Topic
Wages & Workplace Relations
Pay, workplace laws, unions and working conditions.
- Question Time Q&As
- 178
- Debates
- 158
Recent Question Time Questions
Latest 100 of 178Summaries in reported speech - not a transcript.
-
Early Childhood Education and Care
Senate · Thursday 17 September 2026 · Tony Sheldon ALP
The senator asked for an update on how the legislation would generate employment, ensure equitable wages, reduce expenses for households, and enhance child protection.
Answered by Jess Walsh
-
Trade with the European Union
Senate · Thursday 17 September 2026 · Raff Ciccone ALP
The senator asked how the deal would deliver for Australian farmers, producers, miners, and exporters, and whether there were any risks to the agreement.
Answered by Don Farrell
-
Wages and Salaries
Senate · Thursday 17 September 2026 · Carol Brown ALP
The senator asked what policies the government had implemented to get wages moving again and how changes to workplace laws facilitated these rises.
Answered by Murray Watt
-
Migration
Senate · Wednesday 16 September 2026 · David Shoebridge Greens
The senator asked why the government chose to align with right-wing parties on migration rather than supporting multicultural Australia. In supplementary questions, he asked if the government intended to treat migrants a...
Answered by Murray Watt
-
Wages and Salaries
House of Representatives · Wednesday 16 September 2026 · Alice Jordan-Baird ALP
The member asked how the government was acting to safeguard and increase pay while supporting Australian workers. She also asked why these reforms were important and what the responses had been.
Answered by Anthony Albanese
-
Early Childhood Education
House of Representatives · Wednesday 16 September 2026 · Anne Urquhart ALP
The member asked what the government was doing to assist early childhood educators while maintaining affordable fees for families. She also asked about any risks to this approach.
Answered by Jason Clare
-
Workplace Relations
House of Representatives · Wednesday 16 September 2026 · Steve Georganas ALP
The member asked how the government was delivering for Australian workers and what could place these gains at risk.
Answered by Amanda Rishworth
-
Cost of Living
Senate · Monday 14 September 2026 · Michaelia Cash Liberal
The senator asked whether the Prime Minister agreed with Mr Kelty's assessment that Australians cannot pay their bills because real wages are declining while interest rates rise. She further asked if the Prime Minister a...
Answered by Penny Wong
-
Economy
House of Representatives · Monday 14 September 2026 · Tim Wilson Liberal
The member asked the Prime Minister to admit that Bill Kelty was correct in asserting that housing affordability was worsening and real wages were declining under the current government.
Answered by Anthony Albanese
-
Superannuation
House of Representatives · Monday 14 September 2026 · Justine Elliot ALP
The member asked how the government was improving wages and superannuation access, and if there were risks to the delivery record.
Answered by Amanda Rishworth
-
Workplace Relations
Senate · Wednesday 9 September 2026 · Fatima Payman Australia's Voice
The member asked what work had been done consulting stakeholders on the fair work court proposal. She also asked if the government was open to allowing unions to initiate proceedings on behalf of members and when legisla...
Answered by Murray Watt
-
Early Childhood Education and Care
Senate · Wednesday 9 September 2026 · Karen Grogan ALP
The member enquired how the government was employing free TAFE to increase the number of people in early learning and what measures it was implementing to assist educators in remaining within the sector. She further ques...
Answered by Jess Walsh
-
Workplace Relations
House of Representatives · Wednesday 9 September 2026 · Madonna Jarrett ALP
The member asked how the government was supporting working families and what threats posed a risk to this support.
Answered by Amanda Rishworth
-
Workplace Relations
Senate · Tuesday 8 September 2026 · Josh Dolega ALP
The member asked how these changes had benefited workers across the country. He later asked how these workplace law changes complemented the government's broader economic management and what the government was protecting...
Answered by Jess Walsh
-
Economy
House of Representatives · Tuesday 8 September 2026 · Carina Garland ALP
The member asked what the government was doing to help Australian workers increase their earnings and retirement savings, and how this compared to other approaches.
Answered by Jim Chalmers
-
Construction, Forestry and Maritime Employees Union
Senate · Tuesday 8 September 2026 · Maria Kovacic Liberal
The member asked when the government first became aware of the cash withdrawals and what action was being taken. She later asked why former CFMEU chief John Setka still controlled over $1 million in a private fund and if...
Answered by Jess Walsh
-
Employment
Senate · Monday 7 September 2026 · Malcolm Roberts One Nation
The senator asked why the government brought in many new arrivals when there was insufficient work for 1.68 million underutilised Australians. He claimed mass immigration was creating a labor glut that pulled down real w...
Answered by Katy Gallagher
-
Workplace Relations
House of Representatives · Monday 7 September 2026 · Carol Berry ALP
The member asked how the government was delivering for Australian workers and what could place their entitlements at risk.
Answered by Amanda Rishworth
-
Wages and Salaries
Senate · Thursday 20 August 2026 · Ellie Whiteaker ALP
The senator asked what the latest wage data indicated about the economic security of young workers. She followed up by asking how the government is lifting wages for young people and what obstacles remain to fair pay.
Answered by Jess Walsh
-
Employment
House of Representatives · Thursday 20 August 2026 · Alison Byrnes ALP
The member asked how the government was delivering higher wages and more jobs, and what the biggest threats to this progress were.
Answered by Amanda Rishworth
-
Housing
Senate · Wednesday 19 August 2026 · Barbara Pocock Greens
The senator asked what the government would say to a worker facing potential homelessness due to rising rents, and why the government had not implemented rent caps or freezes to address the rental crisis.
Answered by Tim Ayres
-
Workplace Relations
House of Representatives · Wednesday 19 August 2026 · Josh Burns ALP
The member asked how the government was delivering for Australian workers and what could threaten this progress.
Answered by Amanda Rishworth
-
Wages and Salaries
Senate · Wednesday 19 August 2026 · Marielle Smith ALP
The senator asked the minister to provide details on the wage growth data and outline the factors contributing to the increase in Australian workers' wages.
Answered by Murray Watt
-
Economy
House of Representatives · Wednesday 19 August 2026 · Sarah Witty ALP
The member asked for an update on wage growth, superannuation reforms, and budget management, and what threatened these outcomes.
Answered by Jim Chalmers
-
Economy
House of Representatives · Wednesday 19 August 2026 · Allegra Spender Ind
The member asked whether the government would act to reset regulatory incentives, such as establishing a regulatory review committee or setting hard targets for deregulation.
Answered by Jim Chalmers
-
Workplace Relations
House of Representatives · Tuesday 18 August 2026 · Matt Burnell ALP
The member asked how the government was providing improved conditions for gig workers and why this method was better than other options.
Answered by Amanda Rishworth
-
Superannuation
Senate · Tuesday 18 August 2026 · Jana Stewart ALP
The senator asked the minister to outline the purpose of superannuation, its benefits for working Australians, and how the government is strengthening the system. She specifically inquired about the impact of the require...
Answered by Katy Gallagher
-
Wages and Salaries
House of Representatives · Tuesday 18 August 2026 · Alice Jordan-Baird ALP
The member asked how the government was delivering real change for working people, including gig workers, and whether alternative approaches would undermine wages and conditions.
Answered by Anthony Albanese
-
Wages and Salaries
Senate · Tuesday 18 August 2026 · Glenn Sterle ALP
The senator asked how the government is backing wage rises to support workers. He asked for details on other measures to help Australians keep more of their earnings and what obstacles stand in the way.
Answered by Murray Watt
-
Setka, Mr John
Senate · Monday 17 August 2026 · Jane Hume Liberal
The member asked whether the government accepted the administrator's assertion that five years was the maximum sanction available under current rules, regardless of the severity of the conduct. She sought clarification o...
Answered by Penny Wong
-
Department of Employment and Workplace Relations
Senate · Monday 17 August 2026 · Penny Allman-Payne Greens
The member asked what specific actions the department had taken to implement Commonwealth Ombudsman recommendations and prevent further misconduct by private employment services providers. She questioned why the departme...
Answered by Murray Watt
-
Superannuation
House of Representatives · Monday 17 August 2026 · Shayne Neumann ALP
The member asked the Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations how the government was delivering a more secure retirement and what factors could place this progress at risk.
Answered by Amanda Rishworth
-
Workplace Relations
Senate · Monday 17 August 2026 · Tony Sheldon ALP
The member asked the minister to outline how many changes would benefit gig workers and how the government was providing stronger protections for workers beyond the gig economy. He sought details on threats to the worker...
Answered by Murray Watt
-
Wages and Salaries
Senate · Thursday 13 August 2026 · Josh Dolega ALP
The member asked how important the government's position on boosting wages was to improving Australians' lives and how unity in policy provided certainty.
Answered by Murray Watt
-
Wages and Salaries
House of Representatives · Thursday 13 August 2026 · Matt Burnell ALP
The member asked what the data indicated about wages and whether there were risks to retirement incomes.
Answered by Jim Chalmers
-
Wages and Salaries
House of Representatives · Thursday 13 August 2026 · Matt Gregg ALP
The member asked how the government was supporting higher wages and what the response had been.
Answered by Amanda Rishworth
-
Cost of Living
Senate · Wednesday 12 August 2026 · Varun Ghosh ALP
The member asked why the government prioritised assistance with living expenses for workers and how sound economic management enabled these measures. He sought an explanation of the link between lifting wages and easing ...
Answered by Katy Gallagher
-
Economy
House of Representatives · Wednesday 12 August 2026 · Kara Cook ALP
The member asked how the government was strengthening the economy and supporting wages, and what threats existed to this approach.
Answered by Anthony Albanese
-
Early Childhood Education and Care
Senate · Wednesday 12 August 2026 · Tammy Tyrrell ALP
The member asked how the government was backing the early learning workforce and improving access to quality care. She specifically inquired about the impact of free TAFE on training new educators and whether there were ...
Answered by Jess Walsh
-
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
-
Cost of Living
Senate · Tuesday 11 August 2026 · Richard Dowling ALP
The senator asked the minister to update the Senate on how the government's budget management is delivering cost-of-living relief and building services. He sought details on further support measures and investments in Me...
Answered by Katy Gallagher
-
Wages and Salaries
Senate · Tuesday 11 August 2026 · Karen Grogan ALP
The senator asked the minister to outline the latest wage increases for workers in care industries and how these measures help narrow the gender pay gap. She sought an explanation of barriers to further wage increases.
Answered by Murray Watt
-
Medical Workforce
Senate · Tuesday 11 August 2026 · Marielle Smith ALP
The senator asked how the government is strengthening the future health workforce and easing financial pressure on students. She also sought details on how the government is backing aged-care workers to earn more.
Answered by Jenny McAllister
-
Workplace Relations
House of Representatives · Tuesday 11 August 2026 · David Moncrieff ALP
The member asked how the government was delivering real change for workers.
Answered by Amanda Rishworth
-
Labor Government
Senate · Thursday 2 July 2026 · Jana Stewart ALP
The member asked the minister to outline the impact of these reforms and explain why they were significant for millions of Australians.
Answered by Penny Wong
-
Trade with the European Union
Senate · Thursday 2 July 2026 · Ellie Whiteaker ALP
The member asked what real change the new market access delivered for farmers, producers, and exporters, specifically for Western Australia and Queensland.
Answered by Don Farrell
-
Wages and Salaries
Senate · Thursday 2 July 2026 · Josh Dolega ALP
The member asked how the government's support ensured workers would earn more and how enterprise agreements were contributing to wage growth.
Answered by Murray Watt
-
Wages and Salaries
House of Representatives · Wednesday 1 July 2026 · Julie-Ann Campbell ALP
The member asked how the government was supporting Australian workers and what had hindered these efforts.
Answered by Amanda Rishworth
-
Economy
House of Representatives · Tuesday 30 June 2026 · Jodie Belyea ALP
The member asked why 1 July was an important day for delivering on commitments to strengthen Medicare, help Australians earn and keep more money, and implement real change, and whether any obstacles remained.
Answered by Anthony Albanese
-
Workplace Relations: Maritime Industry
Senate · Tuesday 30 June 2026 · David Pocock Ind
The member asked how the government could support 'same job, same pay' while allowing Carnival Cruise Line workers to be paid significantly less in Australian waters due to an exemption. He further asked why the governme...
Answered by Don Farrell
-
Wages and Salaries
House of Representatives · Tuesday 30 June 2026 · Tom French ALP
The member asked for details on government actions to improve wages and tax outcomes for workers, the importance of these efforts, and the risks involved.
Answered by Amanda Rishworth
-
Aged Care
House of Representatives · Tuesday 30 June 2026 · Anne Stanley ALP
The member asked for details on the government's progress in rebuilding the aged care workforce and the necessity of these actions.
Answered by Sam Rae
-
Early Childhood Education and Care
House of Representatives · Tuesday 30 June 2026 · Shayne Neumann ALP
The member asked for details on government actions to improve wages for early childhood educators and enhance safety and affordability in the sector.
Answered by Jason Clare
-
Taxation
Senate · Monday 29 June 2026 · Varun Ghosh ALP
The senator asked the minister to outline the benefits of the upcoming tax cuts for working Australians and how they assist with cost-of-living pressures. He subsequently asked how these cuts complement other relief meas...
Answered by Katy Gallagher
-
Victoria's Big Build
Senate · Monday 29 June 2026 · Jane Hume Liberal
The senator asked whether any companies receiving Commonwealth-funded contracts were required to make payments to organised crime figures to access worksites. She followed up by asking why Mick Gatto continues to profit ...
Answered by Penny Wong
-
Early Childhood Education and Care
Senate · Monday 29 June 2026 · Lisa Darmanin ALP
The senator asked about the impact of the 15 per cent pay rise on educators and families. She followed up by asking why a stable workforce is important for quality early learning and how the government's approach support...
Answered by Jess Walsh
-
Workplace Relations
House of Representatives · Monday 29 June 2026 · Sarah Witty ALP
The member asked how the government was delivering a better deal for working Australians.
Answered by Amanda Rishworth
-
Workplace Relations
House of Representatives · Thursday 25 June 2026 · Dan Repacholi ALP
The member asked how the government was increasing wages and jobs for workers and what the biggest threats to this record were.
Answered by Amanda Rishworth
-
Women's Economic Security
Senate · Wednesday 24 June 2026 · Ellie Whiteaker ALP
The senator asked the minister to outline why the government prioritised investment in women's economic security, particularly paid parental leave. She also asked how broader reforms regarding health, the gender pay gap,...
Answered by Katy Gallagher
-
Superannuation
Senate · Wednesday 24 June 2026 · Andrew Bragg Liberal
The senator asked whether the government would expand the ban on super funds buying houses to include APRA-regulated institutional and union-backed funds. He questioned why individuals faced punitive treatment while inst...
Answered by Penny Wong
-
Wages and Salaries
Senate · Wednesday 24 June 2026 · Jana Stewart ALP
The senator asked how the government's position on boosting wages was helping workers in the health sector. She also asked about strategies to attract more workers to the healthcare industry given an ageing population.
Answered by Murray Watt
-
Wages and Salaries
House of Representatives · Wednesday 24 June 2026 · Madonna Jarrett ALP
The member asked how the government was delivering higher wages and who had obstructed these efforts.
Answered by Amanda Rishworth
-
Workplace Relations
House of Representatives · Wednesday 24 June 2026 · Allegra Spender Ind
The member asked how the bill's provisions could prevent corruption or ensure value for money, citing concerns about similar schemes in Victoria.
Answered by Amanda Rishworth
-
Wages and Salaries
Senate · Monday 22 June 2026 · Tony Sheldon ALP
The member asked how the wage review decision would provide cost-of-living relief for workers. He also sought details on the importance and support for the recent pay rise extension for early childhood educators.
Answered by Murray Watt
-
Wages and Salaries
House of Representatives · Monday 22 June 2026 · Rowan Holzberger ALP
The member asked how the government was supporting Australians to earn more and what the risks to wages were.
Answered by Amanda Rishworth
-
Workplace Relations
House of Representatives · Thursday 4 June 2026 · Steve Georganas ALP
The member asked how the government was delivering for workers and what threats existed to this progress.
Answered by Amanda Rishworth
-
Wages and Salaries
House of Representatives · Wednesday 3 June 2026 · Anne Stanley ALP
The member asked how the government was supporting workers after a decade of low wage growth.
Answered by Amanda Rishworth
-
Wages and Salaries
House of Representatives · Tuesday 2 June 2026 · Cassandra Fernando ALP
The member asked how the government has fought for higher wages for minimum wage and award-reliant workers following a decade of suppressed wages.
Answered by Amanda Rishworth
-
Wages and Salaries
House of Representatives · Tuesday 2 June 2026 · Claire Clutterham ALP
The member asked what the government was doing to assist workers in earning more and retaining a greater share of their income, and how this compared with other approaches.
Answered by Jim Chalmers
-
Employment
House of Representatives · Wednesday 27 May 2026 · Louise Miller-Frost ALP
The member asked how the government's reforms to employment services would assist more Australians in securing employment.
Answered by Amanda Rishworth
-
Budget
House of Representatives · Monday 25 May 2026 · Shayne Neumann ALP
The member asked the Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations how the budget built on the government's commitment to backing workers and how this compared to other approaches.
Answered by Amanda Rishworth
-
Budget
Senate · Thursday 14 May 2026 · Charlotte Walker ALP
The member asked the minister to update the Senate on how the government was addressing young Australians' concerns about housing affordability and cost of living. She specifically asked how the budget helped young peopl...
Answered by Jess Walsh
-
Budget
Senate · Thursday 14 May 2026 · Tony Sheldon ALP
The member asked the minister to outline how the budget would deliver better outcomes for workers, particularly regarding wages growth. He further asked how the government was helping younger workers earn more and why pa...
Answered by Murray Watt
-
Workplace Relations
House of Representatives · Thursday 14 May 2026 · Rob Mitchell ALP
The member asked how the government was helping Australian workers and reducing cost-of-living pressures.
Answered by Amanda Rishworth
-
Wages and Salaries
Senate · Wednesday 1 April 2026 · Marielle Smith ALP
The senator asked how the government was delivering better outcomes for low-paid workers and supporting them to earn more amid cost-of-living pressures.
Answered by Murray Watt
-
Wages and Salaries
House of Representatives · Tuesday 31 March 2026 · Matt Gregg ALP
The member asked how the government was supporting workers, especially low-paid workers, to increase their earnings.
Answered by Amanda Rishworth
-
Wages and Salaries
House of Representatives · Thursday 26 March 2026 · Tim Watts ALP
The member asked how the government was supporting low-paid workers.
Answered by Amanda Rishworth
-
Transport Industry
House of Representatives · Wednesday 25 March 2026 · Julie-Ann Campbell ALP
The member asked how the government was backing truck drivers and what the response to these actions had been.
Answered by Amanda Rishworth
-
Trade with European Union
House of Representatives · Wednesday 25 March 2026 · Jodie Belyea ALP
The member asked why the recent agreements with the European Union mattered and what the response had been.
Answered by Anthony Albanese
-
Trade with the European Union
House of Representatives · Tuesday 24 March 2026 · Darren Chester Nationals
The member asked whether the minister believed the agreement was beneficial for Australian farmers, given industry criticism that the deal was subpar and would impose long-term costs on the sector.
Answered by Julie Collins
-
Trade with European Union
Senate · Tuesday 24 March 2026 · Deborah O'Neill ALP
The member asked what benefits the new free trade agreement with the European Union would deliver for Australia and Australian workers, highlighting the EU's status as the second-largest economy with a GDP of approximate...
Answered by Don Farrell
-
Trade with European Union
House of Representatives · Tuesday 24 March 2026 · Libby Coker ALP
The member asked why these agreements were important and how they would deliver benefits to Australians.
Answered by Anthony Albanese
-
Australia-European Union Security and Defence Partnership
House of Representatives · Tuesday 24 March 2026 · Luke Gosling ALP
The member asked how Australia and the EU would strengthen cooperation through this new partnership.
Answered by Richard Marles
-
International Relations: Australia and the European Union
Senate · Tuesday 24 March 2026 · Josh Dolega ALP
The member asked how the government was deepening ties with the European Union to secure Australia's interests, and about the significance of recent announcements regarding trade, security, and research.
Answered by Penny Wong
-
Workplace Relations
Senate · Tuesday 24 March 2026 · Fatima Payman Australia's Voice
The member asked if it remained the case that no referrals for wage theft had been made to the Federal Police or Commonwealth DPP, despite the team having $49 million allocated over four years. She later asked what else ...
Answered by Murray Watt
-
Trade with European Union
House of Representatives · Tuesday 24 March 2026 · David Moncrieff ALP
The member asked how the agreement delivers real economic benefits to Australian workers and families.
Answered by Madeleine King
-
Workplace Relations
House of Representatives · Monday 23 March 2026 · Steve Georganas ALP
The member asked about the government's delivery for workers in South Australia and requested a comparison with alternative political approaches.
Answered by Amanda Rishworth
-
Workplace Relations
Senate · Thursday 12 March 2026 · Tony Sheldon ALP
The member asked how the same-job same-pay laws and other reforms were helping Australians deal with cost-of-living pressures. He sought details on the benefits to workers.
Answered by Murray Watt
-
Workplace Relations
House of Representatives · Thursday 12 March 2026 · Alison Byrnes ALP
The member asked how the government is supporting working Australians and how this compares to other approaches.
Answered by Amanda Rishworth
-
Economy
House of Representatives · Thursday 5 March 2026 · Angus Taylor Liberal
The member asked the Prime Minister to confirm whether recent data showed that economic growth since 2022 was driven solely by immigration and increased labor effort without corresponding wage increases.
Answered by Anthony Albanese
-
Workplace Relations
House of Representatives · Thursday 5 March 2026 · Alice Jordan-Baird ALP
The member asked how the government was improving outcomes for workers and what the response had been.
Answered by Amanda Rishworth
-
Wages and Salaries
Senate · Wednesday 4 March 2026 · Jane Hume Liberal
The member asked the minister to admit that real wages were lower under the current government, arguing that Australians were going backwards while other developed economies were improving living standards.
Answered by Katy Gallagher
-
Economy
House of Representatives · Wednesday 4 March 2026 · Tim Wilson Liberal
The member asked the Prime Minister to accept responsibility for the decline in living standards and real wages under the Labor government.
Answered by Anthony Albanese
-
Employment
House of Representatives · Wednesday 4 March 2026 · Ash Ambihaipahar ALP
The member asked how the government was delivering for Australian workers and what risks existed.
Answered by Amanda Rishworth
-
Workplace Relations
Senate · Tuesday 3 March 2026 · Karen Grogan ALP
The member asked the minister to outline what the latest data revealed about gender pay equality and how it reflected the government's agenda. She followed up by asking how the government remains committed to helping wom...
Answered by Katy Gallagher
-
Gender Equality
House of Representatives · Tuesday 3 March 2026 · Claire Clutterham ALP
The member asked how the government was addressing the gender pay gap and what barriers hindered this effort.
Answered by Catherine King
-
Cost of Living
Senate · Tuesday 3 March 2026 · Tony Sheldon ALP
The member asked about the importance of higher wages for workers. He followed up by asking how the government had improved working conditions and helped keep Australians in their jobs.
Answered by Murray Watt
-
Gender Equality
House of Representatives · Monday 2 March 2026 · Cassandra Fernando ALP
The member asked how the government was delivering for working women and what risks existed to these gains.
Answered by Amanda Rishworth
-
Construction, Forestry and Maritime Employees Union
House of Representatives · Thursday 12 February 2026 · Sussan Ley Liberal
The member asked whether the Prime Minister would write to the National Anti-Corruption Commission to request an urgent investigation into the misuse of Commonwealth funds and potential involvement of officials.
Answered by Amanda Rishworth
-
Economy
House of Representatives · Thursday 12 February 2026 · Jo Briskey ALP
The member asked how the government was delivering on these fronts compared to other approaches.
Answered by Anthony Albanese
Recent Debates
Latest 20 of 158-
Answers to Questions
Senate · Wednesday 16 September 2026 · Maria Kovacic (NSW) (Liberal Party) Liberal
Senators debated the government's responses to questions concerning economic management, gender equality policies, and the conduct of government staff. Opposition senators criticised the government for high inflation, da...
-
Wage Justice for Early Childhood Education and Care Workers (Special Account) (Extending Support and Strengthening Safety) Bill 2026; Third Reading
Senate · Tuesday 15 September 2026
-
Wage Justice for Early Childhood Education and Care Workers (Special Account) (Extending Support and Strengthening Safety) Bill 2026; In Committee
Senate · Tuesday 15 September 2026
-
Superannuation
Senate · Tuesday 15 September 2026 · Fatima Payman (WA) (Australia's Voice) Australia's Voice
The Senate debated a motion to criminalise deliberate superannuation underpayment and guarantee super for workers under 18. Labor members argued that existing reforms, including payday super and wage theft criminalisatio...
-
Economy
Senate · Tuesday 15 September 2026 · Jessica Collins (NSW) (Liberal Party) Liberal
Senator Jessica Collins moved a matter of public importance arguing that the government was deceiving Australians about the economy while real wages fell and housing became unaffordable. Labor senators countered that wag...
-
Superannuation, Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence
House of Representatives · Tuesday 15 September 2026 · Jodie Belyea (Dunkley) (Australian Labor Party) ALP
Jodie Belyea opposed the One Nation proposal to allow workers to divert compulsory superannuation contributions into their weekly pay. She argued that this policy would undermine long-term financial security and dispropo...
-
Wage Justice for Early Childhood Education and Care Workers (Special Account) (Extending Support and Strengthening Safety) Bill 2026; Second Reading
Senate · Monday 14 September 2026 · Nita Green (QLD) (Australian Labor Party) ALP
The Senate debated legislation to extend a 15 per cent wage increase for early childhood educators until June 2028 and link funding to safety standards. Labor senators argued the measure addressed workforce shortages and...
-
Answers to Questions
Senate · Monday 14 September 2026 · Ross Cadell (NSW) (National Party) Nationals
Senators debated the government's economic management, focusing on real wage growth, productivity trends, and housing supply. Opposition senators argued that real wages were falling and productivity was declining due to ...
-
Wage Justice for Early Childhood Education and Care Workers (Special Account) (Extending Support and Strengthening Safety) Bill 2026; In Committee
Senate · Monday 14 September 2026 · Matt O'Sullivan (WA) (Liberal Party) Liberal
Senator O'Sullivan moved an amendment to prevent the bill from requiring early childhood education providers to use specific workplace instruments or industrial arrangements to access worker retention payments. The amend...
-
Wage Justice for Early Childhood Education and Care Workers (Special Account) (Extending Support and Strengthening Safety) Bill 2026; First Reading
Senate · Monday 14 September 2026
-
Cost of Living
Senate · Monday 14 September 2026 · James McGrath (QLD) (Liberal National Party) LNP
The debate centred on a motion moved by the Coalition alleging that the government's economic policies were increasing taxes and costs for households. Government senators defended their record, citing tax cuts for low-in...
-
Economy
House of Representatives · Monday 14 September 2026 · Andrew Wallace (Fisher) (Liberal National Party) LNP
The debate centred on a motion moved by the Coalition outlining an economic plan focused on tax cuts, energy affordability, and housing supply. Coalition members argued that the government had failed to manage the econom...
-
Wage Justice for Early Childhood Education and Care Workers (Special Account) (Extending Support and Strengthening Safety) Bill 2026; Third Reading
House of Representatives · Thursday 10 September 2026
-
Wage Justice for Early Childhood Education and Care Workers (Special Account) (Extending Support and Strengthening Safety) Bill 2026; Second Reading
House of Representatives · Thursday 10 September 2026 · Jason Clare (Blaxland) (Australian Labor Party) ALP
The Minister for Education moved the second reading of the bill, which aims to lock in pay rises for early childhood educators and link funding to safety standards. The legislation allocates $3.6 billion over two years t...
-
Superannuation
Senate · Wednesday 9 September 2026 · Pauline Hanson (QLD) (Pauline Hanson's One Nation Party) One Nation
Senator Pauline Hanson moved a matter of urgency proposing that Australians be allowed to withdraw 3% of their superannuation to save on mortgage interest payments, citing high inflation and housing costs. The government...
-
Fair Work Amendment (Disqualified Officers) Bill 2026; Second Reading
Senate · Wednesday 9 September 2026 · Jane Hume (VIC) (Liberal Party) Liberal
The Senate debated the Fair Work Amendment (Disqualified Officers) Bill 2026, which seeks to remove the five-year statutory limit on disqualifying union officers and clarify that disqualified persons cannot hold position...
-
Wage Justice for Early Childhood Education and Care Workers (Special Account) (Extending Support and Strengthening Safety) Bill 2026; Second Reading
House of Representatives · Monday 7 September 2026 · Alison Byrnes (Cunningham) (Australian Labor Party) ALP
The debate centered on the Wage Justice for Early Childhood Education and Care Workers (Special Account) (Extending Support and Strengthening Safety) Bill 2026, which extended a $3.6 billion investment to maintain a 15 p...
-
Workplace Relations
House of Representatives · Monday 7 September 2026 · Matt Gregg (Deakin) (Australian Labor Party) ALP
The debate centred on the government's proposal to establish a specialist Fair Work Court to handle workplace disputes. Labor members argued the new court would provide faster, fairer, and more accessible justice for wor...
-
Answers to Questions
Senate · Thursday 20 August 2026 · Dean Smith (WA) (Liberal Party) Liberal
Senators debated the government's handling of Australia's national debt, which had reached $1 trillion. Opposition senators argued that this level of debt was unsustainable, citing high interest costs and future tax burd...
-
Wage Justice for Early Childhood Education and Care Workers (Special Account) (Extending Support and Strengthening Safety) Bill 2026; Second Reading
House of Representatives · Thursday 20 August 2026 · Angie Bell (Moncrieff) (Liberal National Party) LNP
The debate concerned the extension of the worker retention payment for early childhood education and care workers by two years, funded by an additional $3.6 billion. The government argued the measure was essential to mai...