The House met, at 10 am, pursuant to adjournment. The Speaker (the Honourable M. Dick) took the Chair, made an acknowledgement of country and read prayers.

PETITIONS—STANDING COMMITTEE—REPORT—STATEMENT BY MEMBER

Ms Belyea (Chair) presented the following documents:

Petitions—Standing Committee—Report 10: Petitions and Ministerial responses—

Report, 25 May 2026.

Petitions.

Ministers’ responses to petitions previously presented to the House.

Ms Belyea made a statement in connection with petitions.

Telecommunications Legislation Amendment (Strengthening Communications in Natural Disasters) Bill 2026

Dr Haines, pursuant to notice, presented a Bill for an Act to amend the Telecommunications Act 1997 and the Telecommunications (Consumer Protection and Service Standards) Act 1999 , and for related purposes.

Document

Dr Haines presented an explanatory memorandum to the bill.

Bill read a first time.

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

Debate adjourned and the resumption of the debate made an order of the day for the next sitting.

Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder Commission of Inquiry Bill 2026

Ms Penfold, pursuant to notice, presented a Bill for an Act to establish a commission of inquiry into the behaviour, practices and performance of the Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder, and for related purposes.

Document

Ms Penfold presented an explanatory memorandum to the bill.

Bill read a first time.

Ms Penfold moved—That the bill be now read a second time.

Debate adjourned and the resumption of the debate made an order of the day for the next sitting.

Sex Discrimination Amendment (Sex-based Rights) Bill 2026

Ms Penfold, pursuant to notice, presented a Bill for an Act to amend the Sex Discrimination Act 1984 , and for related purposes.

Document

Ms Penfold presented an explanatory memorandum to the bill.

Bill read a first time.

Ms Penfold moved—That the bill be now read a second time.

Debate adjourned and the resumption of the debate made an order of the day for the next sitting.

Human Rights Bill 2026

Mr Wilkie, pursuant to notice, presented a Bill for an Act relating to the human rights and freedoms of all Australians and all people in Australia, and for related purposes.

Document

Mr Wilkie presented an explanatory memorandum to the bill.

Bill read a first time.

Mr Wilkie moved—That the bill be now read a second time.

Debate adjourned and the resumption of the debate made an order of the day for the next sitting.

Living standards

Mr Caldwell, pursuant to notice, moved—That this House:

(1) notes the Government has repeatedly broken promises to Australians on cost of living, energy prices, and housing affordability, leaving families worse off financially; and

(2) calls on the Government to take responsibility for its broken promises and deliver living standards and ease pressure on Australian households.

Debate ensued.

The time allotted for the debate having expired, the debate was interrupted, and the resumption of the debate made an order of the day for a later hour this day.

Housing investment

Mr Georganas, pursuant to notice, moved—That this House notes that:

(1) the Government is delivering a further $2 billion of investment in infrastructure to enable new housing, and that this brings the Government’s total investments in housing-enabling infrastructure to $6.3 billion;

(2) this total investment is more than 50 times what the Opposition invested in housing-enabling infrastructure after over almost a decade in office;

(3) this new funding lifts the Government’s housing investment to $47 billion; and

(4) the Government is delivering 55,000 social and affordable homes, nearly 150 times what the Opposition built during its time in Government.

Debate ensued.

The time allotted for private Members’ business having expired, the debate was interrupted, and the resumption of the debate made an order of the day for the next sitting.

MESSAGE FROM THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL—ASSENT TO BILLS

A message from Her Excellency the Governor-General was announced informing the House that Her Excellency, in the name of His Majesty, had assented to the following bills:

20 May 2026 —Message No. 74 —

Customs Legislation Amendment (False Trade Marks Infringement Notices) 2026 .

Export Control Amendment (Clarifying Obligations Relating to Registered Establishments) 2026 .

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

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

Treasury Laws Amendment (The Survivors Law) 2026 .

MEMBERS’ STATEMENTS

Members’ statements were made.

Auditor-General’s Reports

The Speaker presented the following documents:

Auditor-General—Audit reports of 2025-26—Performance audits—

No. 32—Administration of the Freedom of Information Act 1982 by selected entities: Across entities.

No. 33—Defence’s Collins class submarines Life of Type Extension—Planning and implementation: Department of Defence.

The documents were made Parliamentary Papers.

DOCUMENTS

The following documents were presented:

*Executive Director of Township Leasing—Report for 2024-25.

Law Enforcement—Parliamentary Joint Committee—

An Australian Standard for the training and use of privately contracted security and detection dogs—Government response, 14 May 2026.

Criminal Code Amendment (Sharing of Abhorrent Violent Material) Act 2019 —Government response, May 2026.

National Disability Insurance Scheme—Joint Standing Committee—NDIS participant experience in rural, regional and remote Australia—Government response, March 2026.

*The document was made a Parliamentary Paper.

Education—Standing Committee—MEMBERSHIP

The House was informed that the Chief Government Whip had nominated Mr Repacholi to be a supplementary member of the Standing Committee on Education.

Mr Burke (Leader of the House), by leave, moved—That Mr Repacholi be appointed a supplementary member of the Standing Committee on Education for the purpose of the committee’s inquiry into the factors driving educational attainment.

Question—put and passed.

Public Works—Parliamentary Standing Committee —REPORT—STATEMENT BY MEMBER

Mr Zappia (Chair) presented the following document:

Public Works—Parliamentary Standing Committee—Referrals made in November 2025 (3rd report of 2026)—Report, May 2026.

In accordance with standing order 39(e) the report was made a Parliamentary Paper.

Mr Zappia, by leave, made a statement in connection with the report.

Appropriation Bill (No. 5) 2025-2026

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 third reading to be moved immediately.

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

Appropriation Bill (No. 6) 2025-2026

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 third reading to be moved immediately.

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

Appropriation Bill (No. 1) 2026-2027

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 McBride—Assistant Minister for Rural and Regional Health), and the resumption of the debate made an order of the day for a later hour this day.

Death of Neale Daniher—STATEMENTS

Mr Albanese (Prime Minister), by indulgence, made a statement in relation to the death of Neale Daniher AO.

Mr Taylor (Leader of the Opposition), by indulgence, also made a statement on the matter.

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

Appropriation Bill (No. 1) 2026-2027

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 Watson-Brown 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 calls on the Government to implement a 25 per cent gas export tax”.

Debate ensued.

Mr Willcox 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 12 noon tomorrow.

DOCUMENTS

The following documents were deemed to have been presented on 25 May 2026 (An explanatory statement has been presented with each instrument unless otherwise indicated by an asterisk):

Administrative Review Tribunal Act 2024— Administrative Review Tribunal Amendment (2026 Measures No. 1) Rules 2026 [F2026L00559].

Auditor-General Act 1997— Australian National Audit Office Auditing Standards 2026 [F2026L00614].

Australian Security Intelligence Organisation Act 1979— Australian Security Intelligence Organisation Regulations 2025 [F2025L01546]—Supplementary explanatory statement.

Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre Industry Contribution Act 2011— Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre Industry Contribution (2025-26) Determination 2026 (No. 1) [F2026L00570].

Banking Act 1959—

Banking (prudential standard) determination No. 1 of 2026 [F2026L00586].

Banking (prudential standard) determination No. 2 of 2026 [F2026L00587].

Banking (prudential standard) determination No. 3 of 2026 [F2026L00588].

Banking (prudential standard) determination No. 4 of 2026 [F2026L00589].

Banking (prudential standard) determination No. 5 of 2026 [F2026L00590].

Banking (prudential standard) determination No. 6 of 2026 [F2026L00591].

Banking Act 1959, Insurance Act 1973, Life Insurance Act 1995 and Private Health Insurance (Prudential Supervision) Act 2015— Banking, Insurance, Life Insurance and Health Insurance (prudential standard) determination No. 1 of 2026 [F2026L00607].

Biosecurity Act 2015—

Biosecurity (2026 Infringement Notices) Amendment (Specified Countries No. 1) Determination 2026 [F2026L00566].

Biosecurity (Human Health Response Zone) (Centre for National Resilience Perth) Determination 2026 [F2026L00581].

Broadcasting Services Act 1992— Variation to Licence Area Plan—Hamilton Radio—2026 (No. 1) [F2026L00567].

Civil Aviation Act 1988—

Civil Aviation Regulations 1988 and Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998—

Civil Aviation Order 95.10 Amendment Instrument 2026 [F2026L00562].

Civil Aviation Order 95.32 Amendment Instrument 2026 [F2026L00563].

Civil Aviation Order 95.55 Amendment Instrument 2026 [F2026L00564].

Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998—

Implementation of Drug and Alcohol Management Plans (Micro-businesses and DAMP Organisations) Exemption 2026—CASA EX42/26 [F2026L00594].

Repeal of Airworthiness Directive AD/ECUREUIL/124 Instrument 2026—CASA ADCX 001/26 [F2026L00606].

Variation of Approved Maintenance Program Instrument 2026—CASA EX06/26 [F2026L00560].

Competition and Consumer Act 2010— Competition and Consumer Amendment (State/Territory Energy Law) Regulations 2026 [F2026L00605].

Corporations Act 2001— ASIC Corporations (Amendment) Instrument 2026/313 [F2026L00596].

Criminal Code Act 1995— Criminal Code (Prohibited Hate Group—White Australia) Regulations 2026 [F2026L00583].

Defence Act 1903—

Defence Determination, Conditions of service Amendment (Airline club membership) Determination (No. 6) 2026 [F2026L00584].

Defence (Individual benefits) Determination (No. 5) 2026 [F2026L00526].

Woomera Prohibited Area Rule 2014—

Woomera Prohibited Area (Exclusion Period for the Green Zone for 12 June 2026 to 18 June 2026) Determination 2026 [F2026L00602].

Woomera Prohibited Area (Suspension of Standing Permission in the Woomera Prohibited Area for 12 June 2026 to 18 June 2026) Instrument 2026 [F2026L00603].

Education Services for Overseas Students Act 2000— Education Services for Overseas Students (Suspension of Applications for Registration to the National VET Regulator) Determination 2026 [F2026L00600].

Federal Financial Relations Act 2009— Federal Financial Relations (General Purpose Financial Assistance—2025-26 Payment No. 11) Determination 2026 [F2026L00597].

Financial Framework (Supplementary Powers) Act 1997—

Financial Framework (Supplementary Powers) Amendment (Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water Measures No. 2) Regulations 2026 [F2026L00571].

Financial Framework (Supplementary Powers) Amendment (Education Measures No. 2) Regulations 2026 [F2026L00572].

Financial Framework (Supplementary Powers) Amendment (Finance Measures No. 1) Regulations 2026 [F2026L00573].

Financial Framework (Supplementary Powers) Amendment (Health, Disability and Ageing Measures No. 2) Regulations 2026 [F2026L00579].

Financial Framework (Supplementary Powers) Amendment (Home Affairs Measures No. 4) Regulations 2026 [F2026L00569].

Financial Framework (Supplementary Powers) Amendment (Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts Measures No. 2) Regulations 2026 [F2026L00580].

Financial Framework (Supplementary Powers) Amendment (Social Services Measures No. 1) Regulations 2026 [F2026L00568].

Higher Education Support Act 2003— Higher Education Support (Provider Variation of Approval—Excelsia University College Limited) Instrument 2026 [F2026L00604].

Legislation Act 2003— Legislation (Christmas Island and Cocos (Keeling) Islands—Utilities and Services Instruments) Sunset-altering Declaration 2026 [F2026L00601].

Migration Act 1958—

Notice under section 501(3)—14 May 2026.

Notice under section 501C—18 May 2026.

Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004— Military Rehabilitation and Compensation (Multiple Entitlement Exclusion) Determination 2026 [F2026L00551].

National Health Security Act 2007— National Health Security (National Notifiable Disease List) Amendment (Andes virus infection) Instrument 2026 [F2026L00611].

Navigation Act 2012—

Marine Order 25 (Equipment—life-saving) 2026—AMSA MO 2026/4 [F2026L00599].

Marine Order Amendment (Marine Order 53—consequential changes) Order 2026—AMSA MO 2026/7 [F2026L00554].

Public Lending Right Act 1985— Public Lending Right Scheme (Payment Rates) Modification 2026 [F2026L00565].

Public Service Act 1999— Public Service (Commissioner’s Functions) Direction 2026 [F2026L00582].

Seat of Government (Administration) Act 1910— Australian Capital Territory National Land (Road Transport) Ordinance 2025 and Australian Capital Territory National Land (Road Transport) Rules 2025—Australian Capital Territory National Land (Road Transport) (Parking Fees) Amendment Determination 2026 [F2026L00598].

Superannuation Act 1976— Superannuation (CSS) Productivity Contribution (2026-2027) Declaration 2026 [F2026L00532].

Superannuation Act 1990— Superannuation (PSS) Maximum Benefits (2026-2027) Determination 2026 [F2026L00533].

Superannuation Industry (Supervision) Act 1993— Superannuation Industry (Supervision) Act exemption No. 1 of 2026 [F2026L00592].

Taxation Administration Act 1953— Commissioner of Taxation—

Class Rulings—CR 2026/19, CR 2026/20.

Product Rulings—PR 2026/3, PR 2026/4.

ATTENDANCE

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

Claressa Surtees

Clerk of the House of Representatives

The Federation Chamber met at 10.30 am.

MEMBERS’ CONSTITUENCY STATEMENTS

Members’ constituency statements were made.

Gas exports and gambling advertising

Ms Watson-Brown, pursuant to notice, moved—That this House:

(1) notes that:

(a) despite the overwhelming support of the Australian people for gas corporations to pay their fair share for our resources, the Government has instead listened to the gas lobby and refused to implement a 25 per cent tax on gas exports;

(b) despite the overwhelming support of the Australian people for a ban on gambling advertising, the Government has instead listened to the gambling lobby and refused to implement a full ban; and

(c) prior to the 2025 federal election, the major parties received millions in donations from fossil fuel corporations and the gambling industry; and

(2) calls on the Government to:

(a) implement a minimum 25 per cent tax on gas exports;

(b) implement a total ban on gambling advertising; and

(c) commit to addressing corporate control over our political system.

Debate ensued.

The time allotted for the debate having expired, the debate was interrupted, and the resumption of the debate made an order of the day for the next sitting.

Endometriosis and pelvic pain clinics

Ms J Ryan, pursuant to notice, moved—That this House:

(1) acknowledges the opening of an additional 11 endometriosis and pelvic pain clinics across Australia, with all 33 clinics now open, supporting women and girls; and

(2) notes these clinics:

(a) are delivering a key part of the Government’s landmark Women’s Health Package, which is investing almost $800 million to deliver improved health care and access for women and girls;

(b) provide expert, multidisciplinary care for women and girls living with endometriosis and pelvic pain as well as perimenopause and menopause care; and

(c) have already provided care for over 10,000 Australian women and girls, with more than 28,000 services to those with endometriosis and persistent pelvic pain conditions.

Debate ensued.

The time allotted for the debate having expired, the debate was interrupted, and the resumption of the debate made an order of the day for the next sitting.

Private health insurance rebate

Mr Rebello, pursuant to notice, moved—That this House:

(1) notes the Government’s decision to cut the private health insurance rebate for Australians over 65, which will significantly increase health costs for older Australians during a cost of living crisis;

(2) recognises analysis showing couples over 65 with gold cover could face an additional $1,614 in costs from April 2027, representing a record increase in private health insurance costs;

(3) condemns the Government for targeting older Australians and pensioners on fixed incomes, forcing many to either pay substantially more or abandon their private health cover altogether;

(4) expresses concern that this policy will place even greater pressure on already stretched public hospitals, leading to longer elective surgery waitlists, increased ambulance ramping and worse patient outcomes; and

(5) calls on the Government to immediately reverse these rebate cuts, release the modelling underpinning the decision, and protect older Australians from further cost of living pressures and declining access to healthcare.

Debate ensued.

The time allotted for the debate having expired, the debate was interrupted, and the resumption of the debate made an order of the day for the next sitting.

Australia-European Union Security and Defence Partnership

Ms Clutterham, pursuant to notice, moved—That this House:

(1) acknowledges the significance of the recent signing of the Australia-European Union Security and Defence Partnership;

(2) notes that this broad-ranging partnership reflects the:

(a) meaningful cooperation between Australia and the European Union across the defence and space industries;

(b) collaborative motivation to build capacity to manage and resilience to meet complex security threats in the Indo-Pacific and European regions; and

(c) joint determination to combat online radicalisation and terrorism financing; and

(3) affirms the Government’s commitment to continue to provide new international opportunities for Australian businesses at the cutting edge of defence technology and innovation, in parallel with a Future Made in Australia.

Debate ensued.

The time allotted for the debate having expired, the debate was interrupted, and the resumption of the debate made an order of the day for the next sitting.

European carp

Mr Chester, pursuant to notice, moved—That this House:

(1) acknowledges that the:

(a) Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry has reported that:

(i) common or European carp (Cyprinus carpio) is an invasive freshwater species that has been established across Australia’s inland waters for several decades;

(ii) their large mouths and feeding style contribute to their environmental damage;

(iii) carp populations can also increase quickly with their numbers fluctuating in response to changing breeding conditions associated with seasonal rainfall;

(iv) in some river systems, carp can make up as much as 90 per cent of total biomass, outcompeting native fish;

(v) their high abundance increases water turbidity, damages aquatic plants, and degrades freshwater ecosystems; and

(vi) carp are now in every state and territory in Australia except the Northern Territory;

(b) National Carp Control Plan report suggests the carp herpes virus could reduce Australian carp populations by up to 60 per cent; and

(c) Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation has found the carp herpes virus is effective in killing carp and does not transfer to native species;

(2) notes that:

(a) the Victorian Fisheries Authority is advocating strongly for the release of the carp herpes virus at trial sites to help reduce the damage caused by this invasive fish;

(b) the Opposition has written to the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry to offer bipartisan support for the Government to set clear timelines for the release of the virus; and

(c) a meeting of key stakeholders in Nagambie, on 30 April 2026, unanimously supported the release of the virus as part of a coordinated plan to control carp numbers and formed the Murray-Darling Carp Action Alliance to unite efforts, resources, and advocacy against the invasive species; and

(3) urges the Government to work in partnership with the Opposition, key stakeholder groups and local communities to design and implement the release of the carp herpes virus by 2028 at the latest.

Debate ensued.

Suspension of meeting

At 1.20 pm, a division having been called in the House, the proceedings were suspended.

Resumption of meeting

At 4 pm, the Deputy Speaker resumed the Chair.

MEMBERS’ STATEMENTS

Members’ 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’ statements continued.

Living standards

The order of the day having been read for the resumption of the debate on the motion of Mr Caldwell ( see item No. 7, Votes and Proceedings, page 692) —

Debate resumed.

The time allotted for the debate having expired, the debate was interrupted, and the resumption of the debate made an order of the day for the next sitting.

Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month

Ms K Cook, pursuant to notice, moved—That this House:

(1) notes that during Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month we raise awareness, support victim survivors and promote zero tolerance for violence in our country;

(2) commends the Government’s National Plan to End Violence Against Women and Children 2022-32;

(3) recognises the Government’s record investment to end violence against women and children and work undertaken under the First Action Plan 2023-2027; and

(4) supports the Government as it develops the second action plan towards its goal to end violence against women and children in Australia in one generation.

Debate ensued.

The time allotted for the debate having expired, the debate was interrupted, and the resumption of the debate made an order of the day for the next sitting.

Inland Rail

Mr Chaffey, pursuant to notice, moved—That this House:

(1) notes that Inland Rail was conceived as a nation building freight rail project connecting Melbourne and Brisbane through regional Australia;

(2) recognises that Inland Rail was designed to:

(a) reduce freight transit times between Melbourne and Brisbane from around 33 hours to under 24 hours;

(b) remove up to 200,000 truck movements from Australian roads annually;

(c) improve national fuel security by shifting freight from road to rail;

(d) reduce freight costs for Australian producers and consumers; and

(e) support jobs, investment and economic growth across regional Australia;

(3) further notes official modelling shows Inland Rail could:

(a) reduce freight transport costs by approximately $213 million annually; and

(b) significantly increase rail freight capacity between Melbourne and Brisbane;

(4) condemns the Government for:

(a) cutting and delaying Inland Rail funding;

(b) abandoning the original vision of a completed Melbourne to Brisbane Inland Rail corridor; and

(c) failing regional communities, freight operators, farmers and exporters who were promised a completed national freight corridor; and

(5) calls on the Government to:

(a) commit to completing the full Inland Rail corridor connecting Melbourne to Brisbane;

(b) restore certainty around project delivery and funding; and

(c) recognise Inland Rail as a critical national productivity, fuel security and regional development project.

Debate ensued.

Debate adjourned and the resumption of the debate made an order of the day for the next sitting.

Energy security

Mr M Smith, pursuant to notice, moved—That this House:

(1) commends the Government’s plan to build Australia’s energy sovereignty, alongside growing our fuel reserves and supporting more fuels made in Australia to stay in Australia; and

(2) notes that a 20 per cent liquefied natural gas exports domestic reservation scheme will:

(a) put strong downward pressure on domestic gas prices;

(b) shield our industry and households from global price volatility; and

(c) ensure Australia’s energy security by avoiding potential gas supply shortfalls.

Debate ensued.

Debate adjourned and the resumption of the debate made an order of the day for the next sitting.

ADJOURNMENT

On the motion of Ms Berry, the Federation Chamber adjourned at 7.28 pm, until 12.30 pm tomorrow.

Peter Banson

Clerk of the Federation Chamber