Regional Australia

Summaries in reported speech - not a transcript.

• Rural, Regional and Remote Australia: Infrastructure

  House of Representatives · Thursday 17 September 2026 · Fiona Phillips ALP

  The member asked how the government was delivering real change for regional communities and how this compared to other approaches.

  Answered by Kristy McBain

• Migration

  House of Representatives · Wednesday 16 September 2026 · Helen Haines Ind

  The member asked if the minister would urgently update his direction and reverse the go-slow on working holiday visas, citing desperate employer needs in nursing, fruit picking, and bushfire recovery.

  Answered by Tony Burke

• Regional Australia

  House of Representatives · Wednesday 16 September 2026 · Jess Teesdale ALP

  The member asked how the government was serving those residing and employed in regional areas and how this compared to other approaches.

  Answered by Kristy McBain

• Langby, Dusty

  House of Representatives · Tuesday 15 September 2026 · Mike Freelander ALP

  The member asked about Dusty Langby's recent activities and the importance of his work for sick children in regional Australia.

  Answered by Anthony Albanese

• Private Health Insurance

  House of Representatives · Monday 14 September 2026 · Andrew Wallace LNP

  The member asked why the government would not review its stance on the private health insurance rebate, citing the financial impact on older Australians.

  Answered by Mark Butler

• International Relations: Australia and the Pacific Islands

  House of Representatives · Monday 7 September 2026 · Kara Cook ALP

  The member asked how the government was backing Pacific nations to deliver a safe and prosperous region.

  Answered by Pat Conroy

• Manufacturing Industry

  Senate · Wednesday 19 August 2026 · Deborah O'Neill ALP

  The senator asked the minister to explain how the government's manufacturing investments, including the Tomago Aluminium project, contribute to national resilience and create well-paid jobs in regional areas.

  Answered by Tim Ayres

• Sport

  House of Representatives · Tuesday 18 August 2026 · Rebekha Sharkie Centre Alliance

  The member asked whether the government would contemplate laws requiring gambling firms to fund a community benefit round for delivering regional sporting infrastructure.

  Answered by Anika Wells

• International Relations: Australia and the Indo-Pacific

  Senate · Tuesday 11 August 2026 · Raff Ciccone ALP

  The senator asked the minister to explain the importance of the new treaties for Australia and how ongoing involvement with the Pacific region strengthens Australia's position. He referenced the recent Pacific Islands Fo...

  Answered by Penny Wong

• Pacific Islands

  House of Representatives · Tuesday 11 August 2026 · Matt Smith ALP

  The member asked how the government was strengthening ties with Pacific nations and the broader region.

  Answered by Richard Marles

• Export Finance Australia

  Senate · Thursday 2 July 2026 · Don Farrell ALP

  The member asked how financing Indian renewable projects met the purpose of Export Finance Australia, given the lack of Australian products or jobs involved.

  Answered by Matthew Canavan

• Small Business

  Senate · Wednesday 1 July 2026 · Glenn Sterle ALP

  The member asked how the government was helping small businesses grow and create jobs. He later asked how these measures supported regional communities and why the government had taken this approach.

  Answered by Tim Ayres

• Health Care

  House of Representatives · Tuesday 30 June 2026 · Helen Haines Ind

  The member asked if the government could guarantee that rural communities without Medicare urgent care clinics would not lose access to after-hours care.

  Answered by Mark Butler

• Pacific Islands

  House of Representatives · Monday 29 June 2026 · Joanne Ryan ALP

  The member asked how the government was fostering relationships to deliver a safe and prosperous Pacific while supporting regional and national security.

  Answered by Pat Conroy

• Vanuatu-Australia Nakamal Agreement

  Senate · Monday 29 June 2026 · Dorinda Cox ALP

  The senator asked for an explanation of the Nakamal Agreement's significance for Australia and regional security. She followed up by asking how strengthening Pacific relationships makes Australians safer. Finally, she as...

  Answered by Penny Wong

• Housing

  House of Representatives · Monday 29 June 2026 · Anne Webster Nationals

  The member asked how many first home buyers now owed more than their home was worth.

  Answered by Clare O'Neil

• Tertiary Education and Training

  House of Representatives · Thursday 25 June 2026 · Anne Urquhart ALP

  The member asked what measures the government was taking to help disadvantaged and regional students attend university and what policies would reduce access.

  Answered by Jason Clare

• Fuel

  House of Representatives · Tuesday 23 June 2026 · Sam Birrell Nationals

  The member asked whether the Prime Minister would exclude the possibility of acceding to the Greens' call to end the diesel fuel rebate.

  Answered by Anthony Albanese

• Banking and Financial Services

  House of Representatives · Monday 22 June 2026 · Helen Haines Ind

  The member asked the Treasurer to commit to tabling a response to the bank closures report before any further branch closures occurred.

  Answered by Jim Chalmers

• Budget

  House of Representatives · Thursday 4 June 2026 · Justine Elliot ALP

  The member asked how the government was ensuring young people in regional communities could own homes and what obstacles remained.

  Answered by Catherine King

• Budget

  House of Representatives · Thursday 4 June 2026 · Anne Webster Nationals

  The member asked if detached granny flats counted toward housing targets and why builders of such flats were excluded from negative gearing, suggesting the government was making up rules.

  Answered by Clare O'Neil

• Regional Security

  House of Representatives · Wednesday 3 June 2026 · Angus Taylor Liberal

  The member asked what actions the government was taking to strengthen ties with Solomon Islands and support Pacific sovereignty amidst regional instability.

  Answered by Anthony Albanese

• Regional Australia

  House of Representatives · Wednesday 3 June 2026 · Fiona Phillips ALP

  The member asked how the government was delivering outcomes for regional Australia and what other approaches were being considered.

  Answered by Kristy McBain

• Maritime Strategic Fleet

  House of Representatives · Tuesday 2 June 2026 · Matt Smith ALP

  The member asked how the strategic fleet helps communities access supplies during times of crisis.

  Answered by Catherine King

• Budget

  House of Representatives · Thursday 28 May 2026 · Matt Smith ALP

  The member asked how the budget facilitated thriving regional communities and requested a comparison with other policy options.

  Answered by Kristy McBain

• Budget

  House of Representatives · Wednesday 27 May 2026 · Lisa Chesters ALP

  The member asked how the government was supporting local government to help regions thrive and how this compared with other approaches.

  Answered by Kristy McBain

• Fuel Security

  Senate · Wednesday 13 May 2026 · Glenn Sterle ALP

  The member asked why acting now to strengthen fuel resilience was important. He further inquired about regional cooperation for fuel security and how the government's approach compared to alternatives.

  Answered by Penny Wong

• Rural and Regional Australia

  House of Representatives · Wednesday 13 May 2026 · Meryl Swanson ALP

  The member asked how the budget would deliver for regional Australia and how this compared to alternative approaches.

  Answered by Kristy McBain

• Tasmania: No. 34 Aboriginal Health Service

  Senate · Wednesday 1 April 2026 · Tammy Tyrrell Ind

  The senator asked what had happened to the funding for No. 34 and why the service had lost its financial support, resulting in the loss of full-time roles.

  Answered by Jenny McAllister

• Rural and Regional Australia

  Senate · Wednesday 1 April 2026 · Carol Brown ALP

  The senator asked the minister to outline what the government was doing to support farmers and regional communities and keep agricultural supply chains moving during the crisis.

  Answered by Malarndirri McCarthy

• Middle East

  House of Representatives · Tuesday 31 March 2026 · Sharon Claydon ALP

  The member asked how the government was assisting Australians returning from the Middle East and supporting the region.

  Answered by Richard Marles

• Fuel

  Senate · Tuesday 31 March 2026 · Ellie Whiteaker ALP

  The senator asked what the government was doing to protect regional communities from energy and supply chain shocks. She specifically asked about the importance of new Export Finance Australia powers for regional areas a...

  Answered by Tim Ayres

• Fuel Security

  Senate · Monday 30 March 2026 · Michaelia Cash Liberal

  The member asked whether the Prime Minister would guarantee that fuel would reach empty pumps before Good Friday, given the reliance of regional areas and tourism operators on available fuel supplies during the peak trav...

  Answered by Penny Wong

• Public Transport, Fuel

  Senate · Monday 30 March 2026 · Larissa Waters Greens

  The member asked why the government was refusing to fund states to introduce free public transport to reduce urban fuel demand and assist regional fuel security.

  Answered by Penny Wong

• Fuel Security

  Senate · Thursday 26 March 2026 · Dean Smith Liberal

  The member asked how the government allowed fuel shortages to reach a point where regional residents were struggling to secure diesel for emergency generators. He cited a specific incident at a service station south of G...

  Answered by Penny Wong

• Fuel

  Senate · Thursday 26 March 2026 · Pauline Hanson One Nation

  The member asked if the government would declare a fuel emergency to stop alleged price gouging by major oil companies and ensure supply to regional independents. She claimed big oil was strangling regional suppliers.

  Answered by Tim Ayres

• Fuel

  House of Representatives · Thursday 26 March 2026 · Michelle Landry Nationals

  The member asked if the minister could guarantee fuel availability for Australians traveling to regional areas for Easter and why he would not commit to daily updates on individual service stations.

  Answered by Chris Bowen

• Fuel

  House of Representatives · Wednesday 25 March 2026 · Anne Webster Nationals

  The member asked when the minister would act to make sure fuel reached the places requiring it, referencing the Victorian Premier's statement about national coordination.

  Answered by Anthony Albanese

• Taxation

  House of Representatives · Tuesday 24 March 2026 · Rebekha Sharkie Centre Alliance

  The member asked whether the government would pause the fuel excise for 60 days to offer instant relief, noting that the government receives 52.6c per litre in excise tax.

  Answered by Jim Chalmers

• Fuel

  Senate · Monday 23 March 2026 · Bridget McKenzie Nationals

  The member asked why specific regional areas were experiencing fuel stockouts if the government maintained that national fuel supplies were robust.

  Answered by Tim Ayres

• Fuel Security

  Senate · Thursday 12 March 2026 · Jessica Collins Liberal

  The member asked why fuel was not reaching Australians despite reported high stock levels. She questioned the location of the supplies and the reasons for the disconnect between national reserves and local availability f...

  Answered by Tim Ayres

• Fuel Security

  Senate · Thursday 12 March 2026 · Dean Smith Liberal

  The member asked why farmers were being turned away if fuel supplies were strong. He questioned the government's grip on fuel distribution given local shortages.

  Answered by Tim Ayres

• Fuel Security

  Senate · Wednesday 11 March 2026 · Richard Colbeck Liberal

  The member asked why diesel was unavailable for fishing boats if national fuel supplies were robust. He requested evidence of hoarding or supply chain bottlenecks and asked what actions the government had taken to ensure...

  Answered by Tim Ayres

• Fuel

  Senate · Wednesday 11 March 2026 · Matthew Canavan LNP

  The member asked what practical actions the government had taken to protect businesses like Ripple Creek Transport and regional airline passengers from fuel price gouging. He also asked how many businesses the ACCC was i...

  Answered by Tim Ayres

• Fuel

  House of Representatives · Wednesday 11 March 2026 · Rebekha Sharkie Centre Alliance

  The member asked what actions the government was taking to stabilize fuel supply chains in regional communities like Mayo, where service stations were restricting sales.

  Answered by Chris Bowen

• Fuel

  Senate · Wednesday 11 March 2026 · Jacinta Nampijinpa Price Country Liberal Party

  The member asked why regional Australians were being left without fuel if there was no supply problem, citing reports of rationing and potential service station closures. She challenged the government's dismissal of thes...

  Answered by Tim Ayres

• Telecommunications

  House of Representatives · Wednesday 11 March 2026 · Dan Repacholi ALP

  The member asked how the government was improving connectivity for people in regional, rural, and remote Australia and what other approaches were being considered.

  Answered by Kristy McBain

• Rural, Regional and Remote Australia

  House of Representatives · Wednesday 11 March 2026 · Matt Smith ALP

  The member asked how the government was building a future made in Australia to create jobs and boost regional economies, and how this compared to other approaches.

  Answered by Madeleine King

• Fuel Security

  Senate · Tuesday 10 March 2026 · Matt O'Sullivan Liberal

  The member asked on what basis the government claimed no supply constraints existed when regional communities were experiencing shortages. He further asked when the government became aware of delivery restrictions and ho...

  Answered by Penny Wong

• Fuel

  Senate · Tuesday 10 March 2026 · Sean Bell One Nation

  The member asked if the Prime Minister had confidence in the Energy Minister's management and why farmers were not prioritized for diesel. He further questioned why the fuel security system had broken down and compared f...

  Answered by Penny Wong

• Middle East

  Senate · Thursday 5 March 2026 · Deborah O'Neill ALP

  The member asked for an update on the conflict and how the government was supporting Australians impacted by the situation. She sought details on the government's response to the escalating violence and travel issues.

  Answered by Penny Wong

• Rural, Regional and Remote Australia

  House of Representatives · Tuesday 3 March 2026 · Fiona Phillips ALP

  The member asked how the government was delivering for regional Australians and how this compared to alternative approaches.

  Answered by Kristy McBain

• Health Care

  House of Representatives · Wednesday 11 February 2026 · Anne Urquhart ALP

  The member asked how the government was improving health care access in regional Australia and how increasing bulk-billing rates improved outcomes.

  Answered by Kristy McBain

• Rural, Regional and Remote Australia: Infrastructure

  House of Representatives · Tuesday 10 February 2026 · Meryl Swanson ALP

  The member asked what the government was doing to enhance regional community roads and infrastructure, and how this compared to other approaches.

  Answered by Kristy McBain

• International Relations: Indonesia

  House of Representatives · Monday 9 February 2026 · Alison Byrnes ALP

  The member asked about the outcomes of the Prime Minister's visit to Indonesia and the importance of regional relationships for Australians.

  Answered by Anthony Albanese

• Rural, Regional and Remote Australia

  House of Representatives · Thursday 5 February 2026 · Marion Scrymgour ALP

  The member asked what the government was doing for regional Australians and why unity was important for delivering outcomes.

  Answered by Kristy McBain

• Housing

  House of Representatives · Thursday 5 February 2026 · Fiona Phillips ALP

  The member asked what the government was doing to build more houses in regional areas and assist regional Australians with homeownership.

  Answered by Clare O'Neil

• Calare Electorate: Infrastructure

  House of Representatives · Thursday 5 February 2026 · Andrew Gee Ind

  The member asked whether the $10 million for the Dixons Long Point crossing had been released and when the Blue Mountains expressway would be built.

  Answered by Catherine King

• International Relations: Australia and Indonesia

  House of Representatives · Thursday 5 February 2026 · Julie-Ann Campbell ALP

  The member asked about the objectives of the Prime Minister's visit to Indonesia and the importance of regional relationships for Australians.

  Answered by Anthony Albanese

• Critical and Strategic Minerals Industry

  Senate · Wednesday 4 February 2026 · Corinne Mulholland ALP

  The member asked why high-purity alumina is crucial for global tech supply chains and what the funding would mean for Alpha HPA. She followed up by asking why backing Australian industrial firms in regional areas is impo...

  Answered by Tim Ayres

• Queensland: Infrastructure

  House of Representatives · Wednesday 4 February 2026 · Matt Smith ALP

  The member asked how the government was delivering infrastructure for regional Queensland and what approaches were rejected.

  Answered by Catherine King

• Cost of Living

  Senate · Tuesday 3 February 2026 · James McGrath LNP

  The member asked why the Prime Minister continued with cost-of-living and energy policies that worsened price pressures for regional and rural Australians.

  Answered by Penny Wong

• Regional Australia

  House of Representatives · Tuesday 3 February 2026 · Anne Urquhart ALP

  The member asked how the government was keeping regional communities connected by air and road, and what approaches to regional development had been rejected.

  Answered by Catherine King

• International Relations

  House of Representatives · Tuesday 3 February 2026 · Luke Gosling ALP

  The member asked the Prime Minister to inform the House about his visit to Timor-Leste and explain the importance of building partnerships in the region.

  Answered by Anthony Albanese

• Roads

  Senate · Thursday 6 November 2025 · Ross Cadell Nationals

  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.

  Answered by Malarndirri McCarthy

• Rex Airlines Pty Ltd

  House of Representatives · Wednesday 5 November 2025 · Fiona Phillips ALP

  The member asked how the government was helping regional communities by keeping Rex Airlines flying and what the response had been.

  Answered by Catherine King; Anthony Albanese

• Rex Airlines Pty Ltd

  House of Representatives · Wednesday 5 November 2025 · Sussan Ley Liberal

  The member asked to give a shout-out to the pilots and crew of Rex Airlines and other regional airlines.

  Answered by Sussan Ley (Leader of the Opposition)

• Renewable Energy

  Senate · Tuesday 4 November 2025 · Josh Dolega ALP

  The member asked how many renewable projects had been approved since May 2022 and how the government's consistent policy was ensuring market certainty and supporting rural businesses.

  Answered by Murray Watt

• Environment

  House of Representatives · Tuesday 4 November 2025 · Helen Haines Ind

  The member asked whether the minister would pledge to adhere to high-quality community consultation norms under the new EPBC Act.

  Answered by Tony Burke

• Energy

  House of Representatives · Tuesday 4 November 2025 · Dan Repacholi ALP

  The member asked how the government's energy policy was driving jobs in regional areas and what threats existed.

  Answered by Pat Conroy

• Housing

  House of Representatives · Tuesday 4 November 2025 · Andrew Gee Ind

  The member asked when regional communities would receive a fair share of the Housing Australia Future Fund.

  Answered by Clare O'Neil

• Energy

  House of Representatives · Monday 3 November 2025 · Fiona Phillips ALP

  The member asked how rural and regional Australians are taking up clean energy opportunities and what threats face their best interests.

  Answered by Chris Bowen

• Road Safety

  Senate · Monday 3 November 2025 · Matt O'Sullivan Liberal

  The senator queried if the government's consultation involved reducing speed limits on every sealed road and the reason for this. He also asked why Minister McBain had supposedly misled regional Victorians. He followed u...

  Answered by Malarndirri McCarthy

• Medicare

  House of Representatives · Monday 3 November 2025 · Lisa Chesters ALP

  The member asked how the government was strengthening Medicare in regional communities and why this was important after years of neglect.

  Answered by Catherine King

• Forestry Industry

  Senate · Monday 3 November 2025 · Nick McKim Greens

  The senator asked why the government ignored the recommendation to scrap the RFA loophole and why it had not ended native forest logging. He followed up by asking why the government was not closing the continuous use exe...

  Answered by Murray Watt

• Roads

  Senate · Thursday 30 October 2025 · Matt O'Sullivan Liberal

  The member asked why the government was considering cutting speed limits on country roads instead of fixing them. He questioned the reduction in Commonwealth funding for regional roads.

  Answered by Malarndirri McCarthy

• Energy

  House of Representatives · Thursday 30 October 2025 · Justine Elliot ALP

  The member asked how these investments would facilitate free GP access and benefit regional Australians.

  Answered by Mark Butler

• Regional Security

  Senate · Thursday 30 October 2025 · Leah Blyth Liberal

  The member asked for the government's view on the incident and whether China was still considered a friend. She questioned how Australia was ensuring the safety of its personnel.

  Answered by Don Farrell

• International Relations: Australia and the Indo-Pacific

  Senate · Tuesday 28 October 2025 · Ellie Whiteaker ALP

  The senator asked the minister to outline the government's actions to deepen relationships with regional countries. She subsequently asked how the government is navigating international uncertainty through partnerships, ...

  Answered by Penny Wong

• Regional Infrastructure

  House of Representatives · Monday 27 October 2025 · Matt Smith ALP

  The member asked what the government was doing to support regional communities and ensure connectivity, and whether there had been opposition to its approach.

  Answered by Catherine King

• Middle East

  House of Representatives · Thursday 9 October 2025 · Louise Miller-Frost ALP

  The member asked the Prime Minister to provide an update on recent Middle East developments and explain why these events offer hope for regional and global stability.

  Answered by Anthony Albanese

• Telecommunications

  House of Representatives · Wednesday 8 October 2025 · Anne Webster Nationals

  The member asked if the minister took steps to verify that welfare and wellbeing checks were being conducted for affected individuals, such as apologizing to families.

  Answered by Anika Wells

• Climate Change

  House of Representatives · Wednesday 8 October 2025 · Kara Cook ALP

  The member asked how the government was delivering credible climate action and why this was important for the region.

  Answered by Richard Marles

• Critical and Strategic Minerals Industry

  House of Representatives · Wednesday 8 October 2025 · Matt Smith ALP

  The member asked how the government was working with Queensland to protect regional jobs and strengthen Australia's copper capability.

  Answered by Anthony Albanese

• Minister for Communications

  House of Representatives · Wednesday 8 October 2025 · Anne Webster Nationals

  The member asked why the minister would not apologize, citing evidence that she chose not to accept responsibility for the deaths and misinformation.

  Answered by Anika Wells

• Disaster and Emergency Management

  House of Representatives · Wednesday 8 October 2025 · Justine Elliot ALP

  The member asked what the government was doing to prepare regional communities for more intense natural disasters and what alternative approaches had been considered.

  Answered by Kristy McBain

• Health Care

  House of Representatives · Tuesday 7 October 2025 · Andrew Gee Ind

  The member asked when the government would deliver more medical student places to Charles Sturt University to address the rural doctor shortage.

  Answered by Mark Butler

• Papua New Guinea-Australia Mutual Defence Treaty

  House of Representatives · Tuesday 7 October 2025 · Louise Miller-Frost ALP

  The member asked how the agreement would contribute to a peaceful, stable, and prosperous region.

  Answered by Pat Conroy

• Trade with the United Arab Emirates

  House of Representatives · Tuesday 7 October 2025 · Meryl Swanson ALP

  The member asked how the free trade agreement would expand opportunities for farmers and producers and benefit regional communities.

  Answered by Julie Collins

• Economy

  House of Representatives · Tuesday 7 October 2025 · Bob Katter KAP

  The member asked about the impact of gas prices and banana import applications on regional industries, specifically Mount Isa and the banana industry, and whether the government would preside over the obliteration of the...

  Answered by Jim Chalmers

• Mallee Electorate: Bush Summit

  House of Representatives · Thursday 4 September 2025 · Anne Webster Nationals

  The member asked if the Prime Minister's claim was false given Tony Abbott's 2015 visit, and linked this to protests against renewables in Ballarat.

  Answered by Anthony Albanese

• Mallee Electorate: Bush Summit

  House of Representatives · Wednesday 3 September 2025 · Anne Webster Nationals

  The member asked if the Prime Minister's promise of a $275 reduction in energy bills had proven to be false. She also asked if this broken promise was the reason he was driven out of town by a convoy of tractors.

  Answered by Anthony Albanese

• Health Care

  House of Representatives · Tuesday 2 September 2025 · Carol Berry ALP

  The member asked how the government was improving the lives and health of people in regional and rural Australia.

  Answered by Kristy McBain

• Regional Australia: Health Care

  House of Representatives · Tuesday 2 September 2025 · Rebekha Sharkie Centre Alliance

  The member asked what urgent steps would be taken to fix the increasing inequality in health spending between metropolitan and regional Australians.

  Answered by Mark Butler

• Renewable Energy

  Senate · Monday 1 September 2025 · Bridget McKenzie Nationals

  The member asked if the Prime Minister's 'no-bullshit' policy meant releasing modelling on the true cost of the 100 per cent renewable rollout. She questioned the impact on regional communities and energy bills.

  Answered by Penny Wong

• Housing

  House of Representatives · Tuesday 26 August 2025 · Matt Smith ALP

  The member asked the Minister for Infrastructure how the government was supporting housing access in regional Australia and addressing the inherited housing mess.

  Answered by Catherine King

• Cost of Living: Regional Australia

  House of Representatives · Tuesday 29 July 2025 · Dan Repacholi ALP

  The member asked the minister how the government was delivering cost-of-living relief to people in regional areas and what threats existed to these measures.

  Answered by Kristy McBain

• Beef Industry

  Senate · Monday 28 July 2025 · Tyron Whitten One Nation

  The senator asked why the government was crushing livestock industries by lifting restrictions on US beef imports and banning live exports, and what other rural industries were targeted.

  Answered by Malarndirri McCarthy

• National Disability Insurance Scheme

  House of Representatives · Thursday 24 July 2025 · Andrew Wilkie Ind

  The member asked if the Minister would pause NDIS pricing changes and consult further to ensure affordability for clients and sustainability for providers.

  Answered by Mark Butler

• South Australia: Marine Environment

  Senate · Wednesday 23 July 2025 · Ross Cadell Nationals

  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 regi...

  Answered by Penny Wong

• Migration

  Senate · Thursday 17 September 2026 · Ross Cadell (NSW) (National Party) Nationals

  Senators debated the government's recent announcements regarding migration caps and border enforcement. The National Party and One Nation criticised the government for failing to reduce immigration levels sufficiently an...

• Answers to Questions

  Senate · Thursday 17 September 2026 · Dean Smith (Western Australia) (Liberal Party) Liberal

  Senators debated the government's recent policy announcements regarding migration controls and healthcare funding. The Opposition criticised the government for losing control of borders and harming veterans and pensioner...

• Universities Accord (Opening the Doors of Opportunity) Bill 2026; Second Reading

  Senate · Wednesday 16 September 2026 · Matt O'Sullivan (WA) (Liberal Party) Liberal

  Senators debated the Universities Accord Bill 2026, focusing on its managed-growth funding system and needs-based provisions aimed at increasing tertiary participation among disadvantaged and regional students. The gover...

• Health Insurance Amendment (Incentive Payments and Other Measures) Bill 2026; Second Reading

  Senate · Wednesday 16 September 2026 · Ellie Whiteaker (WA) (Australian Labor Party) ALP

  The debate concerned the legislative framework for Medicare incentive programs, including bulk-billing and workforce incentives. Senator Whiteaker supported the bill, citing improved transparency and significant increase...

• Universities Accord (Opening the Doors of Opportunity) Bill 2026; Second Reading

  Senate · Tuesday 15 September 2026 · Matt O'Sullivan (WA) (Liberal Party) Liberal

  The debate focused on the bill's provisions for allocating Commonwealth supported places, controlling international student numbers, and establishing needs-based funding. Matt O'Sullivan outlined the Coalition's position...

• Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Veterans' Allied Health Care) Bill 2026; Second Reading

  Senate · Tuesday 15 September 2026 · Maria Kovacic (NSW) (Liberal Party) Liberal

  The debate concerned a bill introduced by the Liberal Party to prevent expenditure caps on veterans' allied health care. Maria Kovacic argued that the government's proposed $5,000 threshold would effectively cap treatmen...

• Migration

  Senate · Monday 14 September 2026 · Tyron Whitten (WA) (Pauline Hanson's One Nation Party) One Nation

  Senator Tyron Whitten moved a motion to take note of the Minister for Finance's answer regarding migration and productivity. Whitten argued that mass immigration was suppressing productivity through capital shallowing, c...

• Women's Health

  House of Representatives · Monday 14 September 2026 · Ali France (Dickson) (Australian Labor Party) ALP

  The debate centred on a motion acknowledging government actions on women's health, specifically regarding PBS listings for contraceptives and menopause medications, and the establishment of endometriosis clinics. Labor m...

• Private Health Insurance

  House of Representatives · Monday 14 September 2026 · Michelle Landry (Capricornia) (National Party) Nationals

  Michelle Landry supported a motion opposing the Albanese government's plan to remove the higher private health insurance rebate for people aged 65 and over from April 2027. Landry argued that the change would force older...

• Murray-Darling Basin

  House of Representatives · Monday 14 September 2026 · David Farley (Farrer) (Pauline Hanson's One Nation Party) One Nation

  The debate centred on a motion to pause water entitlement purchases and reallocate environmental water for agriculture during the 2026-27 season. Proponents argued that exceptional inflows allowed for a temporary, risk-f...

• Clean Energy Finance Corporation Amendment (Protecting Australian Farmland) Bill 2026; Second Reading

  House of Representatives · Monday 14 September 2026 · Dan Tehan (Wannon) (Liberal Party) Liberal

  The debate concerned a private member's bill intended to prohibit the Clean Energy Finance Corporation from funding foreign entities to purchase Australian farmland. Opposition members argued that government funding of s...

• Passenger Movement Charge Amendment Bill 2026; Second Reading

  House of Representatives · Thursday 10 September 2026 · Claire Clutterham (Sturt) (Australian Labor Party) ALP

  The debate centred on whether to increase the passenger movement charge by $10, effective 1 January 2027. The government argued the increase was necessary for fiscal sustainability and border security, while opposition m...

• Gun Control

  House of Representatives · Wednesday 9 September 2026 · Andrew Gee (Calare) (Independent) Ind

  The debate centred on a motion moved by Andrew Gee calling for the repeal of state and federal firearm buyback schemes, which Gee characterised as unfair to law-abiding owners and ineffective against criminals. Gee argue...

• Agriculture Industry, Foreign Investment: Residential Housing, Veterans

  House of Representatives · Tuesday 8 September 2026 · Tom Venning (Grey) (Liberal Party) Liberal

  Tom Venning raised multiple grievances regarding the Albanese government's policies and regional issues. He criticised the proposed reduction in workplace exposure limits for phosphine, arguing it was impractical and lac...

• Infrastructure

  House of Representatives · Monday 7 September 2026 · Alicia Payne (Canberra) (Australian Labor Party) ALP

  The debate centred on a motion moved by the Australian Labor Party commending the government's infrastructure spending in the territories and its broader commitment to national infrastructure. Labor members highlighted s...

• Universities Accord (Opening the Doors of Opportunity) Bill 2026; Second Reading

  Senate · Monday 7 September 2026 · Tim Ayres (NSW) (Australian Labor Party) ALP

  The Minister for Industry and Innovation introduced the bill to implement recommendations from the Universities Accord, aiming to increase access to higher education for disadvantaged and regional students. The legislati...

• Vanuatu-Australia Nakamal Agreement

  House of Representatives · Monday 7 September 2026 · Claire Clutterham (Sturt) (Australian Labor Party) ALP

  Members debated a motion acknowledging the significance of the recently signed Australia-Vanuatu Nakamal Agreement. Speakers highlighted the agreement's focus on economic development, climate resilience, and regional sec...

• Tertiary Education and Training

  House of Representatives · Monday 7 September 2026 · Zhi Soon (Banks) (Australian Labor Party) ALP

  The debate concerned the government's decision to expand the Commonwealth paid prac payment to ten additional frontline health professions from 1 July 2027. Labor members highlighted the financial relief this provides to...

• Tertiary Education and Training

  House of Representatives · Monday 7 September 2026 · Michael McCormack (Riverina) (National Party) Nationals

  The debate centred on a motion congratulating the government for expanding Commonwealth practicum payments to ten additional frontline health professions from 1 July 2027. Members acknowledged the financial hardship stud...

• Space Industry

  House of Representatives · Monday 7 September 2026 · Steve Georganas (Adelaide) (Australian Labor Party) ALP

  The debate centred on a motion moved by the Labor Party commending the Government's Statement on Space. The mover highlighted strategic frameworks and investments in sovereign capability. Opposition members criticised th...