Milton Dick
Oxley · SPK · Australia
“The period from when the 44th Parliament was prorogued on 9 May 2016 to the commencement of the 45th Parliament on 30 August 2016 is not included in the response period. The period from when the 45th Parliament was prorogued on 11 April 2019 to the commencement of the 46th Parliament on 2 July 2019 is not included in the response period.”
“Government responses received during the period are included in the schedule and the report it relates to is then removed from subsequent schedules. The timeframe for government responses to committee reports in this schedule is determined by the resolution adopted by the House on 29 September 2010.”
“However, the current intent of this schedule is to provide an update to the House solely on the status of government responses to committee reports containing recommendations to government.”
“I'm pleased to inform the House that present in the gallery today are students from Barker College who are visiting as part of a work experience trip, as guests of the member for Berowra.”
“For the information of honourable members, I present a schedule of the status of government responses to committee reports as of 30 June 2026. The schedule will be incorporated in Hansard .”
“In the case of joint committees, the date shown is the date of first presentation to either the House or the Senate or to the President or Speaker (if presented earlier out of session). Reports published when the House (or Houses) are not sitting are tabled at a later date.”
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“And it will fast-track the qualification of 6,000 experienced workers through the Advanced Entry Trades Training program. Child care and education The Government is committed to helping the next generation of Australians reach their dreams. This term it will continue to progress its Early Years Strategy to give Australian children the very best start in life—particularly those in need. The Government will also continue to work towards universal early education. It will guarantee eligibility for three days of child care subsidies a week for children who need it, while building more child care centres in areas of need. Continuing to roll out pay rises for our dedicated early childhood educators will also remain a priority over the coming term, helping to enable the highest quality care.”
“The Build to Rent scheme will help deliver 80,000 new rental properties. These properties must offer five-year leases—giving greater rental security to tenants. The Government has committed $43 billion under its Homes for Australia plan to build 1.2 million houses over the next five years. And it will work with state developers and industry to build up to 100,000 homes that will be reserved for sale to first-home buyers. To meet these targets, the Government will accelerate the pace of construction. The Government will invest $54 million in the advanced manufacturing needed to produce prefabricated and modular homes, incentivise states and territories to remove red tape, and train more tradies. The Government will double the incentive payment for eligible apprentices starting their trade in the housing construction industry.”
“Affordable housing The Government recognises the dream of home ownership feels out of reach for many—particularly young people and aspiring first-home buyers. Part of the solution lies in reducing the financial barriers. In its first term, the Government legislated the Help to Buy scheme. Over the next four years, this will help 40,000 people achieve their dream of owning their first home. Since May 2022, the Government's Home Guarantee Scheme has helped more than 150,000 eligible home buyers. The Government will expand eligibility for the scheme so it is available to every Australian first-home buyer. Unlocking housing supply is another critical step. The Government understands this will benefit prospective buyers, as well as those struggling with insecure rental agreements.”
“It will expand Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Clinics from 22 to 33 nationwide, enable these clinics to help people experiencing menopause and perimenopause, and create a new Medicare rebate for menopause health assessments. The Government has introduced a men's health package to break the stigma around seeking support for mental and physical health. The Government also recognises that affordable, tailored healthcare requires a pipeline of skilled health professionals. So it will introduce the largest GP training program in the nation's history—training 2,000 practitioners every year by 2028. This will be accompanied by further scholarships for 400 nurses and midwives to complete postgraduate studies.”
“The Government is already setting up funding for more than 60 Medicare Mental Health Centres, and is expanding the mental health workforce through more than 4,000 scholarships, internships and placements. It will commit $1.1 billion to build and upgrade Medicare Mental Health Centres, headspace services, and Youth Specialist Care Centres for people with complex needs, and will fund 1,200 training places for mental health professionals and peer workers. The Government is also investing more than $790 million in women's health. This funding will give women more choice and reduce the costs of long-acting reversible contraceptives.”
“Another priority is supporting younger Australians to have access to a good education and gain employable skills by making the education system fairer and more affordable. The Government will cut 20 per cent off all student loan debts, raise the minimum repayment threshold, and reduce repayment rates. And it will make free TAFE permanent, nationwide. Strengthening Medicare The Government will continue strengthening Medicare. Building a future where every Australian can access affordable, world-class health care. It will establish 1800MEDICARE—a free, 24-hour health advice and afterhours GP service that will save a quarter-of-a-million Australians unnecessary trips to the emergency department. Mental health services are another priority.”
“This will save Australians more than $200 million each year on essential medicines, while for pensioners and concession card holders the price of scripts will be frozen until 2030. In its first term, the Government raised the base rate of JobSeeker, delivered increases to Commonwealth Rent Assistance, and expanded eligibility for Parenting Payment Single. The Government has also extended its Energy Bill Relief—reducing household bills by an average of 7.5 per cent nationally. And it will ban supermarket price gouging. Families can also expect continued support with the cost of child care. This term the Government will invest in building child care centres and expanding high-quality not-for-profit services, making affordable care accessible for even more families.”
“The Government will continue delivering cost of living relief for those doing it tough. It has legislated two additional tax cuts, on top of its first round last year— meaning 14 million Australians will benefit from a lower tax bill. And it will introduce a $1,000 instant tax deduction from the next financial year—saving taxpayers time and money. The Government will make the largest investment in Medicare's history to deliver an extra 18 million bulk-billed GP visits each year and expand the bulk-billing incentive to cover all Australians. It will add another 50 Medicare Urgent Care Clinics to the 87 already created. In its last term, the Government made the most significant cut to the cost of medicines in the history of the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. This term, it will ensure people will pay no more than $25 for PBS medicines.”
“Supporting Australian industry and driving innovation to ensure our cities and regions alike reap the benefits of the jobs of the future. Deepening connections with our region and the world. And making sure no one is held back—and no one is left behind. The Government is ready to return to the task—of building Australia's future. Easing cost of living pressure Three years ago, the Government took office amid a worldwide inflation crisis. Fighting inflation was prioritised, along with cost of living relief for Australians. Today, inflation is moderating. Interest rates have fallen. Real wages are growing. And more than a million jobs have been created. Australians, together, have steered our economy through choppy waters. Many, however, are still under pressure.”
“And it has strengthened ties in our region, and with our strategic partners around the world, with the Prime Minister attending the G7 Leaders' Summit, and visiting Indonesia, Italy, Singapore, Fiji, the United States, Canada and China. The Government recognises we live in a time of global uncertainty. So in this term—the 48th Commonwealth Parliament—the Government will act to respond to challenges and secure the opportunities before us. This starts with delivering lasting cost of living relief: helping Australians keep more of what they earn, strengthening Medicare and the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, making education and training more affordable, and assisting more people realise their dream of owning a home. And it continues with ensuring our economy is resilient, diversified and productive.”
“At a time of declining electoral turnouts around the world, a record number of Australians had their say. Peacefully and purposefully, they re-elected a government that will continue building on the foundations of its first term. Upholding the values of fairness, aspiration and opportunity. Shaping an economy that rewards effort and innovation. And ensuring every Australian has the chance to succeed, and can access essential services. The Government will work to repay the trust Australians have placed in it. Within weeks of its re-election, the Government advocated for an increase in the National Minimum Wage and award wages. It provided essential support to communities across Australia affected by devastating floods.”
“I have to report that the House this day attended Her Excellency the Governor-General in the Senate chamber, when Her Excellency was pleased to make a speech to both houses of the parliament. I have received a copy of the speech, which will be incorporated in Hansard for record purposes. The speech read as follows— I acknowledge the Ngunnawal People as the traditional custodians of the land we are meeting on, and other families and people with connection to the land in Canberra and surrounding regions. I acknowledge their Elders, past and present. I would also like to acknowledge and welcome all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with us today. Honourable senators and members of the Parliament of Australia. The last federal election was the largest in our history.”
“And, lastly, to all members: thank you again for this great honour. I promise to respect and commit to serve this House with impartiality, diligence and a deep sense of responsibility. Now let's get to work. I thank the House.”
“To the member for Mitchell: while you've been a presence in this chamber for many years, I look forward to working with you in your new role, and I know you will do an excellent job—just not too well, I hope! To former speaker Tony Smith, who is with me today but with me most weeks and who takes my calls and answers all the questions that I have—no other Speakers have had a relationship like the one I've had with you—I thank you for your wise advice and all of your excellent, excellent rulings that I rely on from time to time. To Claressa Surtees and Peter Banson, the Clerk and Deputy Clerk of this House: I once again look forward to working alongside you for another term. Your continued support, advice and professionalism for the teams you lead add to our democracy, and I'm truly grateful for your support.”
“I deeply valued seeing that part of Australia but, more importantly, I valued spending time with you, getting to know you as a person. Your grit and determination were on show during that week and every other week that I've seen you in this parliament, and I'm really looking forward to working with you in this parliament. To my old friend the Leader of the Nationals—both elected in the class of 2016—I value your company, your insights into regional Australia and, of course, the ribbing you like to give me from time to time. To the member for Watson, my friend of 30 years: thank you for your continued wisdom, support and leadership in this place.”
“To the Prime Minister: I've been deeply impressed by your commitment to respect and governing with humility. Prime Minister, you often talk about your late mum and how proud she would be of you taking high office; I can relate to that. I thank you for the trust and respect that you've shown me—more than anyone in this place—and I see your commitment for traditions and the deep respect that you show to our parliamentary system, all the while never forgetting your roots and where you've come from. I thank the Leader of the Opposition for her gracious remarks, and I want to share with the House a few personal reflections about her. I've seen firsthand her care and respect for the people she represents. Spending a week in her beautiful electorate of Farrer was an experience I won't forget.”
“In this parliament I want to continue to champion and strengthen our engagement with young Australians through initiatives like the Parliament in Schools program, the Parliament House national roadshow and of course the National Youth Parliament because I want to ensure that parliament is understood, accessible and representative of every Australian, not just in the cities but across the country and in regional and remote parts of our continent. I want to ensure that young Australians, no matter where they live, can learn about our democracy, see how it works and understand how they can take part in shaping its future. This isn't symbolic—because this parliament belongs to all of us. I'd like to finish briefly with some final thanks.”
“There's no question that we live in the best country in the world, with one of the safest democracies on the planet. But, increasingly, democracy around the world is under pressure. In the last parliament, I set my eyes on lifting civics knowledge and education, and, as has been said, I was proud to visit over 160 schools, across every corner of Australia, as part of the civics program. But today I'm inviting all members to join me in a new push to improve civics education across all our communities. Today I announce a new civics agenda. I proudly today commit to visiting every single electorate in this country.”
“I continue to practise the principles instilled in me by my late parents, Allan and Joan. How you treat others is how you should expect to be treated. No role or title, elected or otherwise, exempts us from our obligation to create and foster a culture of safety, integrity and inclusion. Everyone who walks through these doors has the right to feel safe, respected and supported. In the parliament, I will not tolerate disrespectful behaviour, because the behaviour we show one another in this chamber matters. It matters to me, it matters to those who have chosen you and it should matter to everyone in Australia. Robust debate is essential, but our words carry weight and our behaviour sets a tone that extends far beyond these walls.”
“To the member for Indi and the member for Kennedy: thank you for your very gracious remarks. But, more importantly, thank you for the opportunity for me to seek your counsel, as I do from so many others. When I took the chair for the first time on 26 July three years ago, I spoke about how I envisioned the chamber to be a place of ideas and energy, where debate flowed and where the very best of ideas were exchanged in a respectful manner. And over the last three years I've been committed to making this place a place of change—a respectful and safe workplace. I'm proud of the progress we have made, but I realise that there's more to be done. Today I recommit myself to this. This term, I will continue to look for ways to improve the standards in this chamber. As I said, more work needs to be done.”
“She's the lesser known of our family but the most important one because she has been a teacher for over 35 years and is the real star of the show. She, alongside the member for Lalor, believes in the power of education in the transformation of children's lives. In some ways that's a small part of my commitment to civics education. Sitting next to her is my brother, the Hon. Cameron Dick MP—someone who I'm enormously proud of for his achievements, but most importantly because he's my brother. To the member for Riverina, the one who's always offering free advice, whether I like to hear it or not: the kindness that he and his wonderful wife, Catherine, have shown me since I became a member of this place is something I'll never forget. He's a great person, a fine parliamentarian, and I'm honoured that he seconded my nomination today.”
“I recognise the significance of the gesture, and not only am I grateful for the trust and goodwill shown from both sides of this chamber but I want to prove that I've earned that trust. This is not a privilege I take lightly, because it is an incredible honour. In my view, the role of Speaker is not one of partisanship but of stewardship, and it's my solemn responsibility to ensure that democracy is not only practised here but strengthened here. It was a privilege to be dragged to the Speaker's chair—perhaps running to the Speaker's chair!—not only by two sides of this chamber but by two close friends and mentors. To the Chief Government Whip, the member for Lalor: I think the reason we get on so well is our connection to education. Sitting in the gallery today is my older sister.”
“I thank the member for Kennedy. With the House's indulgence, I want to give some remarks, but I begin firstly with acknowledging that we gather here today in this parliament on the lands of the Ngunnawal and Ngambri peoples, where our parliament is constructed. I extend that acknowledgement to all First Nations people represented here today in the gallery and, of course, those taking their seats in this House. With indulgence, it is an honour to give thanks to the remarks by the Prime Minister, the Leader of the Opposition, the Leader of the Nationals, members for Indi and Kennedy, and the Manager of Opposition Business. To be chosen for this role for a second time is a profound honour, but to be elected unopposed is deeply humbling.”
“I've received a letter from the honourable member for Page proposing that a definite matter of public importance be submitted to the House for discussion, namely: This Government's three years of cuts, delays and broken promises making life harder for regional Australia. I call upon those honourable members who approve of the proposed discussion to rise in their places. More than the number of members required by the standing orders having risen in their places—”
“I want to give a short reminder about arrangements for this evening with respect to the Leader of the Opposition's budget reply speech. As I outlined on Tuesday, the usual courtesies apply to the Leader of the Opposition's speech as they did to the Treasurer's. As noted on Tuesday, if I'm required to make use of standing order 94(a), the member will be advised by written note. Finally, I ask all members to ensure their guests comply with the standards of behaviour applying to the galleries and remind all members that they are responsible for their invited guests.”
“The question is that the motion moved by the Prime Minister be agreed to. As a mark of respect, I ask all present to signify their approval by rising in their places. Question agreed to, honourable members standing in their places.”
“On behalf of the Standing Committee on Appropriations and Administration, I present the committee's report No. 32, Budget e stimates 2025-26 . Report made a parliamentary paper in accordance with standing order 39(e).”
“I have received a letter from the honourable member for Hume proposing that a definite matter of public importance be submitted to the House for discussion, namely: The government's budget is designed for the next five weeks, not the next five years. I call upon those honourable members who approve of the proposed discussion to rise in their places. More than the number of members required by the standing orders having risen in their places—”
“(Notice given 4 February 2025.) Time allotted remaining private Members' business time prior to 7.30 pm. Speech time limits Ms Lawrence 5 minutes. Other Members 5 minutes each. [Minimum number of proposed Members speaking = 8 x 5 mins] The Committee determined that consideration of this matter should continue on a future day. THE HON D. M. DICK MP Speaker of the House of Representatives 26 March 2025”
“[Minimum number of proposed Members speaking = 9 x 5 mins] The Committee determined that consideration of this matter should continue on a future day. Notices — continued 7 MS LAWRENCE: To move: That this House: (1) notes that the Government has stood up for and supported Australian families living in outer suburban and peri-urban communities through investments across a wide range of portfolios including: (a) communications, including improvements to the National Broadband Network and mobile phone coverage; (b) emergency management, and fire and flood preparedness; (c) health, with vastly increased support for bulk billing, cheaper medicines and urgent care clinics; (d) education, by cutting HECS debt, working with states and territories to fully fund public schools, and investing in more affordable and accessible early education; (e) infrastructure, including road, rail and community facilities; and (f) training, with free TAFE places available for in-demand areas, allowing young people to start a good career and older workers to reskill for the jobs of the future; (2) acknowledges that: (a) outer suburban and peri-urban areas contain many residents looking for housing and paying mortgages; and (b) these people will benefit from the Government's record-breaking investments in housing and from the Government's sensible economic management, including two budget surpluses and the paying down of debt, which has seen inflation lowered from the 6.1 per cent and rising rate left by the former Government to the rate of 2.5 per cent for the fourth quarter of 2024; (3) further notes that most or all of the measures taken by the Government to support families in outer suburban and peri-urban communities have been opposed by the Opposition, and that some have been opposed or delayed by the Australian Greens; and (4) commends the work done by the Government thus far in each of these areas and encourages the Government to continue and consolidate that good work in a second term of office.”
“Orders of the day — continued 2 ROAD SAFETY: Resumption of debate ( from 10 February 2025 ) on the motion of Mr Pasin—That this House: (1) notes that 1,300 lives were lost on Australian roads in 2024; (2) recognises that: (a) this is the highest road toll since 2012; and (b) the national road toll has risen each of the past four years, a situation not seen since 1966, or before the introduction of compulsory seat belts; (3) acknowledges that the annual fatality rate per 100,000 head of population is now 4.8, well over double the National Road Safety target of 2.0; and (4) calls on the Government to take action on the road safety crisis that is now killing more than 100 Australians every month and hospitalising 100 Australians every day. Time allotted 45 minutes. Speech time limits All Members 5 minutes each.”
“(Notice given 4 February 2025.) Time allotted 40 minutes. Speech time limits Mr Laxale 5 minutes. Other Members 5 minutes each. [Minimum number of proposed Members speaking = 8 x 5 mins] The Committee determined that consideration of this matter should continue on a future day.”
“Notices — continued 6 MR LAXALE: To move: That this House: (1) acknowledges: (a) that: (i) small businesses are the engine room of Australia's economy; (ii) an average of 5,700 new small businesses are created each week; and (iii) small businesses make up 97 per cent of all business in Australia, a record total of 2.6 million nationwide; and (b) the release of Australia's first ever National Small Business Strategy, which will: (i) elevate small businesses in government decision making; (ii) complement existing work within jurisdictions; and (iii) inform policy making to deliver better outcomes for small businesses; and (2) notes that the strategy sits alongside the Government's $640 million package to support Australia's nearly 2.6 million small businesses, alongside: (a) extending the $20,000 instant asset write-off; (b) providing target energy bill relief of $325 to around a million eligible small businesses, on top of $650 in relief in the 2023-24 financial year; (c) investing $60 million to help small businesses build their digital and cybersecurity capabilities; (d) extending access to free mental health and financial counselling support for small business owners; (e) updating Commonwealth Procurement Rules to ensure small businesses get their fair share of Government contracts; (f) improving payment times for small businesses by naming and shaming big businesses who fail to pay on time; and (g) remaking the Franchising Code of Conduct to help ensure a fairer franchising sector.”
“Time allotted 40 minutes. Speech time limits All Members 5 minutes each. [Minimum number of proposed Members speaking = 8 x 5 mins] The Committee determined that consideration of this matter should continue on a future day.”
“Items for Federation Chamber (4.45 pm to 7.30 pm) PRIVATE MEMBERS' BUSINESS Orders of the day 1 CHILD CARE: Resumption of debate ( from 10 February 2025 ) on the motion of Ms Bell—That this House: (1) notes that: (a) it has been almost three years since the Government was elected and the cost of child care has increased by a whopping 22.3 per cent; (b) since the Government introduced its cheaper childcare policy, out of pocket costs for families have sky rocketed by 12.7 per cent; (c) almost 30 per cent of child care services are charging over the hourly rate cap under the current Government, compared to 21 per cent under the previous Government; and (d) this is just another broken promise from the Government, that continues to leave Australian families behind; and (2) calls on the Government to deliver: (a) more access to early childhood education and care places to support Australians to return to the workforce; and (b) real cost of living relief to families.”
“(Notice given 20 November 2024.) Time allotted remaining private Members' business time prior to 1.30 pm. Speech time limits Ms Ware 5 minutes. Other Members 5 minutes each. [Minimum number of proposed Members speaking = 4 x 5 mins] The Committee determined that consideration of this matter should continue on a future day.”
“[Minimum number of proposed Members speaking = 8 x 5 mins] The Committee determined that consideration of this matter should continue on a future day. 5 MS WARE: To move: That this House: (1) notes that: (a) one in eight children worldwide have been victims of sexual exploitation, equating to 302 million children last year; (b) 2.5 per cent of Australian men have deliberately viewed child pornography; (c) in the 2023-24 financial year, over 58,000 reports were made to the Australian Federal Police relating to online child sexual abuse; (d) the global human trafficking industry is worth over $150 billion per year; and (e) the livestreaming of child sexual abuse earns between $3 billion and $20 billion per year in Southeast Asia alone; (2) acknowledges: (a) that child exploitation continues to be a disturbingly prevalent issue both in Australia and abroad; (b) the former Government's efforts in combating child sexual exploitation, including: (i) the establishment of the Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation; (ii) the development of Australia's first National Strategy to Prevent and Respond to Child Sexual Abuse; and (iii) the allocation of $307.5 million towards combating child sexual abuse; and (c) the Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation's continued efforts in combating child exploitation; and (3) calls upon the Government to: (a) affirm Australia's commitment to upholding the following international instruments, to which Australia is a party: (i) Optional Protocol on the Right of the Child on the Sale of Children, Child Prostitution and Child Pornography; and (ii) Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children; and (b) increase efforts to minimise Australia's contribution to the global sexual exploitation of children.”
“4 DR GARLAND: To move: That this House: (1) notes that the Government is the first majority female government; and (2) acknowledges that the Government is delivering better health care for Australian women by: (a) listing new oral contraceptives, endometriosis treatments, and menopause therapies on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme for the first time in decades; (b) providing more choice, lower costs, and better access to long-acting contraceptives; (c) delivering a public health campaign, first ever national guidelines, and more Medicare support for menopause; and (d) establishing more endometriosis and pelvic pain clinics, now including specialist care for menopause and perimenopause. (Notice given 25 March 2025.) Time allotted 40 minutes. Speech time limits Dr Garland 5 minutes. Other Members 5 minutes each.”
“(Notice given 4 February 2025.) Time allotted 30 minutes. Speech time limits Mr Chester 5 minutes. Other Members 5 minutes each. [Minimum number of proposed Members speaking = 6 x 5 mins] The Committee determined that consideration of this matter should continue on a future day.”
“3 MR CHESTER: To move: That this House: (1) acknowledges that: (a) councils across Australia make a vital contribution to the delivery of local services, roads and community infrastructure; and (b) the Government has an important role to play in securing the financial sustainability of the local government sector; (2) notes that the Government: (a) has broken its promise to Australia's 537 local councils that it would deliver 'fair increases' to local government; (b) has cut funding to regional programs which were essential for improving infrastructure; and (c) cynically launched an inquiry into local government sustainability in March 2024 to avoid providing actual increases in funding; and (3) urges the Government to release the findings of the inquiry and work constructively with councils across Australia to reduce the cost of living pressures on ratepayers, and deliver the infrastructure and services our communities need.”
“Speech time limits Dr Reid 5 minutes. Other Members 5 minutes each. [Minimum number of proposed Members speaking = 8 x 5 mins] The Committee determined that consideration of this matter should continue on a future day.”
“(Notice given 7 November 2024.) Time allotted 20 minutes. Speech time limits Ms Sharkie 5 minutes. Other Members 5 minutes each. [Minimum number of proposed Members speaking = 4 x 5 mins] The Committee determined that consideration of this matter should continue on a future day. 2 DR REID: To move: That this House: (1) recognises the Government's commitment to strengthen Medicare by delivering cheaper medicines; (2) notes that these policies have already saved Australians $1.3 billion on Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) scripts; (3) acknowledges that the Government's cheaper medicines were opposed by the Opposition; and (4) further notes that the Government will lower the maximum co-payment on PBS scripts to $25, saving Australians over $200 million each year. (Notice given 25 March 2025.) Time allotted 40 minutes.”
“Items for Federation Chamber (11 am to 1.30 pm) PRIVATE MEMBERS' BUSINESS Notices 1 MS SHARKIE: To move: That this House: (1) notes that: (a) house insurance premiums are increasing above the inflation rate, more than 100 per cent in many instances; (b) many postcodes have been deemed uninsurable by insurance companies with little or no evidence of increased or increasing risk; (c) insurance premiums for many businesses are also increasing above the inflation rate resulting in some businesses being forced to close; (d) increases in insurance premiums are adding to existing historically high cost of living pressures; and (e) regional areas are disproportionately affected by increasing insurance premiums; and (2) calls on the Government to: (a) consider the broader implications on household budgets and businesses of insurance premium increases above the inflation rate; (b) establish an inquiry into the insurance sector to determine fair pricing mechanisms are setting premiums; and (c) consider underwriting premiums as a last resort for postcodes deemed uninsurable or experiencing insurance premium increases greater than 50 per cent.”
“Time allotted remaining private Members' business time prior to 12 noon. Speech time limits All Members 5 minutes each. [Minimum number of proposed Members speaking = 8 x 5 mins] The Committee determined that consideration of this matter should continue on a future day.”
“Orders of the day 1 SMALL BUSINESSES: Resumption of debate ( from 25 November 2024 ) on the motion of Mr van Manen—That this House: (1) notes that small businesses are struggling under the: (a) burden of the Government's cost of living crisis; and (b) weight of the Government's additional administrative red tape; (2) acknowledges that according to the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman: (a) conditions for small business: (i) have deteriorated by 3.5 per cent; and (ii) continue to be well below the long-term average; (b) the operating environment for business has been in decline for the past two years with rising concerns about regulations, increased costs and slowing demand; and (c) fewer people are considering starting a small business and businesses are less likely to invest in expansion; and (3) calls on the Government to address its failure to support small business, the backbone of Australia's economy.”
“(Notice given 25 March 2025.) Time allotted 40 minutes. Speech time limits Ms Chesters 5 minutes. Other Members 5 minutes each. [Minimum number of proposed Members speaking = 8 x 5 mins] The Committee determined that consideration of this matter should continue on a future day.”
“3 MS CHESTERS: To move: That this House: (1) acknowledges the Government's commitment to strengthen Medicare by delivering: (a) more bulk-billing for all Australians by expanding the bulk-billing incentive; (b) even cheaper medicines by lowering the maximum Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme co-payment to $25; and (c) 50 new Medicare Urgent Care clinics, on top of the 87 already opened; (2) recognises this stark contrast to the Opposition, which: (a) tried to end-bulk billing with a tax on every General Practitioner visit when in government; (b) voted against cheaper medicines; and (c) called Medicare Urgent Care Clinics wasteful spending; (3) notes the Leader of the Opposition's comments that 'the best indicator is past performance', when he as health minister: (a) handed down a budget that cut $50 billion from public hospitals; (b) tried to end bulk billing and make Australians pay for treatment in emergency departments; and (c) was voted the worst health minister in the history of Medicare by Australian doctors; and (4) further acknowledges that the only way to strengthen Medicare is having a Labor-led Government.”
“Speech time limits Ms Tink 5 minutes. Other Members 5 minutes each. [Minimum number of proposed Members speaking = 4 x 5 mins] The Committee determined that consideration of this matter should continue on a future day.”
“2 MS TINK: To move: That this House: (1) notes that: (a) at three years, Australia's Commonwealth Parliament has one of the shortest parliamentary terms in the world; (b) three years is an insufficient period for any government to effect meaningful change as the business of the House is curtailed, being sandwiched between post-election organisation and planning, and pre-election campaigning; (c) the short period of effective governance reduces the efficiency of the House and is not in the public interest; and (d) Australian states and territories have already moved to four-year terms; (2) acknowledges that extending the parliamentary term has in principle bipartisan support; and (3) calls on the 48th Parliament to immediately put this to a referendum. (Notice given 25 March 2025.) Time allotted 20 minutes.”
“The Committee deliberated on items of committee and delegation business that had been notified, private Members' business items listed on the Notice Paper and notices lodged on Tuesday, 25 March 2025, and determined the order of precedence and times on Monday, 7 April 2025, as follows: Items for House of Representatives Chamber (10.10 am to 12 noon) PRIVATE MEMBERS' BUSINESS Notices 1 MR BANDT: To present a Bill for an Act to provide that major emitters of greenhouse gases are liable for climate change damage that occurs in Australia, and for related purposes. ( Liability for Climate Change Damage (Make the Polluters Pay) Bill 2025 ) (Notice given 25 March 2025.) Presenter may speak to the second reading for a period not exceeding 10 minutes pursuant to standing order 41. Debate must be adjourned pursuant to standing order 142.”