiversity Bill 2026; Second Reading
House of Representatives · Monday 30 March 2026 · Second Reading
Responded as shadow minister
-
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: mixed
-
Fuel
House of Representatives · Tuesday 24 March 2026 · Matter of Public Importance
Responded as shadow minister
-
Artificial Intelligence
House of Representatives · Monday 23 March 2026 · General Debate
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Telecommunications Legislation Amendment (Universal Outdoor Mobile Obligation) Bill 2025; Second Reading
House of Representatives · Monday 2 March 2026 · Second Reading
Contributed to this debate
-
Government Spending
House of Representatives · Monday 2 March 2026 · General Debate
Contributed to this debate · Position: oppose
-
Cook Electorate: Community Events
House of Representatives · Tuesday 10 February 2026 · General Debate
Opened this debate
-
Small Business
House of Representatives · Monday 9 February 2026 · General Debate
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Corporations Amendment (Digital Assets Framework) Bill 2025; Second Reading
House of Representatives · Tuesday 3 February 2026 · Second Reading
Opened this debate
-
Bondi Beach Attack Victims
House of Representatives · Monday 19 January 2026 · Condolence
Contributed to this debate
-
Energy
House of Representatives · Thursday 27 November 2025 · Matter of Public Importance
Contributed to this debate · Position: oppose
-
Medicare
House of Representatives · Monday 24 November 2025 · General Debate
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Excise Tariff Amendment (Draught Beer) Bill 2025, Customs Tariff Amendment (Draught Beer) Bill 2025; Second Reading
House of Representatives · Monday 24 November 2025 · Second Reading
Responded as shadow minister
-
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
House of Representatives · Wednesday 5 November 2025 · Second Reading
Contributed to this debate · Position: oppose
-
Economy
House of Representatives · Thursday 30 October 2025 · Matter of Public Importance
Contributed to this debate · Position: oppose
-
Manufacturing Industry
House of Representatives · Thursday 9 October 2025 · Matter of Public Importance
Contributed to this debate · Position: oppose
-
Telecommunications
House of Representatives · Wednesday 8 October 2025 · Matter of Public Importance
Contributed to this debate · Position: oppose
-
Appropriation Bill (No. 1) 2025-2026; Consideration in Detail
House of Representatives · Wednesday 8 October 2025 · Consideration in Detail
Contributed to this debate · Position: oppose
-
Fair Work Amendment (Protecting Penalty and Overtime Rates) Bill 2025; Second Reading
House of Representatives · Thursday 31 July 2025 · Second Reading
Responded as shadow minister
-
Cost of Living
House of Representatives · Tuesday 11 February 2025 · Matter of Public Importance
Contributed to this debate · Position: oppose
- Votes recorded
- 228
- Aye votes (40.8%)
- 93
- No votes (59.2%)
- 135
Showing the latest 50 votes.
-
Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Veterans' Healthcare With...
17 Sep 2026 · Ayes 85, Noes 40 · Passed
VOTED NO -
Rearrangement
17 Sep 2026 · Ayes 42, Noes 87 · Failed
VOTED AYE -
Suspension of Standing and Sessional Orders
17 Sep 2026 · Ayes 42, Noes 89 · Failed
VOTED AYE -
Suspension of Standing and Sessional Orders
16 Sep 2026 · Ayes 85, Noes 44 · Passed
VOTED NO -
Private Health Insurance Amendment (Modernising the Private Health Insurance ...
16 Sep 2026 · Ayes 88, Noes 48 · Passed
VOTED NO -
Private Health Insurance Amendment (Modernising the Private Health Insurance ...
16 Sep 2026 · Ayes 87, Noes 48 · Passed
VOTED NO -
Private Health Insurance Amendment (Modernising the Private Health Insurance ...
16 Sep 2026 · Ayes 86, Noes 47 · Passed
VOTED NO -
Private Health Insurance Amendment (Modernising the Private Health Insurance ...
16 Sep 2026 · Ayes 45, Noes 87 · Failed
VOTED AYE -
Private Health Insurance Amendment (Modernising the Private Health Insurance ...
16 Sep 2026 · Ayes 46, Noes 86 · Failed
VOTED AYE -
Rearrangement
15 Sep 2026 · Ayes 49, Noes 87 · Failed
VOTED AYE -
Consideration of Legislation
14 Sep 2026 · Ayes 43, Noes 87 · Failed
VOTED AYE -
Regulatory Reform Omnibus Bill 2026; Consideration of Senate Message
14 Sep 2026 · Ayes 95, Noes 43 · Passed
VOTED NO -
Regulatory Reform Omnibus Bill 2026; Consideration of Senate Message
14 Sep 2026 · Ayes 95, Noes 42 · Passed
VOTED NO -
Albanese Government; Attempted Censure
14 Sep 2026 · Ayes 46, Noes 86 · Failed
VOTED AYE -
Statute Update Bill 2026; Consideration of Senate Message
14 Sep 2026 · Ayes 84, Noes 48 · Passed
VOTED NO -
Online Safety Amendment (Strengthening Enforcement for the Social Media Minim...
10 Sep 2026 · Ayes 95, Noes 37 · Passed
VOTED NO -
Online Safety Amendment (Strengthening Enforcement for the Social Media Minim...
10 Sep 2026 · Ayes 96, Noes 36 · Passed
VOTED NO -
Carbon Credits (Carbon Farming Initiative-Improved Forest Management in Multi...
10 Sep 2026 · Ayes 38, Noes 92 · Failed
VOTED AYE -
Telecommunications Legislation Amendment (Universal Outdoor Mobile Obligation...
9 Sep 2026 · Ayes 52, Noes 86 · Failed
VOTED AYE -
Gun Control
9 Sep 2026 · Ayes 88, Noes 47 · Passed
VOTED NO -
Veterans
7 Sep 2026 · Ayes 88, Noes 49 · Passed
VOTED NO -
Cash Distribution Framework Bill 2026; Consideration of Senate Message
20 Aug 2026 · Ayes 84, Noes 34 · Passed
VOTED NO -
Economy
20 Aug 2026 · Ayes 41, Noes 85 · Failed
VOTED AYE -
Universities Accord (Opening the Doors of Opportunity) Bill 2026; Considerati...
20 Aug 2026 · Ayes 90, Noes 36 · Passed
VOTED NO -
Counter-Terrorism Legislation Amendment Bill 2026; Report from Federation Cha...
20 Aug 2026 · Ayes 39, Noes 90 · Failed
VOTED AYE -
Australia's Foreign Relations (State and Territory Arrangements) Amendment Bi...
19 Aug 2026 · Ayes 38, Noes 80 · Failed
VOTED AYE -
Combatting Illicit Tobacco Bill 2026; Report from Federation Chamber
19 Aug 2026 · Ayes 41, Noes 84 · Failed
VOTED AYE -
Minister for Veterans' Affairs
19 Aug 2026 · Ayes 83, Noes 44 · Passed
VOTED NO -
News Journalism Payments Bill 2026; Second Reading
19 Aug 2026 · Ayes 40, Noes 83 · Failed
VOTED AYE -
Interactive Gambling Amendment (Gambling Reform) Bill 2026; Third Reading
18 Aug 2026 · Ayes 103, Noes 14 · Passed
VOTED AYE -
Interactive Gambling Amendment (Gambling Reform) Bill 2026; Consideration in ...
18 Aug 2026 · Ayes 102, Noes 14 · Passed
VOTED AYE -
Interactive Gambling Amendment (Gambling Reform) Bill 2026; Consideration in ...
18 Aug 2026 · Ayes 33, Noes 95 · Failed
VOTED AYE -
Interactive Gambling Amendment (Gambling Reform) Bill 2026; Consideration in ...
18 Aug 2026 · Ayes 96, Noes 9 · Passed
VOTED AYE -
Minister for Veterans' Affairs and Defence Personnel; Attempted Censure
17 Aug 2026 · Ayes 86, Noes 43 · Passed
VOTED NO -
Cash Distribution Framework Bill 2026; Reference to Federation Chamber
12 Aug 2026 · Ayes 40, Noes 83 · Failed
VOTED AYE -
Aged Care Amendment (Restoring Human Override for Aged Care Needs Assessments...
11 Aug 2026 · Ayes 42, Noes 87 · Failed
VOTED AYE -
Rearrangement
11 Aug 2026 · Ayes 86, Noes 47 · Passed
VOTED NO -
Rearrangement
2 Jul 2026 · Ayes 90, Noes 42 · Passed
VOTED NO -
Health Insurance Amendment (Incentive Payments and Other Measures) Bill 2026;...
2 Jul 2026 · Ayes 39, Noes 92 · Failed
VOTED AYE -
Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Joint Committee; Appointment
2 Jul 2026 · Ayes 38, Noes 101 · Failed
VOTED AYE -
National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future ...
1 Jul 2026 · Ayes 100, Noes 9 · Passed
VOTED AYE -
National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future ...
1 Jul 2026 · Ayes 101, Noes 7 · Passed
VOTED AYE -
Regulatory Reform Omnibus Bill 2026; Report from Federation Chamber
1 Jul 2026 · Ayes 9, Noes 68 · Failed
VOTED NO -
Health Legislation Amendment (Prescribing of Pharmaceutical Benefits) Bill 20...
1 Jul 2026 · Ayes 90, Noes 43 · Passed
VOTED NO -
Health Legislation Amendment (Prescribing of Pharmaceutical Benefits) Bill 20...
1 Jul 2026 · Ayes 90, Noes 43 · Passed
VOTED NO -
Online Safety Amendment (Strengthening Enforcement for the Social Media Minim...
1 Jul 2026 · Ayes 43, Noes 92 · Failed
VOTED AYE -
National Anti-Corruption Commission Joint Committee; Consideration of Senate ...
1 Jul 2026 · Ayes 93, Noes 45 · Passed
VOTED NO -
Member for Groom
30 Jun 2026 · Ayes 102, Noes 33 · Passed
VOTED NO -
Treasury Laws Amendment (Financial Reporting System Reform) Bill 2026; Consid...
30 Jun 2026 · Ayes 98, Noes 40 · Passed
VOTED NO -
Treasury Laws Amendment (Financial Reporting System Reform) Bill 2026; Consid...
30 Jun 2026 · Ayes 91, Noes 48 · Passed
VOTED NO
About this page
This page tracks Simon Kennedy'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.