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. 08
Petitions and Ministerial Responses
23 March 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 3 February, 10 February and 3 March 2026.
1. The committee resolved to present the following 196 petitions in accordance with standing order 207:
Petitions certified on 3 February 2026
From 1 petitioner—regarding fission and fusion nuclear energy research priorities (EN7582)
From 1 petitioner—requesting a national fusion energy development program (EN7583)
From 1 petitioner—requesting a national fusion energy development program (EN7584)
From 2 petitioners—requesting a national fusion energy development program (EN7585)
From 1 petitioner—requesting a national fusion energy development program for defence applications (EN7586)
From 10 petitioners—requesting free cardiopulmonary resuscitation education for expecting parents (EN8892)
From 2 petitioners—requesting amendments to online safety legislation affecting minors (EN8893)
From 6 petitioners—requesting discussion of national technological and digital independence (EN8895)
From 2 petitioners—requesting changes to social media age limit restrictions (EN8896)
From 9 petitioners—requesting reconsideration of defence exports to Israel (EN8897)
From 1 petitioner—requesting establishment of a national health awareness day (EN8899)
From 20 petitioners—requesting constitutional protection for freedom of speech (EN8900)
From 84 petitioners—requesting improvements to internet and mobile connectivity across the Bellarine Peninsula (EN8902)
From 8 petitioners—requesting reconsideration of recent online safety measures (EN8904)
From 3 petitioners—regarding online safety legislation (EN8905)
From 7 petitioners—requesting a motion of no confidence (EN8912)
From 6 petitioners—requesting recognition of twins as a multiple birth (EN8913)
From 3 petitioners—requesting adoption of an official Parliament House pet (EN8916)
From 4 petitioners—requesting a motion of no confidence (EN8917)
From 2 petitioners—requesting reductions to immigration levels (EN8918)
From 2 petitioners—requesting public affirmation against religious and racial hatred (EN8921)
From 1 petitioner—regarding guidelines relating to family cooperation after serious crime (EN8922)
From 3 petitioners—requesting review of visa security screening processes (EN8924)
From 69 petitioners—requesting inclusion of Australian sign language in school curriculums (EN8925)
From 22 petitioners—requesting strengthened border screening (EN8927)
From 5 petitioners—requesting strengthened national firearms regulations (EN8928)
From 6 petitioners—requesting a pause to immigration (EN8931)
From 2 petitioners—requesting formal recognition of individual bravery (EN8933)
From 4 petitioners—requesting a motion of no confidence (EN8936)
From 1 petitioner—requesting consideration of the interests of licensed firearms owners (EN8937)
From 14 petitioners—requesting prohibition of public desecration of the Australian National Flag (EN8938)
From 3 petitioners—requesting a motion of no confidence (EN8939)
From 2 petitioners—requesting a motion of no confidence (EN8940) From 4 petitioners—requesting a motion of no confidence (EN8944)
From 2 petitioners—requesting investigation of immigration and firearms policy (EN8945)
From 3 petitioners—regarding the Prime Minister (EN8946)
From 2 petitioners—requesting a motion of no confidence (EN8948)
From 2 petitioners—requesting a motion of no confidence (EN8949)
From 3 petitioners—requesting a motion of no confidence (EN8951)
From 1 petitioner—requesting an investigation into intelligence and law enforcement processes (EN8952)
From 3 petitioners—regarding the Prime Minister (EN8954)
From 18 petitioners—requesting a motion of no confidence (EN8955)
From 3 petitioners—requesting a motion of no confidence (EN8958)
From 30 petitioners—requesting reforms to immigration screening and counter-extremism measures (EN8959)
From 2 petitioners—requesting an early federal election (EN8964)
From 3 petitioners—requesting a motion of no confidence (EN8966)
From 2 petitioners—requesting a referendum on federal governance arrangements (EN8967)
From 3 petitioners—requesting a royal commission into extremist violence and national security risks (EN8968)
From 7 petitioners—requesting strengthened visa cancellation and removal powers (EN8971)
From 1 petitioner—requesting reconsideration of additional firearms restrictions (EN8972)
From 1 petitioner—requesting a pause to new firearms legislation pending review (EN8973)
From 23 petitioners—requesting an inquiry into antisemitism (EN8974)
From 3 petitioners—requesting a motion of no confidence (EN8975)
From 12 petitioners—requesting a motion of no confidence (EN8976)
From 1 petitioner—requesting a halt to new firearms legislation (EN8978)
From 4 petitioners—requesting reductions to immigration levels (EN8980)
From 4 petitioners—requesting a motion of no confidence (EN8984)
From 2,839 petitioners—requesting extension of research protections to all non-human primates (EN8985)
From 2 petitioners—requesting suspension of proposed firearms law reforms (EN8990)
From 906 petitioners—requesting strengthened transparency requirements for foreign lobbying (EN8991)
From 6 petitioners—requesting consideration of leadership and governance arrangements (EN8993)
From 4 petitioners—requesting a royal commission into antisemitism (EN8994)
From 3 petitioners—requesting an independent inquiry into ministerial accountability (EN8995)
From 3 petitioners—requesting a motion of no confidence (EN8997)
From 3 petitioners—requesting a motion of no confidence (EN8998)
From 1 petitioner—requesting a pause to firearms legislation pending consultation (EN9003)
From 14 petitioners—requesting improvements to online age verification systems (EN9006)
From 1 petitioner—requesting a royal commission into public safety (EN9008)
From 1 petitioner—requesting a motion of no confidence (EN9012)
From 4 petitioners—requesting a motion of no confidence (EN9013)
From 4 petitioners—requesting an increase to income support payments (EN9017)
From 1 petitioner—requesting parliamentary action to support social cohesion (EN9027)
From 5 petitioners—requesting a referendum on citizen legislative veto mechanisms (EN9030)
From 2 petitioners—requesting a motion of no confidence (EN9032)
From 6 petitioners—requesting changes to immigration policy to prioritise housing capacity (EN9033)
From 34 petitioners—requesting designation of an overseas organisation as a terrorist organisation (EN9034)
From 70 petitioners—requesting rejection of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance definition of antisemitism EN9035)
From 4 petitioners—requesting a motion of no confidence (EN9038)
From 78 petitioners—requesting criminalisation of promotion of violent extremist ideology (EN9039)
From 2 petitioners—requesting a plebiscite on multicultural policy (EN9043)
From 3 petitioners—requesting a motion of no confidence (EN9044)
From 37 petitioners—requesting a motion of no confidence (EN9046)
From 6 petitioners—requesting a change to the national anthem (EN9049)
From 1 petitioner—requesting a halt to firearms policy changes (EN9053)
From 4 petitioners—requesting a motion of no confidence (EN9054)
From 10 petitioners—requesting strengthened visa screening measures (EN9056)
From 461 petitioners—requesting rejection of the Brisbane Airport master plan (EN9057)
From 1 petitioner—requesting support for victims of the Bondi Beach attack (EN9060)
From 6 petitioners—requesting review of regional permanent visa eligibility requirements (EN9062)
From 12 petitioners—requesting prohibition of extremist preaching and activities (EN9065)
From 3 petitioners—requesting strengthened laws against intimidation and extremist conduct (EN9066)
From 2 petitioners—requesting a royal commission into antisemitism (EN9070)
From 4 petitioners—requesting an end to decommissioning of non-National Broadband Network infrastructure (EN9074)
From 5 petitioners—requesting review of public funding guidelines for media outlets (EN9075)
From 13 petitioners—requesting counselling services for descendants of veterans (EN9079)
From 6 petitioners—requesting changes to social media age limit restrictions (EN9080)
From 2 petitioners—requesting a royal commission into violent extremism (EN9081)
From 4 petitioners—requesting a royal commission into the Bondi Beach attack (EN9082)
From 5 petitioners—requesting a royal commission into national security and social cohesion (EN9085)
From 5,417 petitioners—requesting revocation of a diplomatic invitation (EN9092)
From 2 petitioners—requesting a royal commission into counter-terrorism arrangements (EN9095)
From 15 petitioners—requesting a royal commission into the Bondi Beach attack (EN9104)
From 1 petitioner—requesting a royal commission into antisemitism (EN9120)
From 8 petitioners—requesting access to vaping products for adults (EN9126)
From 148 petitioners—requesting a motion of no confidence in a minister (EN9128)
From 2 petitioners—requesting public health campaigns addressing domestic violence (EN9129)
From 2 petitioners—requesting adoption of national security measures (EN9130)
From 1 petitioner—requesting a royal commission into the Bondi Beach attack (EN9133)
From 7 petitioners—requesting reforms to improve tax fairness (EN9135)
From 18 petitioners—requesting strengthened federal resource taxation (EN9136)
From 5 petitioners—requesting re-establishment of a federal rail authority (EN9137)
From 1 petitioner—requesting a royal commission into antisemitism and the Bondi Beach attack (EN9142)
From 1 petitioner—requesting a royal commission into antisemitism (EN9153)
From 1 petitioner—requesting removal of tax deductibility for advertising expenses (EN9154)
From 1 petitioner—requesting a royal commission into the Bondi Beach attack (EN9156)
From 1 petitioner—requesting a royal commission into the Bondi Beach attack (EN9157)
From 1 petitioner—requesting a royal commission into the Bondi Beach attack (EN9164)
From 10 petitioners—requesting a change to the national anthem (EN9166)
From 1 petitioner—requesting a royal commission into antisemitism (EN9174)
From 11 petitioners—requesting changes to welfare income thresholds (EN9181)
From 2 petitioners—requesting a royal commission into the Bondi Beach attack (EN9182)
From 3 petitioners—requesting research into fly population control (EN9184)
From 2 petitioners—requesting a royal commission into antisemitism (EN9185)
From 29 petitioners—requesting severance of diplomatic relations with Iran (EN9188)
From 8 petitioners—requesting electorate-level transparency for electronic petitions (EN9191)
From 12 petitioners—requesting condemnation of human rights violations in Iran (EN9192)
From 26 petitioners—requesting review of Australian passport fees (EN9194)
From 3 petitioners—requesting streamlined importation of small vehicles (EN9196)
From 2 petitioners—requesting information relating to the proposed national firearm buyback scheme (EN9197)
From 10 petitioners—requesting a royal commission into the Bondi Beach attack (EN9198)
From 5 petitioners—requesting repeal of compulsory voting requirements (EN9199)
From 3 petitioners—requesting guaranteed access to income support payments (EN9206)
From 21 petitioners—requesting reform of parliamentary expense entitlements (EN9211)
From 6 petitioners—requesting legislative protection of Australia Day (EN9229)
From 2 petitioners—requesting consideration of a national gendarmerie (EN9235)
From 12 petitioners—requesting expanded subsidised access to semaglutide (EN9245)
From 7 petitioners—requesting a referendum on becoming a republic (EN9250)
From 5 petitioners—requesting amendments to anti-vilification laws (EN9251)
From 5 petitioners—requesting changes to standing orders relating to petitions (EN9252)
From 1 petitioner—requesting retrospective student loan debt relief (EN9267)
From 180 petitioners—requesting international action on human rights violations in Iran (EN9270)
From 5 petitioners—requesting review of child support legislation (EN9271)
From 16 petitioners—requesting a pause to hate speech legislation pending inquiry (EN9273)
From 1 petitioner—requesting legislation for a child-specific digital network (EN9275)
From 15 petitioners—requesting prevention of new hate speech laws (EN9281)
From 18502 petitioners—requesting revocation of diplomatic recognition of the Islamic Republic of Iran (EN9283)
From 36 petitioners—requesting transparency and oversight of critical mineral resources (EN9284)
From 9 petitioners—requesting subsidies for continuous glucose monitoring devices (EN9285)
Petitions certified on 10 February 2026
From 1 petitioner—requesting consideration of fusion energy for submarine propulsion (EN7587)
From 2 petitioners—requesting consideration of fusion energy development in relation to regional infrastructure (EN7588)
From 2 petitioners—requesting consideration of fusion energy in relation to regional transport (EN7589)
From 1 petitioner—requesting consideration of fusion energy for water infrastructure (EN7590)
From 4 petitioners—requesting consideration of fusion energy development in relation to housing (EN7591)
From 19 petitioners—requesting a motion of no confidence (EN9287)
From 4 petitioners—requesting an audit of legislative factors relating to industry subsidies (EN9291)
From 447 petitioners—requesting restrictions on entry of individuals who have served in a foreign military (EN9292)
From 7 petitioners—requesting changes to parental access arrangements for children's health records (EN9293)
From 8 petitioners—requesting targeted sanctions and export controls in relation to Iran (EN9295)
From 23 petitioners—requesting non-participation in a proposed international body (EN9297)
From 2,345 petitioners—requesting restrictions on entry and residency of officials linked to a foreign government (EN9299)
From 7 petitioners—requesting extension of paid placement support to allied health students (EN9300)
From 9 petitioners—requesting a public statement supporting Greenland's sovereignty (EN9301)
From 23 petitioners—requesting changes to minimum annual leave entitlements (EN9303)
From 12 petitioners—requesting a referendum on constitutional protection of freedom of expression (EN9304)
From 9 petitioners—requesting prohibition on intentional damage to the Australian National Flag (EN9305)
From 1,835 petitioners—requesting engagement with an Iranian opposition figure (EN9306)
From 139 petitioners—requesting constitutional protection of freedom of expression and freedom of the press (EN9309)
From 4,508 petitioners—requesting removal of age-based eligibility limits for disability support (EN9311)
From 21 petitioners—requesting inclusion of an online gaming platform within social media age limit restrictions (EN9312)
From 21 petitioners—requesting phase-out of lead wheel weights (EN9313)
From 13 petitioners—regarding regional skilled migration visa application processing times (EN9314)
From 2 petitioners—requesting review of employment standards relating to amblyopia (EN9316)
From 11 petitioners—requesting implementation of recommendations from the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody (EN9319)
From 34 petitioners—requesting non-participation in an international sporting event (EN9320)
From 19 petitioners—requesting sanctions in relation to human rights violations in Iran (EN9323)
From 17 petitioners—requesting measures to prevent entry of individuals linked to human rights abuses in Iran (EN9326)
From 54 petitioners—requesting financial assistance for veterans during legislative transition (EN9327)
From 19 petitioners—requesting legal protection for the Australian National Flag (EN9329)
From 15 petitioners—regarding regulation of circumcision practices as a health matter (EN9332)
From 199 petitioners—requesting criminalisation of damage to national and state flags (EN9333)
From 15 petitioners—requesting an inquiry into a budget revision (EN9335)
From 4 petitioners—requesting consideration of transitional housing policy measures (EN9336)
From 264 petitioners—requesting review of migration compliance in relation to an individual (EN9337)
From 279 petitioners—requesting action in relation to Israel (EN9339)
From 2 petitioners—requesting investigation of rental market valuation practices (EN9342)
From 231 petitioners—requesting review of access to subsidised breast reduction surgery (EN9344)
From 21 petitioners—requesting an inquiry into meat labelling and composition standards (EN9345)
From 20 petitioners—requesting engagement relating to education and the rights of women and girls in Afghanistan (EN9347)
From 14 petitioners—requesting support for human rights in Afghanistan (EN9348)
From 312 petitioners—regarding entry into Australia for individuals linked to human rights abuses (EN9351)
From 594 petitioners—requesting national implementation of sepsis prevention and care measures (EN9354)
From 37 petitioners—requesting changes to taxation of digital assets (EN9355)
From 41 petitioners—requesting reduction of capital gains tax concessions (EN9356)
From 2,741 petitioners—regarding skilled regional permanent residence visa application processing times (EN9363)
From 81 petitioners—requesting examination of an invitation to a foreign head of state (EN9366)
From 107 petitioners—requesting changes to veterans' compensation assessments (EN9367)
Ministerial responses received by the Committee on 3 March 2026
From the Assistant Treasurer to a petition requesting amendments to the
Superannuation Industry (Supervision) Act 1993 (EN6601)
From the Minister for Financial Services to a petition requesting increased protections for self-managed superannuation fund and retail investors (EN7384)
From the Minister for Social Services to a petition regarding the Newly Arrived Resident's Waiting Period for the Paid Parental Leave scheme (EN7561)
From the Assistant Minister for Productivity, Competition, Charities and Treasury to a petition regarding Gondwana Rainforest Trust Limited (EN7781)
From the Assistant Minister for Productivity, Competition, Charities and Treasury to a petition requesting investigation of advocacy organisations for alleged coercive conduct (EN7802)
From the Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister to a petition requesting a motion of no confidence (EN7892)
From the Attorney-General to a petition requesting that burning of the Australian National Flag be made a criminal offence (EN7906)
From the Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister to a petition requesting a motion of no confidence (EN8050)
From the Minister for Foreign Affairs to a petition regarding the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (EN8101)
From the Attorney-General to a petition requesting that burning of the Australian National Flag be made a criminal offence (EN8107)
From the Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister to a petition requesting a motion of no confidence (EN8108)
From the Attorney-General to a petition requesting amendments related to the National Firearms Agreement (EN8114)
From the Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister to a petition requesting a motion of no confidence (EN8137)
From the Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister to a petition requesting a motion of no confidence (EN8151)
From the Minister for Foreign Affairs to a petition regarding Iran's detention of Dr Ahmad Reza Djalali (EN8174)
From the Minister for Communications to a petition regarding impacts of social media age limit restrictions (EN8189)
From the Attorney-General to a petition requesting national minimum standards for self-defence rights (EN8191)
From the Attorney-General to a petition requesting a ban on Sharia Law (EN8197)
From the Attorney-General to a petition requesting review and reform of the family law system (EN8427)
From the Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme to a petition regarding recording of National Disability Insurance Agency participant communications (EN8429)
From the Minister for Communications to a petition regarding the role of the eSafety Commissioner and the development of industry codes (EN8431)
From the Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister to a petition requesting recognition for emergency personnel who assisted in the aftermath of Cyclone Tracy through the National Emergency Medal (EN8433)
From the Minister for Communications to a petition regarding social media age limit restrictions (EN8434)
From the Minister for Communications to a petition regarding industry codes registered by the eSafety Commissioner (EN8457)
From the Minister for Industry and Innovation to a petition requesting the introduction of mandatory country of origin labelling for cut flowers (EN8477)
From the Minister for Finance to a petition regarding the Digital ID Act 2024 (EN8492)
From the Minister for Finance to a petition regarding the Digital ID Act 2024 (EN8511)
From the Minister for Aged Care and Seniors to a petition requesting implementation of security cameras in common areas of aged care homes (PN0641)
Ms Jodie Belyea MP
Chair—Petitions Committee
Protecting Australia's Prime Agricultural Land Bill 2026
That this bill be now read a second time.
That this House:
(1) acknowledges that the Government has made Australia's housing crisis worse than ever by:
(a) expanding the 5 per cent deposit scheme from a sensible and targeted approach, to an uncapped and non-means-tested free for all which has supercharged house prices by 3.6 per cent in just one quarter, and exposed first home buyers including young Australians to larger mortgages;
(b) creating the failing Housing Australia Future Fund which has $11.4 billion within it but has built only 895 houses in 2.5 years of operation; and
(c) proposing to fiddle with the capital gains tax and negative gearing, which is dressed up as an equity measure but will not actually result in the construction of new dwellings;
(2) notes that the Government is overseeing a historic collapse of housing construction, with dwelling completions are now running at around 170,000 each year, whereas 200,000 dwellings were completed annually under the previous Government, while the population has grown by more than 1.6 million since the Government came to power; and
(3) further notes that the Government is already running more than 80,000 dwellings short of the National Housing Accord target of 1.2 million homes by mid-2029, and modelling by the National Housing Supply and Affordability Council says the Government will not reach its own target, falling more than 60,000 dwellings short.
We have also consistently put the view that the Opposition's plan to cut the discount from 50 per cent to 25 per cent would damage the industry, the economy and the security of the livelihoods of many in the industry who rely on construction.
There is a big difference between a tap the brakes approach to CGT and slamming on the handbrake.
It is incongruous that governments set home building targets, while at the same time tax new home building even more. The more government tax new homes, the fewer homes will be built.
That this House:
(1) recognises the Government's Free TAFE program has, for three years, expanded opportunity and opened new pathways for Australians to gain the skills they want for the jobs we need;
(2) notes that, despite opposition from the Opposition, the Government has successfully legislated to make the Free TAFE program permanent, securing its future and ensuring this pathway is not taken away from the next generation;
(3) observes that, through the Fee-Free TAFE Skills Agreement, the Government has partnered with state and territory governments to invest over $1.5 billion in Free TAFE program places across the country; and
(4) reflects that, unlike their federal colleagues, the Victorian State Opposition will not oppose a bill to guarantee Free TAFE.
Getting my qualifications at South Metro TAFE has helped build my self-worth and I now have a job in disability support that I love. The guidance you get from lecturers is amazing; they are so encouraging, and no question is a silly question.
Royal Commissions Legislation Amendment (Protections for Providing Information) Bill 2026
Migration Amendment (2026 Measures No. 1) Bill 2026
Parliamentary Frameworks Legislation Amendment (Reviews) Bill 2026
Defence Amendment (Parliamentary Joint Committee on Defence) Bill 2025
Corporations (Review Fees) Amendment (Technical Amendments) Bill 2025
Royal Commissions Legislation Amendment (Protections for Providing Information) Bill 2026
Treasury Laws Amendment (Building a Stronger and Fairer Super System) Bill 2026
Superannuation (Building a Stronger and Fairer Super System) Imposition Bill 2026
Migration Amendment (2026 Measures No. 1) Bill 2026
Parliamentary Frameworks Legislation Amendment (Reviews) Bill 2026
(1) Mr Burnell be discharged from the Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters and that, in his place, Ms Payne be appointed a member of the committee;
(2) Ms Payne be appointed a member of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade; and
(3) Ms Scrymgour be discharged from the Joint Standing Committee on the National Capital and External Territories and that, in her place, Ms Payne be appointed a member of the committee.
(1) the House invite Her Excellency Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, to attend and address the House on Tuesday, 24 March 2026;
(2) unless otherwise ordered, at the sitting on 24 March:
(a) the House shall meet, at the ringing of the bells, at no earlier than 11.55 am and the proceedings shall be welcoming remarks by the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition and an address by the President of the European Commission;
(b) at the conclusion of the address by the President of the European Commission the House shall suspend until the ringing of the bells, at no earlier than 2.55 pm when business shall be Questions without notice;
(c) immediately after Question Time the House shall resume business in accordance with standing order 34;
(d) the provisions of standing order 257(c) relating to good order shall apply to the areas of Members' seats as well as the galleries for the period set out at (3); and
(e) that so much of the standing and sessional orders be suspended as would prevent the Federation Chamber from meeting at approximately 5 pm and the order of business being as follows:
(i) one hour of Members' constituency statements; and
(ii) one hour of grievance debate; and the Federation Chamber then adjourning immediately without debate;
(3) a message be sent to the Senate inviting Senators to attend the House as guests for the welcoming remarks by the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition and address by the President of the European Commission; and
(4) any variation to the arrangement be made only by an action by the Speaker or by a motion moved by a Minister.
Treasury Laws Amendment (Genetic Testing Protections in Life Insurance and Other Measures) Bill 2025
Each box represents a portfolio. Shadow cabinet ministers are shown in bold type.
We are committed to working together to strengthen energy supply chain resilience, including by deepening regional cooperation, accelerating renewable energy transition, addressing unjustified import and export restrictions, and maintaining open trade flows.
Treasury Laws Amendment (Supporting Choice in Superannuation and Other Measures) Bill 2025
Treasury Laws Amendment (Genetic Testing Protections in Life Insurance and Other Measures) Bill 2025
… yet, a smoker can go on and ask for a higher level of cover—
They might pay a higher premium, but they can.
That all words after "That" be omitted with a view to substituting the following words:
"whilst not declining to give the bill a second reading, the House:
(1) notes that:
(a) genetic testing and genomic research are essential to improving prevention, care and treatment and reducing Australia's chronic disease burden;
(b) Australia has made remarkable progress on carrier and newborn reproductive genetic testing;
(c) genomic sequencing technology means that conditions can be easily added to a screening panel without significant increases in test costs;
(d) world-leading Australian medical research has demonstrated that such programs have real-world feasibility and demonstrable cost-effectiveness; and
(e) pathology items 73451 and 73452, covering genetic carrier testing for spinal muscular atrophy, cystic fibrosis and fragile X syndrome, were welcome inclusions to the Medicare Benefits Schedule in November 2023;
(2) calls upon the Government to heed expert calls to expand the Medical Benefits Schedule to:
(a) develop, support, and fund population programs for carrier testing and genomic screening; and
(b) identify couples and individuals at high risk of medically actionable conditions before conception or disease onset; and
(3) further notes that the above measures, along with restrictions on the use of genetic testing by the insurance industry contained in this bill, will encourage a greater uptake of genetic testing.
Thank you for the opportunity for the session! Unfortunately after treatment and dealing with the M1 carpark for 2hours trying to get to treatment this morning, I was unable to attend in person.
So thank you for the opportunity to have a voice!!
A little about my rare disease—I was diagnosed in 2023 with a rare cancer—gallbladder cancer, luckily found after going to make my regular blood donation and for them to tell me my iron levels were too low, go see my GP. Long story short, I have been through a couple of surgeries, oral chemotherapy, then more intensive chemotherapy and immunotherapy when the cancer spread in 2024 all through the public system. I do have private health but the call was taken that under the public system I would be in more of an umbrella situation.
Last year, my cancer metastasised again—and thanks to genomic sequencing, targeted treatment Enhertu was recommended as my best hope to beat this once and for all. Two pathways only were available—a clinical trial or private treatment. I tested for the clinical trial based out of Blacktown Hospital in Sydney, however my tumors were considered too small to qualify. Really I was a number to the trials people.
By the time my tumors had progressed further, there was no spot available on the trial.
So private was only available to me. Luckily for me, at a very young age, my financial advisor had set me up with a raft of insurances one of which I am now using to pay for the $10,000 it costs me for every second treatment, which I will have every three weeks for the next 2 years of my life. The treatment is working—I am 6 cycles in and there are no signs of tumors now. I literally had this news today, which is amazing and very exciting for someone told they had 12months to live.
But do you know, the same protein that Enhertu is targeting in breast cancer patients, if I had breast cancer, I would have access to this drug at $31.30 each cycle. The national breast cancer foundation advocated for this drug for the 1,700 patients each year who have this same sequencing and need of targeted treatment through Enhertu, for this drug to be on the PBS. The power of a powerful advocate for a recognised disease. But I am left out of this as a rare cancer battler.
Now Rare Cancers does what it can—rare cancers themselves as a combined cancer are the 3rd largest cancer group in Australia. But there are multitude of needs not one high profile group.
And nor do I have access to a cancer care nurse. I did under the public system at Gold Coast University Hospital—that cancer care nurse was there to answer questions but was a reactive support service, not an advocate or a support person for myself and my family. I have had to seek out, resource and upskill myself in medical terms and knowledge bases, as I am sure you are hearing, because there is really no one out there who can do it for me.
… at the moment it is better to be in the dark …
It has caused family members to hold off on very important gene testing …
… if I'm aware of my genetic condition and keep up with my screening, I don't think I should be discriminated against. I should be rewarded for being proactive …
I'm not going to let vested interests and old-fashioned ways of thinking—and middle-aged white men—decide when and where women should get the healthcare they need.
Genetic testing can help save lives, supporting medical practitioners to prevent, treat and monitor a range of cancers, cancer predisposition syndromes and other heritable conditions.
The DEPUTY SPEAKER ( Ms Mascarenhas ) took the chair at 10:30.
With endometriosis affecting at least one in seven Australian women and an average diagnosis delay of seven years, expanding access to specialist clinics in regions and outer suburbs is absolutely vital.
No new clinics being announced in South Australia was a disappointing, but not unexpected result.
Our clinic prides itself on multidisciplinary care, however, workforce issues are still often unavoidable with rural retention a national issue.
The symptoms, journey, medical gaslighting, and life implications are beyond exhausting for so many.
South Australia truly needs more clinics, and it is my sincere hope that we get them, especially for our regional warriors.
Don't you dare put something out there that gives my 12-year-old daughter a licence to be promiscuous.
That this House:
(1) acknowledges the rapid changes artificial intelligence (AI) is driving across Australian workplaces, including:
(a) automation of routine tasks;
(b) augmenting jobs and increasing productivity;
(c) creating new jobs and skill sets; and
(d) workplace restructuring and business changes;
(2) notes that the Government has not developed an AI transition plan for Australian workers adversely affected by workplace restructuring and business changes, meaning the Government is silent on how Australians who lose their job because of AI will be supported or transitioned to another industry;
(3) recognises that conflict and tension between Government ministers and members is causing:
(a) AI policy inertia and delays;
(b) uncertainty for business to invest in AI technology; and
(c) serious unknowns for Australian workers impacted by potential workplace changes;
(4) further notes that after the Government won the 2025 election, it suddenly scrapped an expert AI advisory body after spending 15 months and $188,000 finding experts to join it; and
(5) calls upon the Government to resolve its internal conflicts and act now so Australian businesses, workers, and investors have certainty and clarity over Australia's AI policy direction.
That this House:
(1) commends the Government for launching Our Ways — Strong Ways — Our Voices: National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Plan to End Family, Domestic and Sexual Violence 2026-2036 , a plan which is:
(a) Australia's first standalone plan that strives for a future where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and children can live free from violence;
(b) developed in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and state and territory governments; and
(c) backed by $218.3 million in new funding, that as an immediate step will invest in a national network of up to 40 Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations to deliver community-led specialist support services;
(2) recognises that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women have been:
(a) steadfast in their advocacy to be safe and to be heard; and
(b) calling for strong action;
(3) further recognises that the Government is doing just that by funding support programs like:
(a) mobile teams in remote areas to work with families after a violent incident, or offer safe transport and emergency accommodation;
(b) plans to help victims leave violence safely and continued support once they have;
(c) community playgroups where mums and bubs can connect with elders, receive parenting support, and be linked to early help and healing; and
(d) behavioural change and education, like outreach programs for men and boys;
(4) notes that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women face unique and significant barriers to getting help, and are:
(a) seven times more likely to be victims of intimate partner homicide; and
(b) 27 times more likely to be hospitalised due to family violence, which increases to 41 times more likely in regional and very remote communities;
(5) further notes that this plan:
(a) will make real progress in addressing Target 13 (family violence) of the National Agreement on Closing the Gap and contribute to Target 12 (out-of-home care);
(b) responds to eight recommendations in the Missing and Murdered First Nations women and children inquiry report of the Senate Legal and Constitutional Affairs Reference Committee; and
(c) responds to 12 recommendations in the report of the Rapid Review of Prevention Approaches, Unlocking the Prevention Potential: Accelerating action to end domestic, family and sexual violence ; and
(6) calls on the Parliament to support this vital plan to ensure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and children can live free from violence.
That this House:
(1) notes the findings of the Australian National Audit Office performance audit Suicide Prevention Policy Development and Monitoring , which:
(a) found that the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing's approach to developing and monitoring suicide prevention policy to be only partly effective;
(b) raised serious concerns about the accountability and effectiveness of nearly $1 billion in Commonwealth spending on suicide prevention programs; and
(c) found that the grant agreements examined did not include clear performance indicators to measure effectiveness or efficiency;
(2) acknowledges that around nine Australians die by suicide each day and more than 150 attempt to take their own lives;
(3) raises serious concerns of the lack of measurable outcomes and clear accountability by the Government in national suicide prevention efforts; and
(4) calls on the Government to strengthen accountability and transparency in suicide prevention funding by ensuring programs are supported by clear targets, robust evaluation and measurable outcomes.
That this House:
(1) notes recently released forecasts from the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences show that:
(a) Australia's farm gate production value is forecast to exceed $100 billion this financial year, four years ahead of the National Farmers Federation's 2030 target; and
(b) agriculture, fisheries and forestry exports will reach a record high of almost $85 billion in 2025-26, with more demand than ever for Australia's world-class food and fibre;
(2) recognises that this significant milestone was achieved with the hard work, resilience and skill of Australia's primary producers; and
(3) acknowledges the significant investments the Government has made in agriculture, fisheries and forestry since coming to Government in support of the industry's target including:
(a) strengthening biosecurity with more than $2 billion in new funding to keep Australia free from the world's most invasive pests and diseases;
(b) boosting the agricultural workforce bringing employers, unions and government together to tackle the workforce challenges impacting Australia's agriculture and processing industry;
(c) making agricultural trade the most diversified it has ever been through 256 market access achievements since July 2022; and
(d) building a climate resilient agriculture sector through the Agriculture and Land Sector Plan backed by more than $2 billion in investment to ensure our farmers and producers can confidently face our climate future.
That this House:
(1) acknowledges that for over a century, Australian women have played an integral role in Australia's defence forces;
(2) recognises that women have served with exceptional skill, sacrifice, bravery and dedication across all theatres of war; and
(3) thanks all the women who served and continue to serve for their contribution to the safety and security of our nation.
That this House:
(1) acknowledges that:
(a) an Australian couple both in paid employment without kids can have a combined income of $250,000 and pay approximately $67,634 in combined tax;
(b) an Australian couple with only one person in paid employment while the other is looking after the kids can also have an income of $250,000 yet have to pay $88,167 in tax, over $20,000 more than other couples; and
(c) income splitting:
(i) would allow the couple in the second scenario to pay the same amount of tax as the couple in the first scenario;
(ii) would also acknowledge and give monetary value to the incredible work done by stay-at-home parents; and
(iii) might also allow couples to start and/or grow their families so our nation stops relying on migration for growth; and
(2) calls on the Government to take immediate and decisive action to introduce income splitting to:
(a) more fairly share the taxation burden between couples with kids and couples without kids;
(b) acknowledge and value the contribution made by stay-at-home parents; and
(c) address Australia's declining birth rate.
Individual assessment supports workforce participation by secondary earners …
That this House:
(1) acknowledges the Government's initial $3.9 billion investment in the Submarine Construction Yard at Osborne in South Australia, to deliver the infrastructure needed to build at least eight nuclear-powered SSN-AUKUS class submarines, meaning:
(a) record support for the creation of significant direct employment opportunities, numbering approximately 4,000 for the construction phase and 5,500 for the peak submarine production phase;
(b) opportunities for small and medium sized businesses to contribute to, and benefit from, this significant investment over a period of decades; and
(c) confidence for industry and workers of significant and durable opportunities for partnership and growth through the construction and build phases; and
(2) notes the Government's commitment to ensuring Australia has both the capability and the skilled workforce needed as outlined in the 2024 National Defence Strategy, through measures like:
(a) calling for and supporting partnerships with the private sector;
(b) investing $480 million in the Skills and Training Academy Campus at Osborne to train the skilled workforce for constructing and maintaining nuclear-powered submarines; and
(c) providing young Australians pathways in the AUKUS submarines industry through skills and training programs.
That this House:
(1) notes that the cash rate has risen to 3.85 per cent, marking the 13th interest rate increase under the Government;
(2) recognises new data showing a record 760,100 Australians aged 65 and over are now in the workforce, the highest level since records began in 1995;
(3) expresses concern that nearly 100,000 more older Australians feel it necessary to work or delay retirement or are returning to work due to cost of living pressures;
(4) condemns the Government's economic mismanagement and unchecked debt fuelled spending, which has contributed to rising inflation and increasing household costs for power, rent, groceries and mortgages; and
(5) calls on the Government to take urgent action to address the cost of living crisis, curb spending pressures driving inflation, and ensure older Australians are not forced to delay retirement due to financial hardship.