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. 06
Petitions and Ministerial Responses
9 February 2026
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 28 October, 4 November, 25 November, 18 December 2025 and 3 February 2026.
1. The committee resolved to present the following 241 petitions in accordance with standing order 207:
Petitions certified on 28 October 2025
From 11 petitioners—requesting a national program to accelerate fusion energy development (EN7567)
From 4 petitioners—requesting a national strategy for fusion energy development (EN7568)
From 4 petitioners—requesting a national program to develop fusion energy for defence and national security (EN7569)
From 5 petitioners—requesting a national program to support fusion energy research and industry partnerships (EN7570)
From 6 petitioners—requesting prioritisation of fusion energy development over fission-based nuclear technologies (EN7571)
From 9 petitioners—requesting assistance for a family to relocate from Gaza to Australia (EN8483)
From 59 petitioners—requesting stronger accountability measures for fraud under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (EN8485)
From 26 petitioners—requesting a parliamentary inquiry into the safety of the Roblox platform (EN8486)
From 13 petitioners—requesting measures to deter corporate wrongdoing (EN8488)
From 49 petitioners—requesting legislative protections for participants in the National Disability Insurance Scheme (EN8490)
From 29 petitioners—requesting changes to parliamentary eligibility requirements (EN8491)
From 97 petitioners—requesting changes to legislation relating to digital identity (EN8492)
From 10 petitioners—requesting development of a national population plan (EN8493)
From 44054 petitioners—requesting changes to social media minimum age restrictions (EN8494)
From 1262 petitioners—requesting review of organisational partnerships and practices at the national broadcaster (EN8495)
From 5 petitioners—requesting changes to government housing assistance and property tax policies (EN8497)
From 22 petitioners—requesting changes to the electoral system (EN8500)
From 10 petitioners—requesting changes to the electoral system (EN8501)
From 181 petitioners—requesting amendment of National Medal eligibility (EN8505)
From 52 petitioners—requesting restrictions on property ownership (EN8506)
From 11 petitioners—requesting review of regulations relating to high-risk medical research (EN8508)
From 20 petitioners—requesting public financial reporting by not-for-profit organisations receiving government support (EN8509)
From 194 petitioners—requesting imposition of sanctions on Israel (EN8510)
From 1833 petitioners—requesting changes to digital identity legislation (EN8511)
From 11 petitioners—requesting expanded eligibility for subsidised continuous glucose monitoring (EN8514)
From 9 petitioners—requesting removal of visa requirements for Papua New Guinea citizens visiting Australia (EN8515)
From 27 petitioners—requesting reforms to housing policy (EN8518)
From 24 petitioners—requesting equal minimum wage for minors and adults (EN8522)
From 227 petitioners—requesting investigation into the activities of certain groups and individuals (EN8523)
From 806 petitioners—requesting changes to trade and sanctions policy relating to Israel (EN8524)
From 89 petitioners—regarding concerns relating to digital identity policy (EN8525)
From 27 petitioners—requesting support for mental health consultations under Medicare (EN8526)
From 31 petitioners—requesting termination of the AUKUS agreement (EN8527)
From 14 petitioners—requesting access to superannuation funds for first home buyers (EN8529)
From 10 petitioners—requesting changes to the implementation of major policy decisions (EN8530)
From 37 petitioners—regarding concerns relating to the work of the Ex-Service Organisations Round Table (EN8532)
From 3 petitioners—requesting a framework to improve accountability and timelines in bank loan applications (EN8533)
From 36 petitioners—requesting disclosure of political party and independent preference allocations before federal elections (EN8537)
From 8 petitioners—requesting adjustment of residency requirements for permanent visa eligibility (EN8538)
From 82 petitioners—requesting a particular group to be designated a terrorist organisation (EN8540)
From 144 petitioners—regarding educator to child ratios in early childhood education (EN8543)
From 9 petitioners—regarding restrictions on superannuation rollovers (EN8544)
From 1244 petitioners—requesting a ban on Sharia law (EN8545)
From 193 petitioners—requesting removal of social media age limit restrictions (EN8548)
From 694 petitioners—requesting introduction of paid leave entitlements for pregnancy loss before 20 weeks gestation (EN8549)
From 30 petitioners—requesting a ban on the use of artificial intelligence in creative industries (EN8550)
From 25 petitioners—requesting changes to laws regarding crime and visa status (EN8552)
From 10 petitioners—requesting restoration of a 10-year renewable treaty framework for the Joint Defence Facility Pine Gap (EN8554)
From 13 petitioners—regarding amendments to migration review processes (EN8556)
From 60 petitioners—requesting a review of tobacco excise taxes (EN8557)
From 46 petitioners—requesting reconsideration of social media age limit restrictions (EN8559)
From 34 petitioners—requesting cessation of immigration (EN8561)
From 33 petitioners—requesting a particular group to be designated a terrorist organisation (EN8562)
From 47 petitioners—requesting removal of the eSafety Commissioner (EN8565)
From 31 petitioners—requesting amendments to the National Disability Insurance Scheme assessment process (EN8567)
From 28 petitioners—regarding the Business Innovation and Investment Program (EN8569)
From 5589 petitioners—requesting an inquiry into the proposed plan for National Disability Insurance Scheme support needs assessments (EN8570)
From 66 petitioners—requesting withdrawal from international organisations (EN8571)
From 245 petitioners—requesting establishment of a national framework to criminalise coercive control against children (EN8573)
From 105 petitioners—requesting review of amendments to veterans' legislation (EN8575)
From 6 petitioners—requesting research into service-related medical conditions for veterans (EN8576)
From 1348 petitioners—requesting removal of social media age limit restrictions (EN8577)
From 37 petitioners—requesting reconsideration of the decision to deny entry to a commentator (EN8579)
From 186 petitioners—requesting a vote of no confidence in the Prime Minister (EN8580)
From 13 petitioners—requesting reinstatement of health fund benefits and Medicare rebates for intravitreal injections (EN8581)
From 24 petitioners—requesting prohibition of conscription for overseas military service (EN8582)
From 97 petitioners—requesting repatriation of temporary visa holders (EN8583)
From 21901 petitioners—requesting removal of social media age limit restrictions (EN8584)
From 72 petitioners—requesting implementation of random drug and alcohol testing for all government employees (EN8587)
From 690 petitioners—requesting abolition of negative gearing and capital gains tax discounts on property assets (EN8590)
Petitions certified on 4 November 2025
From 31 petitioners—requesting free mental health support for mothers in the first year after birth (EN8592)
From 8 petitioners—requesting clarity on internships and action on unpaid placements (EN8595)
From 2355 petitioners—requesting changes to social media age limit restrictions (EN8597)
From 80 petitioners—requesting permission for veterans to record medical examinations (EN8598)
From 29 petitioners—requesting reforms to strengthen government accountability (EN8600)
From 426 petitioners—requesting extended health care card eligibility for young people with chronic conditions (EN8602)
From 28 petitioners—requesting diplomatic action to address violence against Christians in Nigeria (EN8603)
From 38 petitioners—regarding exemption from tax for certain individuals (EN8604)
From 53 petitioners—requesting restrictions on surveillance practices by social media companies (EN8605)
From 108 petitioners—requesting changes to eligibility for politicians based on birthplace (EN8608)
From 3113 petitioners—requesting review of laws and policies involving personal freedoms (EN8610)
From 232 petitioners—requesting action against disinformation (EN8613)
From 162 petitioners—requesting improved access and funding for endometriosis care (EN8614)
From 48 petitioners—requesting a sovereign wealth fund and changes to resource taxation (EN8618)
From 13 petitioners—requesting simplified submission requirements for veterans' entitlements (EN8619)
From 53 petitioners—requesting increased financial support for regional students in higher education (EN8620)
From 193 petitioners—requesting removal of the eSafety Commissioner (EN8621)
From 258 petitioners—requesting restrictions on generative artificial intelligence (EN8622)
Petitions certified on 25 November 2025
From 6 petitioners—requesting consideration of a national program to support fusion energy development (EN7572)
From 7 petitioners—requesting establishment of a national fusion education and training initiative (EN7573)
From 4 petitioners—requesting consideration of a national fusion energy development program (EN7574)
From 5 petitioners—requesting implementation of a national fusion energy program (EN7575)
From 4 petitioners—requesting establishment of a national fusion energy development program focused on defence applications (EN7576)
From 4 petitioners—requesting increased annual funding from the Medical Research Future Fund (EN8623)
From 11 petitioners—requesting clarification about proposed changes to parliamentary arrangements (EN8628)
From 18 petitioners—requesting changes to compulsory voting requirements (EN8630)
From 19 petitioners—requesting amendments to the Veterans' Entitlements Act 1986 to specify timeframes for certain decisions (EN8633)
From 10 petitioners—requesting changes to criminal jurisdiction and oversight arrangements for Australian Defence Force members (EN8636)
From 19 petitioners—requesting clarification of decision-making processes at the Department of Home Affairs (EN8637)
From 8 petitioners—requesting changes to social media age limit restrictions (EN8638)
From 6 petitioners—requesting changes to social media age limit restrictions (EN8640)
From 10 petitioners—requesting removal of social media age limit restrictions (EN8643)
From 3 petitioners—requesting changes to social media age limit restrictions (EN8648)
From 12 petitioners—requesting changes to social media age limit restrictions (EN8650)
From 74 petitioners—requesting national coverage of ambulance costs under public health funding (EN8658)
From 260 petitioners—requesting national reforms to animal welfare policy (EN8660)
From 8 petitioners—requesting review of immigration processes (EN8662)
From 22 petitioners—requesting exemption of overtime earnings from taxation (EN8666)
From 3 petitioners—requesting humanitarian measures and migration pathways for Sudanese families (EN8669)
From 12 petitioners—requesting increased humanitarian assistance and international advocacy in relation to conflict in Sudan (EN8671)
From 7 petitioners—requesting international and humanitarian actions in response to conflict in Sudan (EN8672)
From 11 petitioners—requesting changes to the status of the Northern Territory (EN8673)
From 10 petitioners—requesting prohibition of single-use plastic water bottles (EN8674)
From 19 petitioners—requesting review of banking practices relating to customer access to personal funds (EN8675)
From 58 petitioners—requesting reforms to registration requirements for migration agents (EN8676)
From 3 petitioners—requesting changes to social media age limit restrictions (EN8677)
From 50 petitioners—requesting reforms to the child support system (EN8679)
From 8 petitioners—requesting changes to social media age limit restrictions (EN8683)
From 8 petitioners—regarding communications relating to information about native wildlife (EN8686)
From 6 petitioners—requesting changes to social media age limit restrictions (EN8688)
From 29 petitioners—requesting reconsideration of social media age limit restrictions and development of alternative online safety measures (EN8689)
From 1863 petitioners—requesting oversight and privacy safeguards relating to the Australian Centre for Disease Control (EN8691)
From 2 petitioners—requesting removal of social media age limit restrictions (EN8692)
From 3 petitioners—requesting changes to social media age limit restrictions (EN8693)
From 6 petitioners—requesting penalties for social media platforms that knowingly host fraudulent advertising (EN8696)
From 17 petitioners—requesting changes to eligibility for public health funding for people in custody (EN8698)
From 23 petitioners—requesting review of social media age limit restrictions (EN8699)
From 30 petitioners—requesting the removal of social media age limit restrictions (EN8700)
From 5 petitioners—requesting increased funding for national defence (EN8702)
From 14 petitioners—requesting increased funding for national defence capability (EN8703)
From 4 petitioners—requesting removal of restrictions on import and export of certain cultural items (EN8704)
From 25 petitioners—requesting changes to electricity billing arrangements relating to supply charges (EN8706)
From 15 petitioners—requesting cessation of funding for the national public broadcaster (EN8713)
From 30 petitioners—requesting updated standards to prohibit use of generative artificial intelligence in media and government communication (EN8715)
From 31 petitioners—requesting changes to social media age limit restrictions (EN8716)
From 23 petitioners—requesting changes to social media age limit restrictions (EN8717)
From 35 petitioners—requesting action to address extremist activity and strengthen counter-extremism measures (EN8718)
From 880 petitioners—requesting removal of co-payments for aged care services (EN8720)
From 6 petitioners—requesting approval for provision of Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme medicines at a specified pharmacy location (EN8721)
From 115 petitioners—requesting removal of social media age limit restrictions (EN8722)
From 21 petitioners—requesting implementation of a national irrigation and development scheme (EN8723)
From 11 petitioners—requesting changes to social media age limit restrictions (EN8724)
From 7 petitioners—requesting inquiry into communication practices of insurance companies (EN8725)
From 17 petitioners—requesting changes to social media age limit restrictions (EN8729)
From 15 petitioners—requesting cancellation of a visa for an individual (EN8731)
From 362 petitioners—requesting changes to calling practices used by the National Disability Insurance Scheme (EN8735)
From 7 petitioners—requesting improved employment arrangements for disability support workers (EN8737)
From 7 petitioners—requesting improved support for people with functional neurological disorder in healthcare settings (EN8738)
From 25 petitioners—requesting changes to social media age limit restrictions (EN8739)
From 21 petitioners—requesting opposition to hosting a large-scale international event (EN8740)
From 200 petitioners—requesting creation of a national regulatory framework for social work (EN8742)
From 110 petitioners—requesting national reforms to address technology-facilitated abuse (EN8743)
From 33 petitioners—requesting reconsideration of a visa for an individual (EN8744)
From 20 petitioners—requesting reforms to family law procedures and oversight mechanisms (EN8746)
From 198 petitioners—requesting prioritisation of processing for Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (subclass 191) applications (EN8747)
From 115 petitioners—requesting automated or expedited processing systems for Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (subclass 191) applications (EN8748)
From 285 petitioners—requesting changes to social media age limit restrictions (EN8749)
From 35 petitioners—requesting changes to taxation thresholds (EN8750)
From 115 petitioners—requesting reforms to the child support system (EN8752)
From 3353 petitioners—requesting changes to social media age limit restrictions (EN8754)
Petitions certified on 18 December 2025
From 3 petitioners—requesting consideration of a national approach to fusion energy development (EN7577)
From 1 petitioner—requesting a national approach to fusion energy development for shipbuilding (EN7578)
From 1 petitioner—requesting a national approach to fusion energy development for maritime propulsion (EN7579)
From 1 petitioner—requesting a national approach to fusion energy development to support skilled migration (EN7580)
From 1 petitioner—requesting a national approach to fusion energy development for housing (EN7581)
From 4 petitioners—requesting support for the processing of a labour agreement application (EN8761)
From 161 petitioners—requesting inclusion of a provision to prevent reductions in veterans' compensation during legislative harmonisation (EN8762)
From 151 petitioners—requesting that dental treatment restrictions not be applied to accepted conditions for Veteran Gold Card holders (EN8763)
From 8 petitioners—requesting improvements to government website usability (EN8764)
From 3 petitioners—requesting requirements for cacao to be sourced without child or forced labour (EN8769)
From 10 petitioners—requesting a halt to funding changes for the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (EN8773)
From 3 petitioners—requesting offences relating to the use and distribution of cheating software in video games (EN8781)
From 12 petitioners—requesting removal of YouTube from social media age limit restrictions (EN8782)
From 3 petitioners—requesting restrictions on access to addictive algorithm-driven content for children (EN8786)
From 7 petitioners—requesting nationwide airport curfews (EN8787)
From 17 petitioners—requesting an inquiry into the Bureau of Meteorology website project (EN8789)
From 9 petitioners—requesting a ban on public display of extremist symbols (EN8790)
From 4 petitioners—requesting review of anti-smoking campaign approaches (EN8791)
From 13 petitioners—requesting regulation of artificial intelligence use in workplaces (EN8792)
From 3 petitioners—requesting tax deductibility for non-government school fees (EN8793)
From 1025 petitioners—requesting actions relating to humanitarian and territorial concerns in Lebanon (EN8794)
From 1 petitioner—requesting changes to social media age limit restrictions (EN8796)
From 71 petitioners—requesting strengthened eligibility rules for elected officials in cases involving serious offences (EN8797)
From 68 petitioners—requesting prohibition of face coverings in public places (EN8798)
From 73 petitioners—requesting subsidised access to approved weight-loss medications (EN8800)
From 2 petitioners—requesting changes to social media age limit restrictions (EN8803)
From 10 petitioners—requesting prohibition of plastic fruit labels (EN8807)
From 5 petitioners—requesting changes to social media age limit restrictions (EN8809)
From 2 petitioners—requesting changes to social media age limit restrictions (EN8810)
From 2 petitioners—requesting changes to social media age limit restrictions (EN8811)
From 79 petitioners—requesting a national review of suicides and reporting of contributing factors (EN8812)
From 8 petitioners—requesting baseline tariffs on certain imported products (EN8813)
From 1 petitioner—requesting changes to social media age limit restrictions (EN8814)
From 17 petitioners—requesting review of tobacco excise settings (EN8815)
From 57 petitioners—requesting actions relating to interference with parenting arrangements (EN8816)
From 68 petitioners—requesting penalties for conduct that interferes with judicial processes (EN8817)
From 82 petitioners—requesting measures relating to child-parent contact (EN8818)
From 57 petitioners—requesting penalties for misuse of federal systems or digital platforms (EN8819)
From 76 petitioners—requesting actions relating to conduct causing serious harm (EN8820)
From 42 petitioners—requesting disclosure requirements for advertising that uses artificial intelligence (EN8822)
From 2 petitioners—requesting changes to social media age limit restrictions (EN8823)
From 52 petitioners—requesting a motion of no confidence in a minister (EN8827)
From 4 petitioners—requesting review of consultation processes for pharmacist prescribing (EN8830)
From 2 petitioners—requesting changes to social media age limit restrictions (EN8831)
From 3 petitioners—requesting increased federal funding for Queensland Ballet (EN8837)
From 24 petitioners—requesting strengthened privacy protections (EN8838)
From 1 petitioner—requesting changes to social media age limit restrictions (EN8839)
From 6 petitioners—requesting recognition of a national day of environmental significance (EN8841)
From 6 petitioners—requesting recognition of a national day of environmental significance (EN8842)
From 12 petitioners—requesting changes to social media age limit restrictions (EN8843)
From 2 petitioners—requesting support for family-focused policy initiatives (EN8847)
From 37 petitioners—requesting immediate divorce pathways for survivors of domestic violence (EN8848)
From 5 petitioners—requesting changes to tax settings for secondary employment (EN8849)
From 2 petitioners—requesting changes to social media age limit restrictions (EN8850)
From 73 petitioners—requesting implementation of a bill of rights (EN8853)
From 2147 petitioners—requesting timely disability support and oversight mechanisms in the National Disability Insurance Scheme (EN8854)
From 6 petitioners—requesting changes to petition processes (EN8855)
From 41 petitioners—requesting reforms to political accountability, remuneration, and entitlements (EN8856)
From 2 petitioners—requesting changes to social media age limit restrictions (EN8857)
From 43 petitioners—requesting increased support payments and recognition of caring experience (EN8861)
From 6 petitioners—requesting telehealth options for disability needs assessments (EN8862)
From 74 petitioners—requesting review of the tobacco excise framework (EN8863)
From 11 petitioners—requesting support for children's sport and extra-curricular participation (EN8864)
From 210 petitioners—requesting expedited processing of Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) applications (EN8866)
From 12 petitioners—requesting pathways to access treatments involving ibogaine (EN8868)
From 19 petitioners—requesting a motion of no confidence in a minister (EN8869)
From 32 petitioners—requesting changes to travel entitlement rules (EN8870)
From 3 petitioners—requesting changes to social media age limit restrictions (EN8871)
From 39 petitioners—regarding repayment of expenses (EN8872)
From 70 petitioners—requesting investigation of ministerial expenses and strengthened oversight (EN8873)
From 90 petitioners—requesting changes to ministerial travel entitlements (EN8874)
From 31 petitioners—requesting restrictions on access to Roblox for children (EN8876)
From 84 petitioners—requesting changes to government accountability processes (EN8877)
From 157 petitioners—requesting publication of Veterans' Review Board decisions (EN8879)
From 141 petitioners—requesting support to call for the resignation of the Sex Discrimination Commissioner (EN8881)
From 5 petitioners—requesting changes to social media age limit restrictions (EN8884)
From 22 petitioners—requesting changes to social media age limit restrictions (EN8885)
From 77 petitioners—requesting commercialisation support for renewable technology (EN8886)
From 9 petitioners—requesting changes to social media age limit restrictions (EN8887)
From 186 petitioners—requesting implementation of a bill of rights (EN8888)
From 38 petitioners—requesting abolition of junior pay rates (EN8889)
2. The following 96 ministerial responses to petitions were received.
Ministerial responses received by the Committee on 25 November 2025
From the Treasurer to a petition requesting the removal of clawback arrangements relating to finance brokers and lenders (EN6484)
From the Minister for Climate Change and Energy to a petition requesting reconsideration of the commitment to the Paris Climate Agreement (EN7093)
From the Treasurer to a petition regarding the liquidation of Qartaba Homes Pty Ltd (EN7142)
From the Minister for Science to a petition requesting the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation conduct an updated audit to ensure the future of the Gippsland Lakes System (EN7256)
From the Minister for Communications to a petition requesting changes to the
Spam Act 2003 (EN7448)
From the Minister for Health and Ageing to a petition requesting support for the development of a new single-site hospital in Albury-Wodonga (EN7454)
From the Minister for Disability and the National Disability Insurance Scheme to a petition requesting independent scrutiny and increased funding for support coordination (EN7619)
From the Minister for Disability and the National Disability Insurance Scheme to a petition requesting review of disability support pricing arrangements (EN7711)
Ministerial responses received by the Committee on 18 December 2025
From the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship to a petition regarding the exclusion of a degree from the list of eligible qualifications for the extended post-study work rights under the Temporary Graduate visa (EN5136)
From the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship to a petition regarding the Temporary Graduate visa study requirement (EN5147)
From the Treasurer to a petition regarding foreign ownership of residential property (EN5247)
From the Minister for Foreign Affairs to a petition regarding Israel's actions in Palestine (EN5954)
From the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship to a petition regarding age requirements for the Temporary Graduate visa (EN6181)
From the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship to a petition regarding age requirements for the Temporary Graduate visa (EN6215)
From the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship to a petition regarding stay periods for the Temporary Graduate visa (EN6255)
From the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship to a petition regarding age requirements for the Temporary Graduate visa (EN6610)
From the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship to a petition regarding age requirements for the Temporary Graduate visa (EN6778)
From the Minister for Foreign Affairs to a petition regarding Israel's membership of the United Nations General Assembly (EN6808)
From the Treasurer to a petition requesting a tax offset for dental expenses (EN6825)
From the Minister for Foreign Affairs to a petition regarding Israel's actions in Palestine (EN6831)
From the Minister for Financial Services to a petition requesting to strengthen legal protections for borrowers (EN7196)
From the Minister for Education to a petition requesting that FEE-HELP loan fees charged to students at the National Art School be refunded (EN7274)
From the Treasurer to a petition regarding mining taxation (EN7300)
From the Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme to a petition regarding housing for people with disability (EN7327)
From the Minister for the Environment and Water to a petition requesting action to limit light pollution (EN7346)
From the Minister for Health and Ageing to a petition requesting Medicare subsidised Eating Disorder Plans include individuals diagnosed with Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (EN7379)
From the Minister for Communications to a petition requesting action to prevent online bullying and harassment (EN7404)
From the Minister for Health and Ageing to a petition regarding tick-borne illnesses (EN7414)
From the Minister for Health and Ageing to a petition requesting dedicated funding for a national stillbirth awareness campaign (EN7449)
From the Minister for Foreign Affairs to a petition regarding the conflict in Gaza (EN7497)
From the Minister for Early Childhood Education to a petition requesting financial support for parents who remain at home and care for their children (EN7560)
From the Minister for Disability and the National Disability Insurance Scheme to a petition requesting for mobility-impaired participants to be given access to guide dogs (EN7604)
From the Minister for Foreign Affairs to a petition requesting sanctions against Israel in response to the conflict in Gaza (EN7668)
From the Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister to a petition requesting formal bravery recognition for Childers Auxiliary firefighters (EN7672)
From the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship to a petition requesting reconsideration of a particular visa application (EN7684)
From the Minister for Disability and the National Disability Insurance Scheme to a petition regarding registration of independent support workers, companies and therapists (EN7685)
From the Minister for Foreign Affairs to a petition requesting consultations with New Zealand, Canada and the United Kingdom to explore a mobility and security pact (EN7784)
From the Minister for Communications to a petition regarding social media minimum age legislation (EN7824)
From the Minister for Communications to a petition regarding the privacy implications of social media minimum age legislation (EN7828)
From the Minister for Communications to a petition regarding social media minimum age legislation (EN7830)
From the Minister for Disability and the National Disability Insurance Scheme to a petition requesting recognition of Functional Neurological Disorder in disability support guidelines and improved access to support (EN7833)
From the Minister for Communications to a petition regarding social media minimum age legislation (EN7845)
From the Minister for Communications to a petition regarding social media minimum age legislation (EN7847)
From the Minister for Foreign Affairs to a petition regarding the conflict in Gaza (EN7850)
From the Minister for Communications to a petition regarding social media minimum age legislation (EN7857)
From the Minister for Communications to a petition regarding the eSafety Commissioner (EN7872)
From the Minister for Communications to a petition regarding social media minimum age legislation (EN7889)
From the Minister for Foreign Affairs to a petition requesting the expulsion of Israeli ambassador (EN8047)
From the Minister for Communications to a petition regarding the eSafety Commissioner (EN8155)
From the Minister for Communications to a petition regarding social media minimum age legislation (EN8157)
From the Minister for Communications to a petition regarding privacy protections for children (EN8159)
From the Minister for Communications to a petition regarding social media minimum age legislation (EN8179)
From the Minister for Health and Ageing to a petition requesting funding for adolescent inpatient mental health beds in Albury-Wodonga (EN8181)
From the Minister for Foreign Affairs to a petition regarding Palestinian self-determination and the conflict in Gaza (PN0637)
From the Minister for Health and Ageing to a petition requesting healthcare improvements in the Albury-Wodonga region (PN0645)
Ministerial responses received by the Committee on 3 February 2026
From the Treasurer to a petition regarding cost-of-living relief (EN4458)
From the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship to a petition regarding government services eligibility and residential property acquisition for certain visa holders (EN4598)
From the Treasurer to a petition regarding cost-of-living relief (EN5124)
From the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship to a petition regarding the work experience requirement for permanent residence for Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (subclass 494) visa holders (EN5655)
From the Minister for Foreign Affairs to a petition regarding the arrest of Chinmoy Prabhu by Bangladesh authorities (EN7008)
From the Treasurer to a petition regarding default gratuity fees (EN7052)
From the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Foresty to a petition regarding the import of traditional Ethiopian spices (EN7356)
From the Attorney-General to a petition requesting establishment of a Family Court Investigative Service (EN7378)
From the Minister for Health and Ageing to a petition requesting protections for doctors legally prescribing medicinal cannabis (EN7504)
From the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Foresty to a petition requesting an exemption for beekeepers to use organic treatments for Varroa mite (EN7508)
From the Minister for Health and Ageing to a petition regarding regulation of Assisted Reproductive Technology (EN7525)
From the Minister for Health and Ageing to a petition requesting a renewal pathway for offshore-qualified pharmacists to maintain credential validity (EN7534)
Minister for Disability and the National Disability Insurance Scheme to a petition requesting changes to the new needs assessment process (EN7545)
From the Attorney-General to a petition requesting reform of the Family Law Act 1975 and associated processes (EN7611)
From the Minister for Foreign Affairs to a petition regarding Australia's alliance with the United States (EN7614)
From the Minister for Health and Ageing to a petition requesting mandatory labelling for all products containing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (EN7647)
From the Minister for Health and Ageing to a petition requesting review of food safety regulations to permit dogs in indoor hospitality areas (EN7673)
From the Minister for Foreign Affairs to a petition regarding the International Criminal Court's proceedings against former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte (EN7699)
From the Minister for the Environment and Water to a petition requesting prohibition of wind farms in native forests and review of environmental impacts (EN7769)
From the Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister to a petition regarding Australia's Special Envoy to Combat Antisemitism (EN7770)
From the Minister for Industry and Innovation to a petition regarding the safety of artificial intelligence (EN7777)
From the Minister for Foreign Affairs to a petition requesting diplomatic advocacy for an Australian detained in Taiwan (EN7788)
From the Minister for Health and Ageing to a petition requesting review of the adoption of the World Health Organisation Pandemic Agreement (EN7791)
From the Attorney-General to a petition requesting laws to prohibit Australians from joining the Israeli Defence Force (EN7797)
From the Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations to a petition regarding a four-day work week (EN7812)
From the Attorney-General to a petition requesting reforms to family law processes to protect victims of domestic violence (EN7831)
From the Attorney-General to a petition requesting funding for drug and alcohol testing in family law proceedings (EN7858)
From the Minister for Health and Ageing to a petition requesting permanent funding and access to culturally safe telehealth services for First Nations peoples (EN7864)
From the Attorney-General to a petition requesting legislation to make burning the Australian National Flag a criminal offence (EN7870)
From the Minister for Home Affairs to a petition regarding the Capstone assessment for Registered Migration Agents (EN7900)
From the Minister for Social Services to a petition requesting consideration of the pension age and retirement policy (EN8087)
From the Minister for Health and Ageing to a petition requesting review of nurse practitioner telehealth services (EN8092)
From the Assistant Minister for Productivity, Competition, Charities and Treasury to a petition regarding residential property listings (EN8121)
From the Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care to a petition requesting clear labelling of fresh produce treated with pesticides (EN8153)
From the Attorney-General to a petition requesting establishment of a national framework for domestic violence disclosure laws (EN8178)
From the Minister for Health and Ageing to a petition requesting dental care be included in the Medicare system (EN8430)
From the Minister for Finance to a petition regarding Digital ID legislation (EN8456)
From the Minister for Finance to a petition regarding Digital ID legislation (EN8462)
From the Minister for Finance to a petition regarding Digital ID legislation (EN8464)
From the Minister for Finance to a petition regarding Digital ID legislation (EN8467)
From the Minister for Finance to a petition regarding Digital ID legislation (EN8469)
Ms Jodie Belyea MP
Chair—Petitions Committee
Flags Amendment (Protection of Australian National Flags) Bill 2026
That this bill be now read a second time.
Criminal Code Amendment (Flag Protection) Bill 2026
That this bill be now read a second time.
That this House:
(1) notes:
(a) that on 1 January 2026:
(i) the pharmaceutical benefits scheme co-payment for general patients was reduced to $25, the lowest price since 2004;
(ii) 1800 Medicare was launched, giving Australians access to free 24 hours a day, seven days a week quality health advice over the phone; and
(iii) Medicare Mental Health Check-In commenced, providing a new free digital mental health service offering self-help tools; and
(b) the Government's record investment in bulk billing which has resulted in:
(i) more than 3,300 fully bulk billing general practitioner practices across Australia, with almost 1,250 of these practices previously mixed billing; and
(ii) rising bulk billing rates and a stronger Medicare; and
(2) acknowledges that only this Government can be trusted to strengthen Medicare.
That this House:
(1) notes that:
(a) immigration has been, and continues to be, a fundamental contributor to Australia's economic strength, social fabric, and national resilience; and
(b) migrants play a vital role in sustaining small businesses across Australia, including by filling skills and labour shortages, starting new enterprises, supporting regional economies and contributing to local employment growth; and
(2) calls on all Members of the House to engage in respectful, evidence-based debate on migration policy, and to reject rhetoric that inflames division or undermines the dignity and contribution of migrant communities.
That this House:
(1) notes that Australia's industrial relations system has become too complex, too rigid and weighted towards big institutional interests at the expense of workers, small businesses and productivity;
(2) recognises that:
(a) the Government's industrial relations changes have replaced flexibility and fairness with confusion and compliance;
(b) the Government's energy policies have driven up power bills for shops, cafes, workshops and family enterprises; and
(c) small and family businesses are being forced to work longer hours for less return, while competing against government-subsidised sectors and ever increasing compliance costs; and
(3) affirms that the Opposition stands with private enterprise and small and family-owned businesses because their aspiration, innovation and entrepreneurship are central to Australia's economic future.
… I could summarise. Government spending is part of total spending and total aggregate demand in the economy. So it, along with private spending, contributes to aggregate demand. And so, to the extent that aggregate demand is above aggregate supply, which we think it is, that's contributing to inflationary pressures. That's why we've decided to raise interest rates just a bit.
Universities Accord (Australian Tertiary Education Commission) Bill 2025
Universities Accord (Australian Tertiary Education Commission) (Consequential and Transitional Provisions) Bill 2025
The pursuit of knowledge is far more important than even knowledge itself.
The Australian Tertiary Education Commission should be governed by a Board comprising the Chief Commissioner as Chair, 2 Deputy Commissioners, the TEQSA Chief Commissioner, the ARC Board Chair, a First Nations Commissioner, an Equity Commissioner and the Regional Education Commissioner.
Love is in the air everywhere I look around,
Love is in the air in every sight and every sound.
And I don't know if I'm being foolish, don't know if I'm being wise,
But it's something that I must believe in
And it's there when I look in your eyes.
It's factual, it is not an opinion, it's not a judgement, it is a fact. That's all it is.
… public demand's contribution … has declined … And we were surprised in the first half of 2025 that it declined as much as it did. And we have been surprised in the latter part of 2025 by … private demand, on the upside. They are facts.
… what's happened over the last six months or so is that private demand has turned out to be much stronger than we had been forecasting …
That's logical. It's mathematical. That's what happens.
I don't think, I know. I know because we have done the modelling.
That's why we've decided to raise interest rates …
… public demand's contribution … has declined … And we were surprised in the first half of 2025 that it declined as much as it did. And we have been surprised in the latter part of 2025 by … private demand, on the upside. They are facts.
We will no longer accept that. We will protect them …
The cell phone and social media are robbing our children of their childhood.
That:
(1) Mr Boyce be appointed a member of the Standing Committee on Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water;
(2) Ms Penfold be appointed a member of the Standing Committee on Communications, the Arts and Sport;
(3) Mr Birrell be appointed a member of the Standing Committee on Education and the Standing Committee on Health, Aged Care and Disability;
(4) Ms Landry and Mr McCormack be appointed members of the Standing Committee on Industry, Innovation and Science;
(5) Mr Chaffey and Ms Landry be appointed members of the Standing Committee on Primary Industries;
(6) Mr McCormack be appointed a member of the Committee of Privileges and Members' Interests, the Standing Committee on Social Policy and Legal Affairs and the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Parliamentary Standards;
(7) Ms Landry and Ms Penfold be appointed members of the Standing Committee on Regional Development, Infrastructure and Transport;
(8) Ms Landry be appointed a member of the Selection Committee; and
(9) Mr Conaghan be appointed a member of the Parliamentary Joint Committee on the National Anti-Corruption Commission.
That this House:
(1) notes that:
(a) during the matter of public importance discussion on 5 February 2026, the Minister for Small Business suggested that the 33,426 small businesses which have closed under the Government did so because "maybe they were dodgy"; and
(b) the Minister for Small Business told the House she would take the opportunity to correct the record about these disgraceful comments but that she is yet to do so; and
(2) therefore, requires the Minister for Small Business to present a formal apology in the House, apologising to the thousands of small business owners and their staff whom she slandered, before the House rises today.
Maybe they were dodgy.
That the debate be adjourned.
The House divided. [15:55]
(The Speaker—Hon. Milton Dick)
Universities Accord (Australian Tertiary Education Commission) Bill 2025
Universities Accord (Australian Tertiary Education Commission) (Consequential and Transitional Provisions) Bill 2025
As someone said to me the other day, the ATEC is the accord.
Only a handful of highly skilled, Indonesia-focused graduates are now being produced by Australian universities.
… the current national decline in enrolments has consequences more severe than at any other time during my professional life.
The erosion of university-level language and area studies capacity has left government and business without the deep contextual insight needed for long-term strategy.
The combination of declining demand and increased teaching costs has placed significant pressure on universities to offer Asia capability building opportunities at a substantial financial loss.
In Australia, Asian studies and the study of Asia across the various disciplines … has long relied upon the institutional support of its leaders—its vice-chancellors, deputy vice-chancellors, deans, heads of school, and so forth.
It has also relied upon secure structural foundations—Asian studies degrees, a suite of Asian language offerings, independent research centres, and the study of Asia embedded across a range of disciplines, from law to business.
Yet over the past two decades, there has been a noticeable and alarming trend: a decline in the structures, institutions and people who make the teaching and training of our students possible …
To recognise that we need a coordinated national system is critical. I think we're at an ideal moment with ATEC coming online. This is a body that has stood up to talk about arrangements with universities that extend beyond the life of a single government.
Not only should there be incentives for universities with educational offerings and research capabilities in Asia literacy, but there should also be incentives for these institutions to expand the reach of their offerings to students studying at other universities. To do this, it will be necessary to find innovative solutions that enable students to add the study of Asian languages and cultures into their degree programs.
… ATEC is a real opportunity to have a national approach to Asia capability at our universities.
Higher education is vital to Australia's future: the knowledge, skills and research it produces enable us to be an economically prosperous, socially equitable and environmentally sustainable nation. By encouraging intellectual endeavour, creativity and personal accomplishment, it adds to the quality of our lives. Pursuing truth through free discussion, it promotes democracy and civic values.
The House divided. [18:09]
(The Speaker—Hon. Milton Dick)
The House divided. [18:15]
(The Speaker—Hon. Milton Dick)
Universities Accord (Australian Tertiary Education Commission) Bill 2025
(1) Clause 13, page 10 (lines 19 to 23), omit subclause (1), substitute:
(1) The National Tertiary Education Objective is the objective for tertiary education in Australia to:
(a) develop a world-class tertiary education sector that drives excellence in teaching and learning; and
(b) deliver world-leading research and scholarship, particularly in strategic areas of national significance; and
(c) improve productivity by developing a highly skilled, adaptable and productive workforce; and
(d) establish close links between tertiary education providers, industry and business to strengthen student outcomes and support innovation across the economy; and
(e) deliver positive student experiences across the tertiary education sector; and
(f) promote competition and innovation across the tertiary education sector; and
(g) support Australian values, including equality of opportunity, the rule of law, and Western liberal democratic traditions; and
(h) drive efficiency across the sector to provide value for money for students and the Australian taxpayer; and
(i) reduce regulatory burdens on the tertiary education sector where practicable.
(1) The National Tertiary Education Objective is the objective for tertiary education in Australia to:
(a) promote a strong, equitable and resilient democracy; and
(b) drive national, economic and social development and environmental sustainability.
(2) In performing functions or exercising powers, the ATEC and the ATEC Commissioners must have regard to the National Tertiary Education Objective.
The NTEU believes that this objective does not adequately address the character, nature and purpose of higher education; it makes no reference, for example, to the importance of critical inquiry, academic discovery and discourse, institutional independence or even to academic freedom. Instead, the objectives seek to define tertiary education as part of broader Government policy and could apply to virtually any sector.
(1) Clause 11, page 9 (line 13), after "Commonwealth", insert "and student".
Five months after this act of violence, we're still waiting on investigations to be completed and charges to be issued.
Telecommunications Amendment (Enhancing Consumer Safeguards) Bill 2025
Mary, if this keeps on going this way, someone in this town will die because they cannot call an ambulance.
Mary, can you look into the black spot of mobile reception along the Sth Gippsland Hwy at Grassy Spur?
This part of the Hwy is notorious for car crashes, yet there is no reception to call for help. Prior to 3g being turned off there was only a small section of a couple of hundred metres where you had no reception.
It is from the bottom of the hill to the top of Foster north on the Leongatha side and kilometres long.
The DEPUTY SPEAKER ( Ms Mascarenhas ) took the chair at 10:30.
That this House:
(1) notes that:
(a) the human rights situation in Iran remains of grave concern, including reports of the Iranian regime engaging in repression, violence against protestors, arbitrary arrests and communications blackouts;
(b) many members of the Iranian Australian community are deeply distressed by the actions of the Iranian regime; and
(c) the Australian Government condemns the actions of the Iranian regime and affirms Australia's support for the people of Iran in their struggle for freedom, democracy and human rights;
(2) recognises that:
(a) the Australian Government has taken strong action to hold those responsible for human rights abuses in Iran to account, including targeted sanctions on more than 200 Iranian individuals and entities and more than 100 Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) linked individuals and entities, as well as listing the IRGC as a state sponsor of terrorism;
(b) the Australian Government's most recent sanctions target senior officials and entities linked to the IRGC complicit in oppressing the Iranian people, violently suppressing domestic protests, and threatening lives both inside and outside Iran; and
(c) Australia has taken significant diplomatic steps, including:
(i) the expulsion of the Iranian Ambassador; and
(ii) leadership in international efforts to hold Iran accountable through the United Nations; and
(3) affirms its:
(a) solidarity with the people of Iran; and
(b) ongoing commitment to the protection and promotion of human rights and democratic freedoms.
Many of us are living with constant fear and distress. We are cut off from reliable news from our families in Iran. We wake up every day not knowing if our loved ones are safe, able to communicate or even alive. This emotional weight does not stay at home. We carry it into our work, our parenting and our daily lives as Australians trying to cope and function while our hearts are elsewhere.
We are devastated, exhausted and grieving. Yet we continue to show up, contribute and hold ourselves together.
Such practices contradict the principles of justice, human dignity and the rule of law. A peaceful and secure world can only be sustained through accountable and equitable governance.
That this House:
(1) notes that the:
(a) Consumer Price Index rose 3.8 per cent in the 12 months to December 2025, up from a 3.4 per cent rise in the 12 months to November 2025;
(b) Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) warned last year that the Australian economy could not sustainably grow faster than 2 per cent without running into inflationary pressure;
(c) RBA has downgraded Australia's medium term productivity growth forecasts to just 0.7 per cent, per year; and
(d) Government undertook an economic reform roundtable with progress made on areas including nuisance tariffs and environmental approvals; and
(2) calls on the Government to:
(a) introduce stronger impact assessments, scrutiny and executive accountability for identifying and discontinuing costly and ineffective regulation;
(b) rein-in Government spending, reinstate fiscal rules, reform the Charter of Budget Honesty and make ministers and departments more accountable for blowouts in budget measures;
(c) identify how technology and artificial intelligence can support better provision of public services and government effectiveness; and
(d) recalibrate Australia's patchwork of climate and industry policies to a framework that transitions the economy at the lowest cost.
That this House:
(1) acknowledges the start of the 2026 school year and the Government's record investment in Australian public schools through the Better and Fairer Schools Agreement;
(2) notes that this agreement represents the largest Commonwealth investment in public schools by any Australian Government ever and is tied to important reforms to lift student outcomes;
(3) recognises the importance of teachers and the steps the Government is taking to tackle the teacher shortage;
(4) further notes that new data shows more Australians are choosing to study teaching, supported by important measures to help more people start and finish teaching degrees including through:
(a) Commonwealth Paid Prac for teaching students;
(b) Commonwealth Teaching Scholarships; and
(c) reforms to strengthen teacher training;
(5) further acknowledges the national effort being undertaken with states and territories to prevent and respond to bullying in schools; and
(6) affirms that the Government continues to invest in schools, support teachers, and is committed to building a better and fairer education system.I stand here a proud Labor member, the member for Lalor, representing community in the outer west of Melbourne, in a seat where I follow Julia Gillard, our first female prime minister, who gave her public life to being a champion for public education in this country.
That this House:
(1) condemns the Government for presiding over the insolvency of 41,749 small businesses since being elected;
(2) notes that:
(a) 2025 was the worst calendar year for business insolvencies since records began in 1999, with more than 14,649 businesses collapsing; and
(b) this Prime Minister now has the worst record of any Prime Minister for business insolvencies with an average of 2,938 businesses going under each quarter;
(3) further condemns the Government for its failure to recognise the scale of the small business crisis and its lack of urgency in responding to record insolvencies;
(4) acknowledges that behind every insolvency statistic is a family, an employee and a local community bearing the cost of the Government's policy failures; and
(5) calls on the Minister for Small Business to urgently review the Government's policy settings that are focused on increasing costs, complexity and uncertainty for small and family businesses.
That this House:
(1) acknowledges:
(a) the Order of Australia is the highest national honour awarded to Australian citizens for outstanding contributions to our country or humanity at large; and
(b) community members recognised through Australia Day 2026 Local Citizen of the Year awards; and
(2) congratulates all the recipients of awards on Australia Day 2026.
There are few, if any, who have given so much to basketball officiating in Australia.
That this House:
(1) acknowledges that the Government inherited the most severe skill shortages in half a century, after a decade of neglect and an absence of any national skills agreement;
(2) recognises the Government for securing the landmark five-year National Skills Agreement, giving Australians easier access to training no matter where they live;
(3) emphasises that the agreement resets how Australia plans, funds and delivers vocational education and training, backed by $12.6 billion over five years, including $3.7 billion in additional funding to strengthen the skills system;
(4) observes that the Government's training reform and investment is delivering real outcomes, with national skills shortages easing over three consecutive years, and occupations in shortage falling from 36 per cent in 2023, to 33 per cent in 2024, and 29 per cent in 2025; and
(5) commends the Government's efforts to support Australians to upskill and reskill so more Australians get qualified for well-paid jobs in the sectors that employers and industries need including housing, care and support services, clean energy and digital capability.
Hi, my name is Brett, I am a 30 year old plumber studying a Diploma of Building in construction to enable my career progression and provide better for my family.
My issue I want to discuss is the lack of access to Critical study materials for students, Apprentices, Trades and other industry professionals.
That this House:
notes that:
(a) Saturday, 7 February 2026, marks the 17th anniversary of the tragic 2009 Black Saturday bushfires; and
(b) the recent and ongoing bushfires across Victoria have devastated the state, including the heartbreaking loss of one life, the destruction of homes, farmland, livestock and agricultural livelihoods; and
acknowledges the bravery and tireless dedication of local Country Fire Authority crews, emergency services and volunteers who continue to work under extreme conditions to defend Victorian lives and property, including those who met the call and travelled long distances to help support fire-threatened communities.
That this House:
(1) notes the significant natural disasters that have taken place during the summer of 2025-26, including major flooding in Queensland and fires across Victoria;
(2) expresses its condolences to the Australians who have lost their lives during these events;
(3) offers its sympathy to Australians who have lost property or livestock as a result of these events; and
(4) thanks emergency service personnel and first responders for their work in keeping Australians safe.
That this House notes that:
(1) the Government's energy policies have seen a record number of Australians having an energy debt and facing a 24 per cent increase in their electricity bills in the next six months;
(2) Australians were promised a $275 cut to their power bills by last Christmas and $378 lower by 2030;
(3) Australians, instead, are paying up to $1,300 more;
(4) electricity costs rose by 21.5 per cent in the 12 months to December 2025; and
(5) instead of lower energy costs, as promised by the Government, Australians are now paying more due to the policies of the Government.
(1) the Government's energy policies have seen a record number of Australians having an energy debt and facing a 24 per cent increase in their electricity bills in the next six months …
(2) Australians were promised a $275 cut to their power bills by last Christmas and $378 lower by 2030 …
(3) Australians, instead, are paying up to $1,300 more;
(3) electricity costs rose by 21.5 per cent in the 12 months to December 2025; and
(5) instead of lower energy costs, as promised by the Government, Australians are now paying more due to the policies of the Government.
That this House:
(1) acknowledges the:
(a) devastating impact of the Victorian bushfire emergencies on regional communities;
(b) tireless work of volunteer firefighters and emergency service personnel who put themselves in danger to keep the community safe; and
(c) long-term recovery effort faced by the impacted areas to get back on their feet;
(2) notes that the:
(a) Victorian State Government is failing to properly manage public land by inadequately carrying out fuel load reducing planned burns which mitigate the bushfire risk;
(b) Victorian State Government has not learned the lessons from previous bushfires and is failing to keep people safe; and
(c) shutdown of the sustainable native hardwood timber industry in Victoria has limited the capacity to fight bushfires in the state; and
(3) urges the Commonwealth Government to:
(a) support those who have lost their homes and livelihoods;
(b) recognise the need to mitigate the bushfire risk to regional communities through planned burns;
(c) ensure Australia has the sovereign capability to fight bushfires; and
(d) co-ordinate a national response to bushfire emergencies when they occur.