The SPEAKER ( Hon. Milton Dick ) took the chair at 10:00, made an acknowledgement of country and read prayers.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
PETITIONS COMMITTEE
REPORT No. 04
Petitions and Ministerial Responses
03 November 2025
MEMBERS OF THE COMMITTEE
Chair Ms Jodie Belyea MP
Deputy Chair Mr Leon Rebello MP
Mr Cameron Caldwell MP
Ms Emma Comer MP
Ms Trish Cook MP
Mr Rowan Holzberger MP
Mr Llew O'Brien MP
Ms Tracey Roberts MP
This committee is supported by staff of the Department of the House of Representatives
Report summarising the petitions and ministerial responses being presented.
The committee met in private session in the 48th Parliament on 23 September and 28 October 2025.
1. The committee resolved to present the following 107 petitions in accordance with standing order 207:
Petitions certified on 23 September 2025
From 106 petitioners—requesting prohibition of wind farms in native forests and review of environmental impacts (EN7769)
From 56 petitioners—requesting reforms to family law processes to protect victims of domestic violence (EN7831)
From 84 petitioners—requesting sanctions and legal measures in response to alleged war crimes in Gaza (EN7850)
From 32 petitioners—requesting removal of the Goods and Services Tax Act 1999 (EN7874)
From 54 petitioners—requesting upgrades to weather radars to withstand extreme conditions (EN7878)
From 64 petitioners—requesting changes to address housing affordability and supply (EN7879)
From 8 petitioners—requesting legislation to prohibit the use and distribution of online gaming cheat software (EN7880)
From 78 petitioners—requesting the Australian Government not recognise the State of Palestine (EN7881)
From 8 petitioners—requesting taxes on fast food companies contributing to obesity (EN7888)
From 72 petitioners—requesting repeal of the Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Act 2024 and development of alternative online safety policies (EN7889)
From 115 petitioners—requesting a vote of no confidence in the current government (EN7892)
From 19 petitioners—requesting additional property taxes on unoccupied residential land (EN7894)
From 20 petitioners—requesting clarification that antisemitism definitions do not restrict reasonable free speech on Palestinian issues (EN7895)
From 33 petitioners—requesting funding for the Salvation Army's Red Shield Defence Services (EN7897)
From 61 petitioners—requesting review of the Migration Agents Capstone Assessment fee (EN7900)
From 21 petitioners—requesting reform of the Child Support Scheme to strengthen enforcement and penalties for non-payment (EN7901)
From 52 petitioners—requesting recognition and action to address targeted attacks on Syrian minorities (EN7902)
From 19 petitioners—requesting implementation of direct blood donation policies (EN7903)
From 54 petitioners—requesting legislation to prohibit burning the Australian National Flag (EN7906)
From 19 petitioners—requesting amendment of the Bankruptcy Act 1966 to support victims of serious violent crime (EN7907)
From 4 petitioners—requesting legislation to ensure net neutrality for online businesses (EN7908)
From 6 petitioners—requesting adoption of term limits for laws (EN7911)
From 21 petitioners—requesting legislative changes to limit compulsory workplace shutdowns (EN7912)
From 62 petitioners—requesting sanctions and legal measures in response to alleged war crimes in Gaza (EN7913)
From 30 petitioners—requesting actions to establish a formal bill of rights (EN7915)
From 29 petitioners—requesting clarification regarding proposed National Disability Insurance Scheme reforms (EN7916)
From 3 petitioners—requesting bulk billing for pensioners at regional public hospitals (EN7919)
From 146 petitioners—requesting rejection of any proposal to introduce inheritance taxes (EN7921)
From 11 petitioners—requesting amendment of the Fringe Benefits Tax Assessment Act 1986 to extend mortgage salary packaging to teachers (EN7922)
From 31 petitioners—regarding the Australian Government's response to the conflict in Gaza (EN7926)
From 24 petitioners—requesting an exemption for YouTube in the Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Act 2024(EN7927)
From 43 petitioners—requesting abolition of penalty interest and late fees in Australian Tax Office debt recovery (EN7929)
From 32 petitioners—requesting measures to ensure international companies pay fair tax on revenue (EN7930)
From 29 petitioners—requesting legislation to establish a right to erasure of personal data (EN7931)
From 7 petitioners—requesting establishment of freedom of movement between Australia and New Zealand (EN8041)
From 13 petitioners—requesting review of English language testing visa requirements (EN8042)
From 7 petitioners—requesting amendment of National Youth Parliament age requirements to include older secondary students (EN8044)
From 746 petitioners—requesting revocation of recognition of the State of Palestine (EN8046)
From 10504 petitioners—requesting expulsion of the Israeli ambassador and recall of the Australian ambassador to Israel (EN8047)
From 98 petitioners—requesting a motion of no confidence (EN8050)
From 392 petitioners—requesting changes to immigration policy (EN8051)
From 7 petitioners—requesting legislation to allow importation of exotic parrots with quarantine (EN8052)
From 7 petitioners—requesting changes to social media age limit restrictions (EN8054)
From 6 petitioners—requesting national consultation and referendum on an Australian republic (EN8059)
From 15 petitioners—requesting consultation on transition to a republic (EN8060)
From 3 petitioners—regarding free university education (EN8062)
From 5 petitioners—regarding human rights (EN8065)
From 6 petitioners—requesting re-establishment of the Department of National Development (EN8067)
From 22 petitioners—requesting reversal of the decision to close Revesby Post Office (EN8068)
From 808 petitioners—regarding the legitimacy of elections in Myanmar (EN8072)
From 16 petitioners—requesting creation of an alternative investment and retirement fund vehicle (EN8073)
From 26 petitioners—requesting recognition of Western Australia Country Health Service nurses for the National Medal (EN8075)
From 349 petitioners—requesting consideration of the mechanisms to remove elected leaders and action on cost of living (EN8078)
From 29 petitioners—requesting consideration of deportation of an individual (EN8081)
From 46 petitioners—requesting declaration of all neo-Nazi groups as terrorist organisations (EN8082)
From 8 petitioners—requesting consideration of measures to address the presence of neo-Nazi groups in Australia (EN8085)
From 106 petitioners—requesting rejection of proposed amendments to the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (EN8086)
From 53 petitioners—requesting consideration of the pension age and retirement policy (EN8087)
From 2 petitioners—requesting introduction of a bidding mechanism for property disputes (EN8091)
From 1311 petitioners—requesting review of nurse practitioner telehealth services (EN8092)
From 29 petitioners—requesting consideration of establishing a bill of rights (EN8096)
From 9 petitioners—requesting review of farmland prices and measures to improve affordability (EN8098)
From 4 petitioners—requesting support for the rare earth minerals industry (EN8099)
From 78 petitioners—requesting expansion of the definition of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organisation (EN8101)
From 31 petitioners—requesting six months minimum parental leave for both parents (EN8102)
From 56 petitioners—requesting legislative amendments to enable revocation of citizenship for violent extremist conduct (EN8104)
From 361 petitioners—requesting legislation to criminalise burning of the Australian National Flag (EN8107)
From 160538 petitioners—requesting consideration of a motion of no confidence in the government (EN8108)
From 5750 petitioners—requesting prioritisation of Iraqi humanitarian visa applications from Türkiye (EN8110)
From 37 petitioners—requesting laws prohibiting racially divisive language by elected representatives (EN8112)
From 44 petitioners—requesting legislation for a domestic priority test for overseas expenditure (EN8113)
From 311 petitioners—requesting legislative review related to home defence (EN8114)
From 65 petitioners—requesting establishment of a sovereign wealth fund for resource royalties (EN8119)
From 25 petitioners—requesting limitations on negative gearing (EN8120)
From 272 petitioners—requesting legislation requiring all residential property listings to include a sale price or price range (EN8121)
From 9 petitioners—regarding cancellation of overseas health cover policies (EN8127)
From 288 petitioners—requesting inclusion of freedom of speech and freedom of the press in the Constitution (EN8128)
From 248 petitioners—requesting review of the National Fire Ant Eradication Program (EN8130)
From 42 petitioners—requesting changes to family law relating to custody arrangements (EN8131)
From 14 petitioners—requesting legislation to make burning the Australian Aboriginal Flag a criminal offence (EN8133)
From 2877 petitioners—requesting a motion of no confidence related to the leadership of the Prime Minister (EN8137)
From 54 petitioners—requesting changes to voting federal elections (EN8138)
From 76 petitioners—requesting actions to address vacant and neglected properties (EN8139)
From 140 petitioners—requesting withdrawal of federal funding for the construction of Victoria Park stadium (EN8141)
From 6 petitioners—requesting implementation of pause functions on social media platforms (EN8142)
From 5 petitioners—requesting condemnation of violence in Nepal (EN8144)
From 11 petitioners—requesting consideration of travel bans against individuals alleged to have contributed to violence in Nepal (EN8146)
From 275 petitioners—requesting legislation for a referendum on a new constitutional preamble recognising First Australians (EN8147)
From 16 petitioners—requesting actions to prohibit vilification of communities by elected representatives (EN8148)
From 24 petitioners—requesting consideration of lowering the electoral voting age to sixteen (EN8150)
From 5088 petitioners—requesting a motion of no confidence in the government (EN8151)
From 1310 petitioners—requesting clear labelling of fresh produce treated with pesticides (EN8153)
From 367 petitioners—requesting abolition of the eSafety Commissioner's office and establishment of an independent advisory council (EN8155)
From 81 petitioners—requesting actions to prevent social media platforms from storing user identity documents (EN8157)
From 39 petitioners—requesting consideration of international standards and protections for the rights of Indigenous peoples (EN8158)
From 79 petitioners—requesting prohibition of the collection of digital identification data (EN8159)
From 11 petitioners—requesting recognition of the actions of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps in Iran (EN8161)
From 1155 petitioners—requesting consideration of policies regarding the return of individuals linked to overseas conflicts (EN8170)
From 91 petitioners—requesting consideration of public information about the use and effects of certain vaccines (EN8172)
From 277 petitioners—requesting action be taken against individuals involved with the Robodebt Scheme (EN8173)
From 56 petitioners—requesting diplomatic action for the release of Dr Ahmadreza Djalali (EN8174)
From 29 petitioners—requesting regulation of airport retail pricing (EN8176)
From 112245 petitioners—requesting establishment of a national framework for domestic violence disclosure laws (EN8178)
From 1613 petitioners—requesting reconsideration of social media age limit restrictions (EN8179)
From 111 petitioners—requesting consideration of funding for a trial of a community-based income program in North-West Tasmania (EN8180)
From 337 petitioners—requesting funding for adolescent inpatient mental health beds in Albury-Wodonga (EN8181)
Petitions certified on 28 October 2025
From 1363 petitioners—requesting support for healthcare programs and a single site hospital in Albury-Wodonga (PN0645)
2. The following 9 ministerial responses to petitions were received.
Ministerial responses received by the Committee on 28 October 2025
From the Minister for Health and Aging to a petition requesting an increase in intensive treatment capacity for eating disorders in South Australia (EN7187)
From the Attorney-General to a petition requesting that freedom of speech and freedom of the press be enshrined in the Australian Constitution (EN7210)
From the Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme to a petition requesting that weighted blankets and toys be recognised as assistive technology under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (EN7247)
From the Attorney-General to a petition requesting reforms to the training of assistance dogs and a public education campaign on their access rights (EN7271)
From the Minister for Health and Aging to a petition requesting free reusable period products for school students (EN7320)
From the Minister for Health and Aging to a petition requesting fully bulk billed services for women with pelvic pain (EN7322)
From the Minister for Health and Aging to a petition requesting that nirsevimab be added to the National Immunisation Schedule or made accessible via private prescription (EN7337)
From the Minister for Health and Aging to a petition requesting continued support for the Suicide Prevention Research Fund (PN0638)
From the Minister for Foreign Affairs to a petition requesting that Australian Government publicly reaffirm its support for the principles of the International Criminal Court (PN0640)
Ms Jodie Belyea MP
Chair — Petitions Committee
Stopping Wind Farms in State Forests Bill 2025
That this bill be now read a second time.
Commonwealth Electoral Amendment (Protecting Voters) Bill 2025
That this bill be now read a second time.
The distribution and collection of PVAs by candidates and parties creates eligibility confusion and privacy concerns amongst voters.
Repeal Net Zero Bill 2025
That this House:
(1) acknowledges that the Government has made Australia's housing crisis worse than ever by:
(a) overseeing a historic collapse of housing construction, with the last financial year seeing less homes built than at any other time during this Government;
(b) expanding the 5 per cent deposit scheme from a sensible and targeted approach, to an uncapped and non-means tested, free-for-all which will push up prices and expose first home buyers to larger mortgages;
(c) creating the failing Housing Australia Future Fund which is buying houses from Australians, not building houses for Australians; and
(d) allowing the criminal and corrupt Construction, Forestry, and Maritime Employees Union to run rampant across Australian residential building sites, pushing up apartment prices by up to 30 per cent; and
(2) notes that:
(a) the Government continues to keep a $24,000 report into poor governance at Housing Australia secret; and
(b) leaked advice from the Department of the Treasury states that the Government will fail to reach its National Housing Accord target of 1.2 million homes by 2029.
I was fortunate enough to buy my first property during the time of the Howard government, but I fear that the great Australian dream is being snatched away. We must strive, as a nation, to increase homeownership. There is no better way to illustrate the collective ambition of our nation to have individual freedom and responsibility than to have people own their own home. Give as many people as possible the opportunity to have a stake in our nation.
That this House:
(1) notes that:
(a) 3 November 2025 marks six months since the federal election; and
(b) the Government is delivering on the commitments it made to the Australian people by:
(i) strengthening Medicare;
(ii) ensuring Australians earn more and keep more of what they earn;
(iii) easing cost of living pressures; and
(iv) building a Future Made in Australia; and
(2) acknowledges that while the Government is focused on building Australia's future, the Opposition is focused on themselves.
With genuine reform and leadership, the Government can still deliver the transparent and accountable democracy Australians were promised.
Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Amendment (Board of Management Functions) Bill 2025
Administrative Review Tribunal and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2025
(1) Schedule 1, item 16, page 7 (lines 6 to 15), omit subsection 367C(2), substitute:
(2) An application made to the ART for review of a reviewable migration decision is an application to be reviewed on the papers if the decision is a decision to refuse to grant a student visa.
(2) Schedule 1, item 16, page 7 (lines 24 to 27), omit subsection 367C(4), substitute:
(4) Without limiting paragraph (3)(b), regulations made for the purposes of that paragraph may prescribe kinds of, or circumstances relating to, applications made before, on or after the commencement of those regulations.
These decisions go to the core of how the Tribunal operates for potentially wide groups of people, and relate to its overall design, as determined by Parliament only a year ago. Such decisions should not be left to delegated legislation.
That this bill be now read a third time.
Regulatory Reform Omnibus Bill 2025
In the US, data centres are a major source of demand growth resulting in shortfalls of energy capacity. The US consequently faces a dilemma -in a time where it can take many years to develop and build new energy assets, how can it service this rapid uptick of energy demand while keeping energy prices affordable?
Australia too is grappling with the extent to which data centres might drive future demand, although we are not seeing the levels of demand growth being experienced by our American friends.
Australia's gambling crisis is terrible. We know the government has added disclaimers at the end of gambling ads. But we think that isn't enough…
It might be a good idea if you make ads dedicated to educating people of all the negative effects of gambling. We think this would have a much bigger impact than just a short disclaimer.
Australians lose more money through gambling than the government spends on aged care—which is quite a hefty amount.
If we keep going down this path it will affect and ruin a lot of people and families. Then Australia will just be known around the world as vegemite lovers and addicted gamblers.
We would like you to try and push for more government funding towards educating people about the effects of gambling on themselves and their loved ones. We want a proactive effort before it's a reactive effort.
Laws aren't just words on a page. They shape how we live every day—our rights, our responsibilities, and the opportunities we have. That's why we need to learn about civics and democracy from a young age. If schools taught us more about how Parliament works, how to vote, and how to speak up for what we believe in, we would grow into citizens who care about fairness and equality. Learning these skills now means we will be ready to lead and make good choices for Australia's future. Another step is creating more opportunities for young people to volunteer. Even though we are kids, we can already make a real difference—helping our neighbours, caring for the environment, or supporting charities. Volunteering teaches us teamwork, kindness, and responsibility. But often, we are told we are too young or not given the chance. The government should support programs that make it easier for children and teenagers to get involved, so we can start contributing today. We have a lot to contribute. By giving us stronger civics education and more chances to volunteer, the government would be building a generation ready to care, to serve, and shape a better tomorrow.
Over the past 30 years, Melton has grown by 433 per cent. Wyndham by 316 per cent.
While inner suburban areas such as Boroondara and Bayside have grown at just 24 and 28 per cent respectively.
It is never too late to honour the meaning of Lest We Forget, or to commemorate the courage of one of our own.
Fair Work Amendment (Baby Priya's) Bill 2025
Regulatory Reform Omnibus Bill 2025
Competition and Consumer Amendment (Australian Energy Regulator Separation) Bill 2025
Consumers are at the heart of everything we do.
The AER works to ensure energy consumers have access to a reliable and secure market and that they pay no more than necessary for energy to their homes and businesses.
If manufacturers are concerned about gas prices, why are they not investing in new gas supply sources?
The truth is manufacturers do not have the appetite for the large amounts of capital—
They want risk-free, long-term contracts on a cost-plus-margin basis.
That this bill be now read a third time.
Excise Tariff Amendment (Draught Beer) Bill 2025
Customs Tariff Amendment (Draught Beer) Bill 2025
The DEPUTY SPEAKER ( Ms Mascarenhas ) took the chair at 10:30.
I've really enjoyed living in Australia so far and the thing I love the most is living with my host family, sharing my Indonesian culture, and doing the internship at Tim Watts' Office in Melbourne.
I've learned so much during my time here already and I will always be grateful for these experiences.
Thank you to the Australian and Indonesia government for providing this life-changing opportunity.
Words are not enough; young Australians deserve action. It's very clear a better tomorrow requires the actions of great courage, fairness and vision. We must take bold optimistic and ambitious steps today for a hopeful tomorrow. Future Australians will judge us on not if we act but how we act as a country.
A strong democracy relies on informed and active citizens. Civic education is a foundation of that choice, yet too many Australians leave school without truly understanding how our democracy works, the power of our vote in elections or how they can shape it for a better tomorrow. Governments must take steps to continue to strengthen and invest in teaching young minds on voting, elections, structure of government, role of leaders, and continue to provide students a platform to engage in parliament.
Civic education is not just about knowing we have a government; it's about empowering the next generation to think critically, to question and to participate in our democracy. A mandatory education syllabus on civic education across Australia would ensure that every young Australian, no matter their background, leaves school with the knowledge and skills to participate in democracy.
If we want future generations to truly cherish their lives and feel fulfilled we must enabled equitable r education services. For any successful society, we must enable a range of different skill sets without any barriers or disadvantage to individuals. Too young people are facing barriers to education in a country where this should not dictate their futures. These obstacles can become overcome with governments.
Financial inequity or even location are modifiable factors that should never be a barrier for student to seek to gain knowledge and guarantee their future. Investing in education is a long-term investment for Australia, committing us to prosperity, wellbeing and equality across all different people. Giving every young Australian an equal opportunity sets us on the road to a meaningful future.
That this House:
(1) notes that:
(a) the Government's National Climate Risk Assessment highlights that climate change is costing the Australian economy more than $40 billion per year and this cost is predicted to rise to at least $73 billion, or 4 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP) by 2060; and
(b) current policies to protect our communities from climate change remain inadequate with spending on climate resilience and adaptation remaining too low; and
(2) calls on the Government to:
(a) lift climate adaptation spending to 0.25 per cent of GDP;
(b) establish a National Climate Adaptation Authority to oversee the implementation of the National Adaptation Plan;
(c) facilitate better funding for local governments to strengthen resilience against climate change within their communities;
(d) build strong private-public partnerships with the insurance industry that reduces underlying risk through enforceable, publicly funded resilience measures and transparent hazard data;
(e) ensure that climate resilience projects and measures are undertaken in collaboration with First Nations;
(f) broaden the safeguard mechanism to include all sectors across the economy are mitigating climate risks;
(g) further ensure that polluting companies pay the social and environmental cost of the carbon they emit; and
(h) reform the Petroleum Resource Rent Tax to ensure Australians get their fair share from their resources.
That this House:
(1) notes:
(a) that on 1 November, the Government's once-in-a-generation reforms to aged care began, giving more older Australians and their loved ones better access to a system that puts safe, high quality and dignified care at its core; and
(b) the Aged Care Act 2024 and related reforms deliver a range of improvements to ensure older people and their needs are at the centre of the new aged care system including:
(i) strengthened aged care quality standards;
(ii) a statement of rights;
(iii) a new model for supported decision-making; and
(iv) introducing the Support at Home program to help older Australians remain in their homes for longer; and
(2) acknowledges that the commencement of the Aged Care Act 2024 is the next step in the Government's aged care reforms, which has already included:
(a) the introduction of star ratings;
(b) more direct care for over 250,000 older people in aged care homes;
(c) 24-hours, seven days a week nursing in aged care homes;
(d) higher wages for aged care workers;
(e) a new single assessment system; and
(f) more transparency on provider finances and operations.
That this House:
(1) condemns the Government for its failures regarding energy affordability and policy transparency; and
(2) notes that:
(a) Australians were promised a $275 cut to their power bills but under the Government households are instead paying on average $1,300 more;
(b) energy bills have already surged close to 40 per cent under the Government;
(c) the Government has broken its most basic promise to the Australian people; and
(d) the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water advised the Minister for Climate Change and Energy within the Incoming Government Brief of 'a further significant increase in retail electricity prices next financial year'.
"We are … frustrated that Minister Butler has repeatedly boasted that GP appointments will be 'free' under the program and that patients will 'only need their Medicare card, not their credit card'.
"We have had many practices tell us that this is simply not true because the changes will not cover … staff, rent, electricity, consumables, insurance and other costs—
That this House:
(1) acknowledges the Prime Minister's successful visit to Washington DC, during which the United States-Australia framework for securing the supply of critical minerals and rare earths was signed with the President of the United States, a landmark bilateral framework on critical minerals and rare earths;
(2) notes that the agreement will:
(a) assist both countries in achieving resilience and security of critical minerals and rare earth supply chains;
(b) support Australian jobs in the mining, separation, and processing of these minerals through the use of economic policy tools and coordinated investment; and
(c) support defence and other advanced technologies; and
(3) recognises that this agreement:
(a) represents a further strengthening of the enduring Australia-United States alliance and a significant milestone in the longstanding friendship and cooperation between the two nations; and
(b) is delivering on the Government's Future Made in Australia agenda by driving investment in new export industries and providing good jobs in regional Australia.
Under Labor we are delivering cleaner, cheaper, Australian made energy, built by Aussie workers and backed by Aussie resources, powering our economy now and into the future.
That this House:
(1) condemns the Government's handling of corruption allegations within the Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU), acknowledging that:
(a) the Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations continues to endorse its solution despite whistleblowers saying corruption is worse than it was before the appointment of the CFMEU Administrator;
(b) the Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations refuses to answer questions about new allegations of corruption since the Government put the CFMEU into administration;
(c) organisers were promoted into senior roles by the Administrator and subsequently sacked on allegations of accepting cartel kickbacks and corruption since the administration has been in place;
(d) meetings have been tolerated with known organised crime figures and meetings have seemingly been green lighted with violent misogynists since the administration has been in place;
(e) there are allegations of bribes and cartel kickbacks being paid with the knowledge and possible sanction of the administration;
(f) the union leader backed by the Government to reform the CFMEU, Zach Smith, directed a subordinate to secretly meet with a 'notorious construction industry fixer' and Melbourne 'underworld identity' Mick Gatto;
(g) despite claiming meetings between CFMEU officials and Mr Gatto could lead to up to two years in prison, the Administrator only issued a caution once it was revealed this meeting was made public;
(h) the union leader backed by the Government to reform the CFMEU, Zach Smith, has been having coffee and card catch ups with John Setka whose conduct was the basis for the appointment of the Administrator in the first place;
(i) the Administrator has seemingly sanctioned meetings between Mr Smith and Mr Setka and they continue to this day;
(j) the Prime Minister relies on Mr Smith's vote in meetings of the National Executive of the Australian Labor Party with other ministers; and
(k) the current Government's failure to take tough action is tainted by its acceptance of $7 million in donations from the CFMEU, and informs why it is backing the Administration even though whistleblowers are saying it is failing; and
(2) notes that:
(a) the Government is not taking the action needed to stop the corruption and cartel kickbacks that led the CFMEU to be put under administration because of its conflicts of interest;
(b) allowing the criminal and corrupt CFMEU to run rampant across residential, commercial and public projects, is pushing up costs to taxpayers and inflation, and is pushing up the cost of first homes by up to 30 per cent; and
(c) leaked advice from the Department of the Treasury states the Government will fail to reach the National Housing Accord target of 1.2 million homes by 2029 because it is putting the CFMEU ahead of first home buyers.
The costs have been stark for the whistleblowers. To start with, "going to war" against the corruption of the construction division of Victoria's CFMEU has meant their effective blacklisting from union job sites. One has worked very little in the past year, and bills are due. Christmas is near. Their partner has also felt the strain.
The CFMEU's manufacturing division has taken Federal Court action to lock in its split from the union's "dysfunctional and murky" construction division in a move that will formalise the creation of the 10,000-member Timber, Furnishing and Textiles Union.
The expected court approval will see the once influential CFMEU reduced to the construction division, which will be in administration for years, and the maritime division.
The departure of the manufacturing division follows the exit of the mining and energy division to form a stand-alone union.
Manufacturing division national secretary Michael O'Connor said on Friday "our members are looking forward to officially getting out".
I was 6 when I was physically assaulted because of my colour, not by another kid, but by an adult woman.
I was 11 when I heard strangers slander my mum behind her back, simply because she chose to cover her hair.
I was 13 when I was· first called a terrorist.
At that point, I accepted that I would always face the racist stereotypes that poison our society, no matter who I was.
It's become repetitive and I'm tired of being the victim. My silence allows hatred to grow and that's not a risk I'm willing to take.
Since October 7, reports of lslamophobia have more than doubled … with a 1300% surge in incidents.
¾ targeted the innocent Islamic Australian women and children whose freedom of religion our government has failed to protect.
Comedy is the sheath that conceals the blade of racism and as a Muslim voice in my generation, I believe it's my vocation to ensure that 'it's a joke' is no longer a valid excuse.
It's on the government to teach people by renewing the education system, introducing programs like NAIDOC week, ultimately extinguishing the flames of hate speech by embracing diversity.
Actions speak louder than words. It's time to break the stereotypes, because there is no room for racism in our country.
My name is Heidi, and I'm writing on behalf of the Hedland Youth Advisory Council. We are a group of young leaders aged 15 to 20 who provide insight and advice on issues affecting young people in Hedland.
To prepare this submission, we consulted with the young people of Hedland to identify the most pressing challenges in our community.
The top concerns were better healthcare, reducing racism, and most significantly affordable and accessible housing. Housing is the issue that most directly impacts our daily lives.
As a young person, I've seen my own family forced to move multiple times due to rising rental costs.
While large companies like BHP can offer subsidised housing to employees, many smaller businesses cannot, leaving workers and their families struggling to find affordable homes.
This housing stress affects our young people's lives and their families' ability to meet basic needs like food, water and clothing.
Port Hedland is the exporting powerhouse of Australia and is a major contributor to Australia's economy. Yet many young people here face barriers to a stable and secure life.
We urge members of Parliament to take meaningful action to improve living conditions for young people in regional and remote areas like ours.
Awarded Military Cross, 18th December 1917 for conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty when in command of his platoon during an attack and of the company after reaching the objective, all other officers being killed or wounded. He remained in command for two days, consolidating position and repelling counterattacks.
That this House:
(1) condemns the Government's lack of transparency in its proposal to slash default regional road speed limits from 100 kilometres per hour to as low as 70 kilometres per hour, including its attempt to quietly progress the policy without proper public scrutiny;
(2) notes that the Government was forced, at the eleventh hour, to extend its abysmally short 28-day consultation period only after strong intervention from the Opposition;
(3) warns that the Government's proposal is a lazy, damaging approach that will slow regional Australia to a crawl, and drive up freight times and costs for farmers, transport operators and small businesses;
(4) highlights that instead of fixing the roads by funding maintenance for line-marking, road shoulders, rumble strips and pothole repairs, the Government is cutting the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure program from 1 July next year; and
(5) calls on the Government to commit to consultation and genuine road safety improvements that protect lives without crippling regional productivity and national supply chains.
The long distance transportation of livestock should not be adversely impacted by inappropriately low speed limits.
That this House:
(1) acknowledges that on 1 November, bulk billing incentives were expanded to all Australians, and a new incentive payment began for practices that bulk bill every patient; and
(2) notes:
(a) that these policies will mean:
(i) nine out of ten general practitioner (GP) visits will be bulk billed by 2030; and
(ii) the current number of fully bulk billed practices will triple to around 4,800 nationally;
(b) other policies the Government has delivered to strengthen Medicare, such as:
(i) opening 90 Medicare Urgent Care Clinics across Australia, with 47 more on the way;
(ii) tripling the bulk billing incentive;
(iii) opening 61 free Medicare Mental Health Centres;
(iv) lowering the maximum cost of Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme listed medicines to $25 from 1 January 2026 and freezing the concession price at $7.70 until 2030; and
(v) boosting funding for hospitals by $1.7 billion; and
(c) that while the Government is expanding access to bulk billing, by contrast, the Leader of the Opposition as the Minister for Health:
(i) never increased Medicare rebates, the only health minister in Australian history not to do so;
(ii) doubled down on the then Government's $50 billion cut to hospitals; and
(iii) continued the fight for the former Leader of the Opposition's GP tax.
This will make a huge difference. If people don't have to pay that gap for general consults, that's food in their mouth. When you have to prioritise food or health, that's a problem.
Healthcare made more affordable at Sussex Doctors!
We're proud to be a Fully Bulk Billing Clinic, ensuring everyone in our community can access quality medical care.
From general consultations to care plans, we're here to support your health at every stage without financial stress.
At Sussex Doctors, your health is our priority and now, it's more accessible than ever.
More access. Less cost. Better care.
Bulk billing for all patients starting 1st November 2025
I already get bulk-billed. But I'm glad it's extending. When people can see a GP without having to sacrifice their children's nutrition or rent, it makes us all smarter.
That this House:
(1) notes that:
(a) the 3G telecommunications network was switched off on the Government's watch in 2024;
(b) the interim report of the Senate inquiry into the shutdown made clear recommendations about the impending shutdown, recommending that the Government delay the shutdown until it was satisfied that 'the 4G network provides coverage equivalent to or better than the coverage provided by the licensee's 3G network';
(c) the Government relied on the assurances of commercial operators to ensure equivalent mobile coverage after the shutdown but despite promises, regional Australians have been detrimentally affected and thousands of consumers have been left with worse, or no, coverage at all;
(d) furthermore, there have been reports of poor handling of consumer complaints about their loss of service post 3G shutdown; and
(e) the Government has failed to take responsibility for the fallout of the 3G shutdown in regional Australia, and its response to the final report by the Senate into the shutdown was again lazy and noncommittal, failing to agree to any new actions; and
(2) calls upon the Minister for Communications to take responsibility for the botched 3G shutdown and its impact on the connectivity of regional Australians by:
(a) providing transparency regarding the crowdsourcing component of the National Audit of Mobile Coverage and expanding it to include off-road areas (including on private land such as farming and grazing properties) to ensure an accurate picture of the impact of the shutdown on mobile coverage is attained; and
(b) thoroughly addressing the first recommendation of the final Senate inquiry report to 'establish a program to help customers that have lost mobile phone coverage since the 3G shutoff'.
(a)the 3G telecommunications network was switched off on the Government's watch in 2024;
(b)the interim report of the Senate inquiry into the shutdown made clear recommendations about the impending shutdown, recommending that the Government delay the shutdown until it was satisfied that 'the 4G network provides coverage equivalent to or better than the coverage provided by the licensee's 3G network';
(c)the Government relied on the assurances of commercial operators to ensure equivalent mobile coverage after the shutdown but despite promises, regional Australians have been detrimentally affected and thousands of consumers have been left with worse, or no, coverage at all;
(d)furthermore, there have been reports of poor handling of consumer complaints about their loss of service post 3G shutdown; and
(e)the Government has failed to take responsibility for the fallout of the 3G shutdown in regional Australia, and its response to the final report by the Senate into the shutdown was again lazy and noncommittal, failing to agree to any new actions; and
(2)calls upon the Minister for Communications to take responsibility for the botched 3G shutdown and its impact on the connectivity of regional Australians by:
(a)providing transparency regarding the crowdsourcing component of the National Audit of Mobile Coverage and expanding it to include off-road areas (including on private land such as farming and grazing properties) to ensure an accurate picture of the impact of the shutdown on mobile coverage is attained; and
(b)thoroughly addressing the first recommendation of the final Senate inquiry report to 'establish a program to help customers that have lost mobile phone coverage since the 3G shutoff'.
That this House:
(1) notes that 11 November 2025 marks the 50th anniversary of the removal of the Government of Prime Minister Whitlam; and
(2) acknowledges:
(a) the work of Professor Jenny Hocking to ensure that the historical events that happened at that time are documented;
(b) that the reforms of Prime Minister Whitlam's Government modernised Australian society and its economy; and
(c) that the impact of Prime Minister Whitlam's policies continue to define Australia's political landscape.
We are all diminished as citizens when any of us are poor. Poverty is a national waste as well as an individual waste. We are all diminished when any of us are denied proper education. The nation is the poorer—a poorer economy, a poorer civilisation, because of this human and national waste.