The House met, at 9 am, pursuant to adjournment. The Speaker (the Honourable M. Dick) took the Chair, made an acknowledgement of country and read prayers.

Document

The Speaker presented the following document:

Parliamentary Workplace Support Service—Commonwealth Parliamentary Workplace Report for 2025.

David Malouf —STATEMENT ON A SIGNIFICANT MATTER— Reference to Federation Chamber

Mr Burke (Minister for the Arts), pursuant to notice, made a statement in relation to David Malouf AO.

Ms Bell addressed the House in reply.

Mr Burke moved—That further statements on David Malouf AO be permitted in the Federation Chamber.

Question—put and passed.

BILL DECLARED REFERRED TO FEDERATION CHAMBER

Mr Burke (Leader of the House) declared that, unless otherwise ordered, the Defence Force Discipline Amendment (RCDVS Implementation and Related Measures No. 1) Bill 2026 stands referred to the Federation Chamber for further consideration at the adjournment of the debate on the motion for the second reading of the bill.

Selection Committee

The Speaker presented the following document:

Report No. 10 relating to the consideration of committee and delegation business and private Members’ business on Monday, 25 May 2026.

Regulatory Reform Omnibus Bill 2026

Dr Mulino (Assistant Treasurer), pursuant to notice, presented a Bill for an Act to repeal certain Acts and provisions of Acts and to make various amendments of the statute law of the Commonwealth, and for related purposes.

Document

Dr Mulino presented an explanatory memorandum to the bill.

Bill read a first time.

Dr Mulino moved—That the bill be now read a second time.

Debate adjourned (Mr Thompson), and the resumption of the debate made an order of the day for the next sitting.

Defence Force Discipline Amendment (RCDVS Implementation and Related Measures No. 1) Bill 2026

The order of the day having been read for the resumption of the debate on the question—That the bill be now read a second time—

Debate resumed.

Debate adjourned (Ms C King—Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government), and the resumption of the debate made an order of the day for a later hour this day.

Treasury Laws Amendment (The Survivors Law) Bill 2026

The order of the day having been read for the resumption of the debate on the question—That the bill be now read a second time—

Debate resumed.

Debate adjourned (Ms White—Assistant Minister for Women), and the resumption of the debate made an order of the day for a later hour this day.

Regional Budget Statement —MINISTERIAL STATEMENT—MOTION TO TAKE NOTE OF DOCUMENT—REFERENCE TO FEDERATION CHAMBER

Ms McBain (Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories), by leave, made a ministerial statement relating to the regional budget statement, and presented the following document:

Regional ministerial budget statement 2026-27—Investing in Australia’s regional growth and prosperity—Statement by the Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories, Kristy McBain MP, 13 May 2026.

Mr Chester (Leader of The Nationals in the House) addressed the House in reply.

Ms McBain moved—That the House take note of the document.

Debate adjourned (Mr Willcox), and the resumption of the debate made an order of the day for the next sitting.

Ms McBain, by leave, moved—That the order of the day be referred to the Federation Chamber for debate.

Question—put and passed.

Treasury Laws Amendment (The Survivors Law) Bill 2026

The order of the day having been read for the resumption of the debate on the question—That the bill be now read a second time—

Debate resumed.

Ms Roberts presented a copy of her speech for incorporation in Hansard, in accordance with the resolution agreed to on 6 November 2025.

Debate continued.

It being 1.30 pm, the debate was interrupted in accordance with standing order 43 and the resumption of the debate made an order of the day for a later hour this day.

MEMBERS’ STATEMENTS

Members’ statements were made.

QUESTIONS

Questions without notice being asked—

Member directed to leave

At 2.03 pm the Member for Herbert ( Mr Thompson ) was directed, under standing order 94, to leave the Chamber for one hour for disorderly behaviour and he accordingly left the Chamber.

Questions without notice continuing—

Member directed to leave

At 2.10 pm the Member for Forrest ( Mr Small ) was directed, under standing order 94, to leave the Chamber for one hour for interjecting and he accordingly left the Chamber.

Questions without notice continuing—

Member directed to leave

At 3 pm the Member for Cowper ( Mr Conaghan ) was directed, under standing order 94, to leave the Chamber for one hour for continuing to interject after a warning had been given by the Chair and he accordingly left the Chamber.

Questions without notice continued.

DOCUMENTS

The following documents were presented:

Intelligence and Security—Parliamentary Joint Committee—Review of the listing and re-listing of eight organisations as terrorist organisations under the Criminal Code: Abu Sayyaf Group, al-Qa’ida, al‑Qa’ida in the Lands of the Islamic Maghreb, Hamas, Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham, Hurras al-Din, Jemaah Islamiyah, National Socialist Order—Government response, April 2026.

Social Security (Administration) Act 1999— Estimated cost of enhanced income management regime for the period 4 March 2025 to 3 March 2026.

Treaties— Text, together with associated documents —

Agreement between Australia and the Kingdom of Spain for the Mutual Protection of Classified Information of Defence Interest (Brussels, 12 February 2026).

Agreement between the Government of Australia and the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) Support and Procurement Organisation (NSPO) on Acquisition and Support Cooperation (The Hague, 24 June 2025).

WIPO Treaty on Intellectual Property, Genetic Resources and Associated Traditional Knowledge (Geneva, 24 May 2024).

DISCUSSION OF MATTER OF PUBLIC IMPORTANCE— Budget

The House was informed that Mr T Wilson had proposed that a definite matter of public importance be submitted to the House for discussion, namely, “The failure of the Government’s 2026-27 budget to deliver on its promises to Australian families, leaving them worse off through higher taxes, higher costs, and broken commitments and a budget of breaking the Australian dream”.

The proposed discussion having received the necessary support—

Mr T Wilson addressed the House.

Discussion ensued.

Discussion concluded.

Public and Educational Lending Rights (Better Income for Authors) Bill 2026 —REPORT FROM FEDERATION CHAMBER

The Deputy Speaker reported that the bill had been fully considered by the Federation Chamber, a Governor-General’s message recommending an appropriation had been reported, and the bill had been agreed to without amendment, and presented a certified copy of the bill.

Bill agreed to.

On the motion of Mr Giles (Minister for Skills and Training), by leave, the bill was read a third time.

Public and Educational Lending Rights (Better Income for Authors) Consequential Amendments and Transitional Provisions Bill 2026 —REPORT FROM FEDERATION CHAMBER

The Deputy Speaker reported that the bill had been fully considered by the Federation Chamber and agreed to without amendment, and presented a certified copy of the bill.

Bill agreed to.

On the motion of Mr Giles (Minister for Skills and Training), by leave, the bill was read a third time.

Treasury Laws Amendment (The Survivors Law) Bill 2026

The order of the day having been read for the resumption of the debate on the question—That the bill be now read a second time—

Debate resumed.

Question—put and passed—bill read a second time.

Message from the Governor-General

Message No. 73, 23 March 2026, from Her Excellency the Governor-General was announced recommending an appropriation for the purposes of the bill.

Leave granted for third reading to be moved immediately.

On the motion of Dr Mulino (Assistant Treasurer), the bill was read a third time.

Competition and Consumer Amendment (Unfair Trading Practices) Bill 2026

The order of the day having been read for the resumption of the debate on the question—That the bill be now read a second time— And on the amendment moved thereto by Mr Hogan, viz.— That all words after “That” be omitted with a view to substituting the following words:

“whilst not declining to give the bill a second reading, the House notes that:

(1) the Opposition supports strong consumer protections and believes Australians should be protected from being misled, pressured, exploited or trapped by unfair business practices;

(2) Australia already has a comprehensive consumer law framework, including prohibitions on misleading or deceptive conduct, unconscionable conduct and unfair contract terms;

(3) the Government has failed to clearly identify the gap in existing law that the bill is intended to address;

(4) the bill’s broad new prohibition on ‘unfair trading practices’ risks creating significant legal uncertainty for businesses, with key concepts likely to be tested through costly litigation over many years;

(5) despite the Government’s promises to cut red tape and lift productivity, the bill is expected to impose regulatory costs of more than $124 million per year, including more than $100 million per year on small businesses;

(6) these additional compliance burdens will fall on small businesses already under pressure from high inflation, rising energy costs, higher rents, higher insurance premiums, the Government’s new taxes, and a slowing economy;

(7) these costs will be passed on to everyday Australian consumers; and

(8) the bill should be referred to the Senate Economics Legislation Committee to ensure proper scrutiny, stakeholder consultation and consideration of its impact on small businesses”—

Debate resumed.

Question—That the amendment be agreed to—put.

A division having been called for, in accordance with standing order 133 the division was deferred until the first opportunity the next sitting day.

Telecommunications Amendment (Enhancing Consumer Safeguards) Bill 2025

The order of the day having been read for the resumption of the debate on the question—That the bill be now read a second time— And on the amendment moved thereto by Mrs McIntosh, viz.— That all words after “That” be omitted with a view to substituting the following words:

“whilst not declining to give the bill a second reading, the House notes the Government’s telecommunications failure:

(1) on the botched closure of the 3G network that has left many Australians without telephone services in peri-urban, regional, rural and remote Australia;

(2) to respond to the 2024 Regional Telecommunications Independent Review Committee Report which was tabled in December last year to ensure regional communities have access to reliable telecommunications; and

(3) to release the consultation paper on the Universal Outdoor Mobile Obligation, despite committing to legislate this by the end of 2025”—

Debate resumed.

Mr Holzberger addressing the House—

ADJOURNMENT

It being 7.30 pm—The question was proposed—That the House do now adjourn.

Debate ensued.

The House continuing to sit until 8 pm—The Speaker adjourned the House until 9 am tomorrow.

DOCUMENTS

The following documents were deemed to have been presented on 13 May 2026 (An explanatory statement has been presented with each instrument unless otherwise indicated by an asterisk):

Aged Care Act 2024— Aged Care (Places Available for Allocation to Individuals 2025-2026) Amendment (Assistive Technology and Home Modifications) Determination 2026 [F2026L00535].

Autonomous Sanctions Act 2011— Autonomous Sanctions Regulations 2011—Autonomous Sanctions (Designated Persons and Entities and Declared Persons—Iran) Amendment (No. 2) Instrument 2026 [F2026L00547].

Biosecurity Act 2015—

Biosecurity (First Point of Entry—Port of Cairns) Amendment (2026 Measures No. 1) Determination 2026 [F2026L00546].

Biosecurity (Listed Human Diseases) Determination 2026 [F2026L00548].

Building Energy Efficiency Disclosure Act 2010— Building Energy Efficiency Disclosure Determination 2026 [F2026L00543].

Civil Aviation Act 1988— Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998—Part 139 Manual of Standards Amendment Instrument 2026 [F2026L00539].

Housing Australia Act 2018— Housing Australia Investment Mandate Amendment (2026 Measures No. 2) Direction 2026 [F2026L00542].

Native Title Act 1993— Native Title (Approved Opal or Gem Mining Area—White Cliffs, New South Wales) Determination 2026 [F2026L00537].

Petroleum and Other Fuels Reporting Act 2017— Petroleum and Other Fuels Reporting Amendment (Disclosure of Protected Information and Reporting Requirements) Rules 2026 [F2026L00549].

Private Health Insurance Act 2007—

Private Health Insurance (Data Provision) Amendment Rules 2026 [F2026L00536].

Private Health Insurance (Health Insurance Business) Amendment Rules 2026 [F2026L00538].

Superannuation Act 1990 —Superannuation (PSS) Productivity Contribution (2026-2027) Determination 2026 [F2026L00534].

Veterans’ Entitlements Act 1986— Veterans’ Entitlements (Direct Deductions Arrangements) Approval 2026 [F2026L00544].

ATTENDANCE

All Members attended (at some time during the sitting) except Ms Coker and Mr Young.

Claressa Surtees

Clerk of the House of Representatives

The Federation Chamber met at 9.30 am.

MEMBERS’ CONSTITUENCY STATEMENTS

Members’ constituency statements being made—

Ms Roberts presented a copy of her speech for incorporation in Hansard, in accordance with the resolution agreed to on 6 November 2025.

Members’ constituency statements continued.

Public and Educational Lending Rights (Better Income for Authors) Bill 2026

The order of the day having been read for the resumption of the debate on the question—That the bill be now read a second time—

Debate resumed.

Question—put and passed—bill read a second time.

Message from the Governor-General

Message No. 72, 27 March 2026, from Her Excellency the Governor-General was announced recommending an appropriation for the purposes of the bill.

Leave granted for the question on the report to be put immediately.

Question—That the bill be reported to the House without amendment—put and passed.

Public and Educational Lending Rights (Better Income for Authors) Consequential Amendments and Transitional Provisions Bill 2026

The order of the day having been read for the resumption of the debate on the question—That the bill be now read a second time—

Question—put and passed—bill read a second time.

Leave granted for the question on the report to be put immediately.

Question—That the bill be reported to the House without amendment—put and passed.

Secrecy Provisions Amendment (Repealing Offences) Bill 2026

The order of the day having been read for the resumption of the debate on the question—That the bill be now read a second time—

Debate resumed.

Suspension of meeting

At 1.30 pm, the Deputy Speaker left the Chair.

Resumption of meeting

At 4 pm, the Deputy Speaker resumed the Chair.

Debate continuing—

Mr Wilkie moved, as an amendment—That all words after “That” be omitted with a view to substituting the following words:

“whilst not declining to give the bill a second reading, the House:

(1) notes that:

(a) Australia has been described as ‘the most secretive democracy in the world’ due to the proliferation of national security, counter-terrorism and secrecy laws, and the lack of whistleblower and public interest journalism protections; and

(b) despite the Labor Party promising in its 2021 platform to overhaul and improve Australia’s whistleblower protections, only small changes have been introduced to date, and protections remain patchwork and inadequate; and

(2) calls on the Government to:

(a) introduce comprehensive reforms to the:

(i) Public Interest Disclosure Act 2013 and the Corporations Act 2001 to better protect whistleblowers; and

(ii) Crimes Act 1914 , the Criminal Code Act 1995 and the Evidence Act 1995 to better protect public interest journalism and media sources; and

(b) establish a:

(i) Whistleblower Protection Authority to oversee public and private sector whistleblowing; and

(ii) federal whistleblower rewards scheme encouraging whistleblowers to come forward and expose wrongdoing”.

Debate ensued.

Question—That the amendment be agreed to—put and not being resolved—bill to be returned to the House with an unresolved question.

Secrecy Provisions Amendment (Sunsetting Provision) Bill 2026

The order of the day having been read for the resumption of the debate on the question—That the bill be now read a second time—

Question—put and passed—bill read a second time.

Leave granted for the question on the report to be put immediately.

Question—That the bill be reported to the House without amendment—put and passed.

Defence Force Discipline Amendment (RCDVS Implementation and Related Measures No. 1) Bill 2026

The order of the day having been read for the resumption of the debate on the question—That the bill be now read a second time—

Debate resumed.

Question—put and passed—bill read a second time.

Leave granted for the question on the report to be put immediately.

Question—That the bill be reported to the House without amendment—put and passed.

POSTPONEMENT OF ORDER OF THE DAY

Ordered—That order of the day No. 5, government business, be postponed until a later hour this day.

DEATH OF FORMER Member (the Honourable Peter Frederick Morris)—CONDOLENCE MOTION

The order of the day having been read for the resumption of the debate on the motion of Mr Albanese (Prime Minister)—That the House record its deep regret at the death, on 26 April 2026, of the Honourable Peter Frederick Morris OAM, a former Minister and Member of this House for the Division of Shortland from 1972 to 1998, place on record its appreciation of his long and meritorious public service, and tender its profound sympathy to his family in their bereavement—

Debate resumed.

As a mark of respect to the memory of the deceased, all Members present stood, in silence.

Ms Urquhart, by leave, moved—That further proceedings be conducted in the House.

Question—put and passed.

ADJOURNMENT

On the motion of Ms Urquhart, the Federation Chamber adjourned at 6.54 pm, until 9.30 am tomorrow.

Peter Banson

Clerk of the Federation Chamber