The SPEAKER ( Hon. Milton Dick ) took the chair at 09:00, made an acknowledgement of country and read prayers.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
SELECTION COMMITTEE
REPORT No. 13
Committee and delegation business and private Members' business
12 August 2026
MEMBERS OF THE COMMITTEE
Chair Hon M Dick Speaker
Members
Ms J Ryan MP (Chief Government Whip)
Mr C Caldwell MP (Chief Opposition Whip)
Ms M Aldred MP
Ms A Byrnes MP
Ms K Chaney
Ms L Chesters MP
Ms M Landry MP
Ms Z Mascarenhas MP
Ms T Roberts MP
Ms R Sharkie MP
Ms S Sitou MP
Mr B Small MP
Ms A Urquhart MP
Ms S Claydon MP, Deputy Speaker
This committee is supported by staff of the Department of the House of Representatives
Report relating to the consideration of committee and delegation business and of private Members' business
1. The Committee met in private session on Tuesday, 11 August 2026.
2. The Committee deliberated on items of committee and delegation business that had been notified, private Members' business items listed on the Notice Paper and notices lodged on Tuesday, 11 August 2026, and determined the order of precedence and times on Monday, 17 August 2026, as follows:
Items for House of Representatives Chamber (10.10 am to 12 noon)
PRIVATE MEMBERS' BUSINESS
Notices
1 MR L O'BRIEN: To present a Bill for an Act to protect children born alive (including as a result of terminations), and for related purposes. ( Human Rights (Children Born Alive Protection) Bill 2026 )
( Notice given 25 June 2026. )
Presenter may speak to the second reading for a period not exceeding 10 minutes — pursuant to standing order 41. Debate must be adjourned pursuant to standing order 142.
2 MS CAMPBELL: To move—That this House acknowledges that the Government is supporting Australians to earn more, keep more of what they earn, and retire with more, with a range of policies that came into effect on 1 July 2026, including:
(1) payday superannuation reforms, benefiting the retirement incomes of millions of Australians through more frequent and earlier superannuation contributions;
(2) a 4.75 per cent increase to the minimum wage, marking the first time the national minimum wage is above $1,000 a week;
(3) expanding government paid parental leave to 130 days, with parents to be paid superannuation contributions on Commonwealth funded paid parental leave for the first time; and
(4) delivering:
(a) a new $1,000 instant tax deduction without proof of receipts; and
(b) another tax cut of up to $268 for over 14 million Australians.
( Notice given 11 August 2026. )
Time allotted — 55 minutes.
Speech time limits —
Ms Campbell — 5 minutes
Other Members — 5 minutes
[Minimum number of proposed Members speaking = 11 x 5 mins]
The Committee determined that consideration
of this matter should continue on a future day.
3 MR JOYCE: To move—That this House:
(1) condemns the Government for its continued roll out of renewable energy precincts in regional communities, including the New England Renewable Energy Zone and Central West Orana Renewable Energy Zone, without due regard for the impact on agriculture, landowners, community, infrastructure and the productive landscape;
(2) notes that:
(a) regional Australians are being asked to carry the burden of a policy that is driving up the cost of living, increasing pressure on electricity prices, and undermining reliable and affordable power for households, small businesses and industry; and
(b) the rollout of large-scale wind, solar, battery and transmission projects is desecrating rural landscapes, creating uninsurable properties, dividing communities, and imposing industrial-scale infrastructure across farms, towns and natural environments that have sustained regional Australia for generations;
(3) recognises that:
(a) the Government's approach amounts to the socialisation of private assets, where public money, public guarantees and publicly backed schemes are used to underwrite private renewable energy developments and transmission projects; and
(b) intermittent power does not provide the affordable or reliable base load electricity needed to run a modern economy, and that the failure of intermittent generation is being masked by secretive capacity investment schemes and opaque market interventions;
(4) further notes, with concern, the severe impact on small regional communities from the construction of renewable energy precincts, including the arrival of hundreds of temporary workers, demand for already limited housing, pressure on local roads, health services, schools, water, policing and emergency services, and disruption to community life;
(5) calls on the Government to immediately pause the rollout of renewable energy precincts where local communities have not been properly consulted and where the full economic, social, environmental and infrastructure costs have not been independently assessed; and
(6) supports the establishment of a Royal Commission into the rollout of renewable energy precincts across regional Australia, including their effect on cost of living, energy reliability, private property rights, public expenditure, local infrastructure, community cohesion and the long-term future of regional landscapes.
( Notice given 11 August 2026. )
Time allotted — 15 minutes.
Speech time limits —
Mr Joyce — 5 minutes
Other Members — 5 minutes
[Minimum number of proposed Members speaking = 3 x 5 mins]
The Committee determined that consideration
of this matter should continue on a future day.
4 MR VIOLI: To move—That this House:
(1) notes that:
(a) the My Aged Care system is broken, causing widespread hardship and distress for ageing Australians;
(b) the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing recently confirmed that the current wait time for an older person of standard priority for a Support at Home package is between 300 to 330 days;
(c) a recent report by KPMG found that 96,709 people are still waiting in the National Priority System for a Home Care Package at their approved level; and
(d) residents in rural and regional parts of Australia are finding that once they finally get services approved, there are no available service providers to deliver the required supports; and
(2) requires the Minister for Health and Ageing to:
(a) immediately explain and address the ongoing and increasing delays with the My Aged Care and Support at Home programs; and
(b) outline what specific measures the Government will take to address provider scarcity and workforce issues in outer-metropolitan and regional electorates, where approved funding is currently failing to translate into actual bedside care and support at home.
( Notice given 12 May 2026. )
Time allotted — remaining private Members' business time prior to 12 noon.
Speech time limits —
Mr Violi — 5minutes.
Other Members — 5minutes each.
[Minimum number of proposed Members speaking = 6 x 5 mins]
The Committee determined that consideration
of this matter should continue at a later hour.
Items for Federation Chamber (11 am to 1.30 pm)
PRIVATE MEMBERS' BUSINESS
Notices
1 DR HAINES: To move—That this House:
(1) recognises that:
(a) regional Australia is playing a vital role in hosting the infrastructure needed to facilitate the energy transition;
(b) there is a patchwork of community engagement and benefit obligations across and within states that makes it difficult for regional communities to know what to expect when dealing with renewable energy proponents;
(c) regional communities have varying experiences engaging with renewable energy proponents, with some proponents undertaking best practice community engagement and others, poor or absent engagement; and
(d) poor community engagement and benefit processes are bad for communities, and undermine the energy transition;
(2) notes that:
(a) the surge in artificial intelligence (AI) data centres has increased national awareness of the importance of community benefit for communities impacted by new largescale infrastructure developments; and
(b) regional communities have been calling for a fair share of community benefits commensurate to their role in hosting Australia's energy transition, long before this conversation started about AI data centres; and
(3) calls on the Government to:
(a) establish a permanent, nationally consistent community benefit framework that sets out minimum mandatory community benefit contributions to be paid by renewable energy proponents to community benefit funds that:
(i) deliver intergenerational community benefit to regional communities who host their infrastructure; and
(ii) support local governments to navigate their increasing responsibilities in facilitating the energy transition; and
(b) assign the implementation and oversight responsibility for this framework to the Australian Energy Infrastructure Commissioner.
( Notice given 11 August 2026. )
Time allotted — 25 minutes.
Speech time limits —
Dr Haines — 5 minutes
Other Members — 5 minutes
[Minimum number of proposed Members speaking = 5 x 5 mins]
The Committee determined that consideration
of this matter should continue on a future day.
2 MS FERNANDO: To move—That this House:
(1) commends the Government for investing a further $158.4 million to expand the Commonwealth Prac Payment (CPP) to students training in ten additional frontline health professions;
(2) acknowledges that, from 1 July 2027, this expansion will build on paid prac already available to eligible teaching, nursing, midwifery and social work students, with around 95,000 students expected to receive support each year;
(3) recognises that:
(a) practical placements are a significant part of health degrees, making up more than a year of study in some courses; and
(b) travel, accommodation and relocation costs can discourage students from undertaking placements in regional and remote Australia, where health workforce shortages are often most acute;
(4) notes that eligible students currently receive $338.60 a week, benchmarked to the single Austudy rate and indexed annually, providing real cost-of-living relief while they undertake mandatory placements; and
(5) further acknowledges that expanding CPP will help more students complete their qualifications, growing the health workforce Australians rely on and strengthening Medicare.
( Notice given 11 August 2026. )
Time allotted — 30 minutes.
Speech time limits —
Ms Fernando — 5 minutes
Other Members — 5 minutes
[Minimum number of proposed Members speaking = 6 x 5 mins]
The Committee determined that consideration
of this matter should continue on a future day.
3 MR CHESTER: To move—That this House:
(1) acknowledges:
(a) the significant contribution Australia's livestock producers make to regional economies, employment and the nation's food security;
(b) that wild dogs are a serious and growing threat to livestock, costing an estimated $302 million in production losses each year; and
(c) the burden carried by property owners to deal with the wild dog predation on stock;
(2) notes that:
(a) the Government has cut important pest and invasive species management programs, despite the significant and growing economic impact of invasive species on Australian agriculture;
(b) federal funding for the National Wild Dog Management Coordinator is due to expire at the end of September 2026, with funding for the National Wild Dog Action Plan expiring a month later;
(c) the coordinator and the plan provide a nationally agreed, evidence-based framework that enables coordinated control across state and territory borders; and
(d) industry bodies have committed to co-funding the national wild dog program, yet the Government has chosen to ignore its responsibility to support coordinated wild dog control; and
(3) urges the Government to:
(a) guarantee ongoing funding to maintain the National Wild Dog Management Coordinator role;
(b) renew funding for the National Wild Dog Action Plan to continue the second half of the ten year management program;
(c) recognise that a nationally coordinated approach to pests management is essential to protecting livestock, agricultural productivity and the prosperity of regional Australia; and
(d) commit to ongoing investment in the coordinated management and control of wild dogs and other invasive species that threaten Australian agriculture, regional communities and the environment.
( Notice given 11 August 2026. )
Time allotted — 25 minutes.
Speech time limits —
Mr Chester — 5 minutes
Other Members — 5 minutes
[Minimum number of proposed Members speaking = 5 x 5 mins]
The Committee determined that consideration
of this matter should continue on a future day.
4 MR FRENCH: To move—That this House:
(1) recognises the Government's Key Apprenticeship Program, which provides $10,000 incentive payments to new tradies, has already attracted 30,000 apprentices in the first 12 months;
(2) notes that:
(a) carpentry, plumbing and electrical trades are the most popular occupations for apprentices under the program; and
(b) the program is calibrated to offer incentive payments at milestones across the course of an apprenticeship, ensuring that apprentices are supported to reach the finish line of their apprenticeship, with data showing stronger retention rates;
(3) acknowledges that the program forms a key part of the Government's work to deliver targeted support for apprenticeships in industries where we need them most, particularly housing construction;
(4) affirms the Government's ongoing support for the program, with the budget locking in incentive settings for both apprentices and employers until 2029; and
(5) expresses concern that despite multiple opportunities to clarify their position, neither the Opposition nor the One Nation party have made clear their support for the program, with the Shadow Minister for Skills and Training calling the program 'wrong' and 'throwing good money, after bad money'.
( Notice given 30 June 2026. )
Time allotted — 45 minutes.
Speech time limits —
Mr French — 5 minutes
Other Members — 5 minutes
[Minimum number of proposed Members speaking = 9 x 5 mins]
The Committee determined that consideration
of this matter should continue on a future day.
Orders of the day
1 ENERGY COSTS: Resumption of debate ( from 9 February 2026 ) on the motion of Mr Tehan—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.
Time allotted — remaining private Members' business time prior to 1.30 pm.
Speech time limits —
All Members — 5minutes each.
[Minimum number of proposed Members speaking = 5 x 5 mins]
The Committee determined that consideration
of this matter should continue on a future day.
Items for Federation Chamber (4.45 pm to 7.30 pm)
PRIVATE MEMBERS' BUSINESS
Notices—continued
5 MS ALDRED: To move—That this House notes the:
(1) $41.9 billion collapse in revenue from tobacco excise in this year's budget, and that downgraded forecasts now reveal the Government expects to collect just $2.1 billion, the lowest tobacco excise collection this century, despite a 282 per cent increase in the excise rate since 2013;
(2) Government's failure to arrest smoking rates;
(3) continued and rapid escalation of violent crime from the illegal tobacco trade, including over 200 firebombings of supermarkets and tobacconists since 2023 under this Government as well as the proceeds funding terrorist activities; and
(4) calls by the New South Wales State Premier Chris Minns and former Deputy Australian Chief Medical Officer Dr Nick Coatsworth for a complete overhaul of tobacco excise and law enforcement resourcing to combat illegal tobacco.
( Notice given 2 June 2026. )
Time allotted — 30minutes.
Speech time limits —
Ms Aldred — 5minutes.
Other Members — 5minutes each.
[Minimum number of proposed Members speaking = 6 x 5 mins]
The Committee determined that consideration
of this matter should continue on a future day.
6 MS K COOK: To move—That this House:
(1) notes that Mental Health Month is observed throughout October each year to raise awareness of mental health, reduce stigma and encourage all Australians to seek support when they need it;
(2) recognises the importance of mental health to the wellbeing of individuals, families and communities, and acknowledges the role played by families, carers, lived experience advocates, peer workers, community organisations and health professionals in supporting Australians experiencing mental health challenges;
(3) welcomes the Government's continued investment in strengthening Australia's mental health system, including through:
(a) the rollout of Medicare Mental Health Centres, with more than 56 of the planned 92 centres now open nationwide, providing free, walk-in mental health support with no referral or diagnosis required;
(b) the establishment of Medicare Mental Health Kids Hubs, providing free support for children aged 0 to 12 and their families, with 17 Kids Hubs being rolled out across the country;
(c) expanding the network of headspace services and upgrading 30 centres to a new and enhanced headspace Plus model, providing young Australians with accessible mental health care, early intervention and holistic support;
(d) the new national early intervention service, Medicare Mental Health Check In, providing free guided digital support and low intensity therapy to help Australians build practical skills; and
(e) strengthening access to mental health care through Medicare and community-based services;
(4) acknowledges that early intervention, community connection and reducing stigma are critical to improving mental health outcomes and preventing suicide; and
(5) encourages all Australians during Mental Health Month to check in with family members, friends, neighbours and colleagues, seek support when they need it, and help build communities where every person feels connected, supported and able to access quality mental health care.
( Notice given 11 August 2026. )
Time allotted — 40 minutes.
Speech time limits —
Ms K Cook — 5 minutes
Other Members — 5 minutes
[Minimum number of proposed Members speaking = 8 x 5 mins]
The Committee determined that consideration
of this matter should continue on a future day.
Orders of the day—continued
AGED CARE: Resumption of debate on the motion of Mr Violi—That this House:
(1) notes that:
(a) the My Aged Care system is broken, causing widespread hardship and distress for ageing Australians;
(b) the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing recently confirmed that the current wait time for an older person of standard priority for a Support at Home package is between 300 to 330 days;
(c) a recent report by KPMG found that 96,709 people are still waiting in the National Priority System for a Home Care Package at their approved level; and
(d) residents in rural and regional parts of Australia are finding that once they finally get services approved, there are no available service providers to deliver the required supports; and
(2) requires the Minister for Health and Ageing to:
(a) immediately explain and address the ongoing and increasing delays with the My Aged Care and Support at Home programs; and
(b) outline what specific measures the Government will take to address provider scarcity and workforce issues in outer-metropolitan and regional electorates, where approved funding is currently failing to translate into actual bedside care and support at home.
( Notice given 11 August 2026. )
Time allotted — 50 minutes.
Speech time limits —
All Members — 5minutes each.
[Minimum number of proposed Members speaking = 10 x 5 mins]
The Committee determined that consideration
of this matter should continue on a future day.
Notices—continued
7 MS FERNANDO: To move—That this House:
(1) recognises the Prime Minister's announcement that the Government will establish a new Fair Work Court;
(2) notes that the aims of the Fair Work Court are to:
(a) provide simpler, fairer and faster access to justice for working Australians; and
(b) ensure that workers are not placed in a position where the cost of pursuing a claim exceeds the value of the claim; and
(3) further notes that the:
(a) Fair Work Court would be staffed by specialist judges with expertise in workplace relations; and
(b) Government will consult with workers, employers and legal experts on the operation of the Fair Work Court, including how it can improve access to justice and better support workers and employers in navigating workplace disputes.
( Notice given 11 August 2026. )
Time allotted — remaining private Members' business time prior to 7.30 pm.
Speech time limits —
Ms Fernando — 5minutes.
Other Members — 5minutes each.
[Minimum number of proposed Members speaking = 9 x 5 mins]
The Committee determined that consideration
of this matter should continue on a future day.
THE HON D. M. DICK MP
Speaker of the House of Representatives
12 August 2026
That so much of the standing and sessional orders be suspended as would prevent the Leader of the Opposition from moving the following motion immediately—That this House:
(1) condemns the recent behaviour of the Prime Minister concerning the Prime Minister of Japan, Her Excellency Sanae Takaichi, which was deeply disrespectful and beneath the office of Prime Minister;
(2) notes:
(a) the Prime Minister refuses to apologise to Prime Minister Takaichi over his crass and demeaning behaviour;
(b) on Monday evening, reports emerged of diplomatic correspondence dated 13 July, sent by the Japanese government, which related to the Prime Minister's appearance on a podcast with Nikki Osborne;
(c) given that communications between governments can be classified, it is possible that this disclosure is a criminal offence under Division 122 of the Commonwealth Criminal Code; and
(d) in 2022, the Prime Minister said when dealing with foreign governments "one of the things I will do and a part of keeping faith is keeping private conversations private"; and
(3) requires:
(a) the Prime Minister to attend the Chamber and make a statement of no more than 15 minutes, no later than 1.30 pm on Tuesday, 12 August 2026, to apologise to the Prime Minister of Japan and explain to the House whether the Prime Minister or the Prime Minister's office unlawfully disclosed confidential and sensitive correspondence received from the Government of Japan by the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet or the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade; and
(b) the Leader of the Opposition to be permitted to make a response to the Prime Minister's statement for no more than 15 minutes immediately after the Prime Minister's statement.
No matter who you support in politics, it is completely unacceptable to demean, objectify, belittle or offend women.
Well, one of the things I will do and a part of keeping faith is keeping private conversations private.
But when I make a mistake, I'll fess up to it, and I'll set about correcting that mistake.
I won't blame someone else, I'll accept responsibility. That's what leaders do.
That the debate be adjourned.
The House divided. [09:20]
(The Speaker—Hon. Milton Dick)
Wage Justice for Early Childhood Education and Care Workers (Special Account) (Extending Support and Strengthening Safety) Bill 2026
That this bill be now read a second time.
Counter-Terrorism Legislation Amendment Bill 2026
That this bill be now read a second time.
Passenger Movement Charge Amendment Bill 2026
That this bill be now read a second time.
That so much of the standing and sessional orders be suspended as would prevent, the following from occurring in relation to business for Monday, 17 August 2026:
(1) the House adjourning at 4.30 pm to enable the Address in Reply to be presented to Her Excellency the Governor-General;
(2) the Federation Chamber adjourning at 1.30 pm; and
(3) any variation to this arrangement being made only on a motion moved by a Minister.
That so much of the standing and sessional orders be suspended as would prevent the following from occurring in relation to proceedings on the Interactive Gambling Amendment (Gambling Reform) Bill 2026 and the National Self-exclusion Register (Cost Recovery Levy) Amendment Bill 2026:
(1) on Wednesday, 12 August when the order of the day relating to the second reading debate on the Interactive Gambling Amendment (Gambling Reform) Bill 2026 is called on, a cognate debate taking place with the National Self-exclusion Register (Cost Recovery Levy) Amendment Bill 2026;
(2) after the discussion of a matter of public importance, when called on, debate on the Interactive Gambling Amendment (Gambling Reform) Bill 2026 and related bill continuing without interruption until the commencement of the adjournment debate at 7.30 pm;
(3) at 8 pm, notwithstanding standing order 31, the adjournment debate being interrupted, and debate on the Interactive Gambling Amendment (Gambling Reform) Bill 2026 and related bill having priority until:
(a) no further Members rise to speak; or
(b) 10 pm; or
(c) a later time specified by a Minister prior to 10 pm;
at which point, the debate being adjourned and the House immediately adjourning until 9 am on Thursday, 13 August;
(4) on Thursday, 13 August or Monday, 17 August, if called on, debate on the second reading continuing but not proceeding beyond the summing up by the mover of the motion for the second reading;
(5) on Tuesday, 18 August when the order of the day for the resumption of debate on the Interactive Gambling Amendment (Gambling Reform) Bill 2026 is called on, the questions on any second reading amendment[s] and on the second reading being put immediately; and
(6) any variation to this arrangement being made only on a motion moved by a Minister.
Cash Distribution Framework Bill 2026
Cash Distribution Framework (Consequential Amendments and Transitional Provisions) Bill 2026
Interactive Gambling Amendment (Gambling Reform) Bill 2026
National Self-exclusion Register (Cost Recovery Levy) Amendment Bill 2026
'You win some, you lose more.' This government tagline on gambling advertising, adopted as part of the National Consumer Protection Framework, aptly sums up the evidence received during this inquiry. If the status quo of online gambling regulation, including but not limited to advertising, was to continue Australians would continue to lose more—more money, more relationships, more love of sport for the game rather than the odds.
Australians outspend the citizens of every other country on online gambling. This is wreaking havoc in our communities. Saturation advertising ensures our future losses.
I am proud to say this Committee has delivered a unanimous report that says, "enough is enough". The Committee has made 31 recommendations that apply a public health lens to online gambling to reduce harm across the whole Australian population.
we should also be legislating to protect our children (and adults!!) from overseas gambling sites, or they will become the norm!!
We have a culture where sport and gambling are intrinsically linked. These behaviours are causing increasingly widespread and serious harm to individuals, families, and communities.
Just over two years ago my son lost everything, including his wife and kids, all due to easy online gambling. He also tried to take his own life. When I see these gambling ads constantly on TV, I literally either change the channel or close my eyes and block my ears. My son loves his football, so he constantly sees these ads thrown in his face as well.
Over a period of 25-odd years I gambled away my family, a multitude of friends & other relationships, & my home, before I realised what I'd really done & what I was still doing. Then, I nearly gambled away a second family before a close friend (with different addictions) helped me to realise that I was addicted to this 'pasttime'. Now, seeing the gambling adds shoved in my 12yo daughter's face every time we want to enjoy time watching our favourite teams playing, I nearly cry thinking how close I came to losing her, but I don't; instead we have discussions about how I (& many of my friends) fell for the marketing.
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) the Standing Committee on Social Policy and Legal Affairs, in its unanimous report You Win Some, You Lose More , recommended a comprehensive phase out of online gambling advertising, the establishment of a national gambling regulator and a ban on inducements and inducement advertising; and
(b) the Government has failed to deliver on these recommendations, and in doing so has chosen to favour the interests of gambling companies over the wellbeing of the Australian community; and
(2) calls on the Government to implement a comprehensive phase-out of online gambling advertising, ban inducements to gamble, and establish a national regulator".
A phased, comprehensive ban on all gambling advertising on all media—broadcast and online, that leaves no room for circumvention …
Australia has hit its highest risk of mortgage defaults in 25 years and a looming interest rate hike threatens to leave many families teetering on the edge of crisis.
New analysis revealed the sharpest quarterly uptick since records started in 2001 with an 18 per cent increase in average national risk of missed mortgage payments.
Outer suburbs around major cities regularly rank as the most vulnerable and NSW saw a 25 per cent jump in mortgage default risk in the same three months.
I am also very conscious of young people using the share market to try to build up a house deposit and how this might work for them too.
… the Coalition stomped on the accelerator. They did all sorts of things we've never done before, in order to increase the numbers …
I think we should run a healthcare system focused on patient outcomes that actually empowers Australians to be able to get the health and support and community through primary care to minimise long-term dependency on tertiary care and, more importantly, to make sure that people can live their best, full lives as healthy, engaged participants in the community and the workforce so that they can be happy, not a system designed to keep people ill to feed the benefits of the unions and the people that they are paid to represent and to maintain the political control by the Australian Labor Party.
The Government's deliberate stoking of inflation, leaving Australian families to pay more at the supermarket.
As proposed, however, the IBCC would leave Australia a less attractive place to start, fund and grow a technology company.
I have had difficulty coming to terms with the extension of these changes to other asset classes, for the specific reason you identify.
I agree with your concerns.
I think the government spends more than they need to because it helps keep them in power. They may need the money but I'm not sure this is the way to do it. I think if they are going to do tax changes, they should have taken it to an election in the same way John Howard took the GST to an election.
The huge government spending is also contributing to the inflation that has outpaced wages growth since 2021.
Cash Distribution Framework Bill 2026
The House divided. [16:35]
(The Speaker—Hon. Milton Dick)
(1) Clause 5, page 5 (after line 17), after the definition of cash distribution system , insert:
cash-related contractual chain order means a road transport contractual chain order (within the meaning of theFair Work Act 2009 ) that is made in relation to work performed in the cash in transit industry (within the meaning of paragraph (d) of the definition ofroad transport industry in subsection 15S(1) of theFair Work Act 2009 ).
(2) Clause 28, page 25 (after line 22), after note 2, insert:
Note 3: There is an exception to this civil penalty provision in section 195A (interactions with cash-related contractual chain orders).
(3) Clause 28, page 26 (after line 13), after note 2, insert:
Note 3: There is an exception to this civil penalty provision in section 195A (interactions with cash-related contractual chain orders).
(4) Clause 41, page 38 (after line 32), after paragraph (2)(f), insert:
(fa) any relevant cash-related contractual chain order;
(5) Clause 41, page 39 (line 10), omit "undertake", substitute "undertaking".
(6) Clause 41, page 39 (after line 12), after subclause (3), insert:
(3A) Without limiting subsection (3), the ACCC may consult the Fair Work Commission or the Fair Work Ombudsman in relation to interactions with any relevant cash-related contractual chain orders.
(7) Clause 43, page 43 (after line 7), after subclause (7), insert:
(7A) Without limiting paragraph (7)(a), the ACCC may consult the Fair Work Commission or the Fair Work Ombudsman in relation to interactions with any relevant cash-related contractual chain orders.
(8) Clause 46, page 44 (after line 31), after paragraph (2)(b), insert:
(ba) any relevant cash-related contractual chain order; and
(9) Clause 54, page 51 (after line 32), after paragraph (2)(e), insert:
(ea) any relevant cash-related contractual chain order;
(10) Clause 55, page 52 (line 18), after "Note", insert "1".
(11) Clause 55, page 52 (after line 19), after the note, insert:
Note 2: There is an exception to this civil penalty provision in section 195A (interactions with cash-related contractual chain orders).
(12) Clause 55, page 53 (line 3), after "Note", insert "1".
(13) Clause 55, page 53 (after line 4), after the note, insert:
Note 2: There is an exception to this civil penalty provision in section 195A (interactions with cash-related contractual chain orders).
(14) Clause 63, page 60 (line 32), at the end of subclause (4), add:
; and (c) any relevant cash-related contractual chain order.
(15) Clause 63, page 60 (after line 32), at the end of the clause, add:
(5) Without limiting who the ACCC may consult, before making a service-level standard the ACCC may consult the Fair Work Commission or the Fair Work Ombudsman in relation to interactions with any relevant cash-related contractual chain orders.
(16) Clause 67, page 62 (line 7), after "Note", insert "1".
(17) Clause 67, page 62 (after line 8), after the note, insert:
Note 2: There is an exception to this civil penalty provision in section 195A (interactions with cash-related contractual chain orders).
(18) Clause 67, page 63 (after line 6), after note 2, insert:
Note 3: There is an exception to this civil penalty provision in section 195A (interactions with cash-related contractual chain orders).
(19) Clause 80, page 80 (line 31), omit "Criminal", substitute "Crime".
(20) Clause 179, page 193 (before line 3), before subclause (1), insert:
Use and disclosure — general
(21) Clause 179, page 194 (after line 12), at the end of the clause, add:
Use and disclosure — cash-related contractual chain orders
(5) Without limiting subsection (1), a person covered by subsection (2) may also use, make a record of or disclose information covered by subsection (3) in the course of or for the purposes of:
(a) considering cash-related contractual chain orders, including proposed and draft orders; or
(b) dealing with interactions between this Act and such orders; or
(c) assisting the Fair Work Commission or the Fair Work Ombudsman to perform functions or duties, or exercise powers, under or in connection with the Fair Work Act 2009 that relate to cash-related contractual chain orders.
Reserve Bank and ACCC may impose conditions on disclosed information
(6) The Reserve Bank may, by notice in writing given to a person who is to be a recipient of information disclosed by the Reserve Bank under subsection (1) or (5), impose conditions to be complied with by the recipient in relation to the disclosed information.
(7) The ACCC may, by notice in writing given to a person who is to be a recipient of information disclosed by the ACCC under subsection (1) or (5), impose conditions to be complied with by the recipient in relation to the disclosed information.
(8) An instrument under subsection (6) or (7) is not a legislative instrument.
(22) Clause 189, page 206 (after line 10), after paragraph (b), insert:
(ba) interactions with cash-related contractual chain orders under the Fair Work Act 2009 , to enable those orders to take precedence over competing obligations under this Act where appropriate;
(23) Page 212 (after line 2), after Division 3, insert:
Division 3A — Interactions with contractual chain orders under the Fair Work Act 2009
195A Interactions with cash-related contractual chain orders
Notifying the ACCC of interaction with cash-related contractual chain order
(1) If:
(a) a cash-related contractual chain order applies (within the meaning in section 536NR of the Fair Work Act 2009 ) to a designated entity, or will apply to a designated entity when the order comes into operation; and
(b) the designated entity has an obligation (the competing obligation ) under any of the following civil penalty provisions of this Act:
(i) subsection 28(1) or (2) (which relate to entering into agreements on approved standard terms);
(ii) subsection 55(1) or (2) (which relate to entering into agreements in accordance with an arbitration determination);
(iii) subsection 67(1) (which relates to failing to comply with a service-level standard);
(iv) subsection 67(3) (which relates to failing to comply with an ACCC direction to comply with a service-level standard); and
(c) the designated entity reasonably believes that complying with the competing obligation would cause the designated entity to contravene a term of the cash-related contractual chain order;
the designated entity must notify the ACCC, in writing, within a reasonable time after forming the belief.
(2) The notice must specify:
(a) the details of the relevant competing obligation and term of the cash-related contractual chain order; and
(b) the reasons why compliance with the competing obligation would cause a contravention of the term of the order, and the conduct the designated entity considers it would not otherwise be able to engage in as a result; and
(c) the extent to which the designated entity intends not to comply with the competing obligation to prevent the contravention.
Exception to complying with competing obligation in certain circumstances
(3) If:
(a) a cash-related contractual chain order applies (within the meaning in section 536NR of the Fair Work Act 2009 ) to a designated entity; and
(b) the designated entity has a competing obligation referred to in paragraph (1)(b); and
(c) complying with the competing obligation would cause the designated entity to contravene a term of the cash-related contractual chain order; and
(d) the designated entity has given the ACCC a notice relating to the competing obligation and the cash-related contractual chain order in accordance with subsections (1) and (2);
the competing obligation does not apply to the designated entity, but only to the extent necessary to prevent the contravention of the cash-related contractual chain order.
Note: A person who wishes to rely on this subsection bears an evidential burden in relation to the matters in this subsection (see section 96 of the Regulatory Powers Act).
That this bill be now read a third time.
Cash Distribution Framework (Consequential Amendments and Transitional Provisions) Bill 2026
That this bill be now read a third time.
Therapeutic Goods Amendment (Medicines Shortages and Other Measures) Bill 2026
That this bill be now read a third time.
Therapeutic Goods (Charges) Amendment Bill 2026
That this bill be now be read a third time.
Interactive Gambling Amendment (Gambling Reform) Bill 2026
National Self-exclusion Register (Cost Recovery Levy) Amendment Bill 2026
This is a major step forward, and the parliament should vote for it.
If they don't, then they do have the option of the status quo.
Gaming is derived from the Saxon word Gamen ,meaning joy, pleasure, sports , orgaming —and is so interpreted by Bailey, in his Dictionary of 1736; whilst Johnson gives Gamble—to play extravagantly for money , and this distinction is to be borne in mind in the perusal of this book; although the older term was in use until the invention of the later—as we see in Cotton'sCompleat Gamester (1674), in which he gives the following excellent definition of the word:—"Gaming is an enchantingwitchery , gotten betweenIdleness andAvarice : an itching disease, that makes some scratch the head, whilst others, as if they were bitten by aTarantula , are laughing themselves to death; or, lastly, it is a paralytical distemper, which, seizing the arm, the man cannot chuse but shake his elbow. It hath this ill property above all other Vices, that it renders a man incapable of prosecuting any serious action, and makes him always unsatisfied with his own condition; he is either lifted up to the top of mad joy with success, or plung'd to the bottom of despair by misfortune, always in extreams, always in a storm; this minute the Gamester's countenance is so serene and calm, that one would think nothing could disturb it, and the next minute, so stormy and tempestuous that it threatens destruction to itself and others; and, as he is transported with joy when he wins, so, losing, is he tost upon the billows of a high swelling passion, till he hath lost sight, both of sense and reason."
That all words after "whilst" be omitted with a view to substituting the following words:
"declining to give the bill a second reading, the House also notes that:
(1) every day, vulnerable Australians are bombarded with gambling ads designed to keep them betting, even when they are trying to stop;
(2) Australians should have the right to enjoy sport, and to go about their lives, free from predatory gambling advertising; and
(3) passing this bill would be a massive favour to the rich gambling corporations that are ripping off Australians, robbing people of their livelihoods and taking money from struggling families".
I write to the Commission to express my concern that individuals in the Federal Government, when formulating gambling reform policy, have been improperly influenced by individuals in the private sector, most obviously but not exclusively through donations, gifts, hospitality and personal relationships. This has resulted in policy so clearly at odds with research, public opinion and the public interest, that the implementation of such policy could be characterised, in my opinion, as serious corruption in the Commonwealth public sector.
What finally prompts me to raise this matter with the Commission is an article in … The Sydney Morning Herald … andThe Age —
on 22 July 2026. If this article is accurate, then one or more individuals in the private sector stand accused of affecting the impartial exercise of powers or performance of official duties by one or more public officials, and one or more public officials stand accused of a breach of public trust and an abuse of office.
I acknowledge that the Commission is not empowered to investigate governments, and also that governments have the right to accept donations, be lobbied and make their own policy decisions. Nor do I make any allegation against any specific individual and trust the Commission to investigate the matter thoroughly. However, in my opinion, individuals in the Government are acting so egregiously in response to individuals in the private sector that all reasonable limits on government behaviour have been exceeded. If this doesn't "cross the line", then I dread to think what would.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
SELECTION COMMITTEE
REPORT No. 13 - Revised
Committee and delegation business and private Members' business
12 August 2026
MEMBERS OF THE COMMITTEE
Chair Hon M Dick Speaker
Members
Ms J Ryan MP (Chief Government Whip)
Mr C Caldwell MP (Chief Opposition Whip)
Ms M Aldred MP
Ms A Byrnes MP
Ms K Chaney
Ms L Chesters MP
Ms M Landry MP
Ms Z Mascarenhas MP
Ms T Roberts MP
Ms R Sharkie MP
Ms S Sitou MP
Mr B Small MP
Ms A Urquhart MP
Ms S Claydon MP, Deputy Speaker
This committee is supported by staff of the Department of the House of Representatives
Report relating to the consideration of committee and delegation business and of private Members' business
1. The Committee met in private session on Wednesday, 12 August 2026.
2. In accordance with the resolution agreed to by the House, the Committee decided to amend report No. 13 to omit the items allotted for the Federation Chamber (4.45 pm to 7.30 pm) and determined the order of precedence and times on Monday, 17 August 2026, as follows:
Items for House of Representatives Chamber (10.10 am to 12 noon)
PRIVATE MEMBERS' BUSINESS
Notices
1 MR L O'BRIEN: To present a Bill for an Act to protect children born alive (including as a result of terminations), and for related purposes. ( Human Rights (Children Born Alive Protection) Bill 2026 )
( Notice given 25 June 2026. )
Presenter may speak to the second reading for a period not exceeding 10 minutes — pursuant to standing order 41. Debate must be adjourned pursuant to standing order 142.
2 MS CAMPBELL: To move—That this House acknowledges that the Government is supporting Australians to earn more, keep more of what they earn, and retire with more, with a range of policies that came into effect on 1 July 2026, including:
(1) payday superannuation reforms, benefiting the retirement incomes of millions of Australians through more frequent and earlier superannuation contributions;
(2) a 4.75 per cent increase to the minimum wage, marking the first time the national minimum wage is above $1,000 a week;
(3) expanding government paid parental leave to 130 days, with parents to be paid superannuation contributions on Commonwealth funded paid parental leave for the first time; and
(4) delivering:
(a) a new $1,000 instant tax deduction without proof of receipts; and
(b) another tax cut of up to $268 for over 14 million Australians.
( Notice given 11 August 2026. )
Time allotted — 55 minutes.
Speech time limits —
Ms Campbell — 5 minutes
Other Members — 5 minutes
[Minimum number of proposed Members speaking = 11 x 5 mins]
The Committee determined that consideration
of this matter should continue on a future day.
3 MR JOYCE: To move—That this House:
(1) condemns the Government for its continued roll out of renewable energy precincts in regional communities, including the New England Renewable Energy Zone and Central West Orana Renewable Energy Zone, without due regard for the impact on agriculture, landowners, community, infrastructure and the productive landscape;
(2) notes that:
(a) regional Australians are being asked to carry the burden of a policy that is driving up the cost of living, increasing pressure on electricity prices, and undermining reliable and affordable power for households, small businesses and industry; and
(b) the rollout of large-scale wind, solar, battery and transmission projects is desecrating rural landscapes, creating uninsurable properties, dividing communities, and imposing industrial-scale infrastructure across farms, towns and natural environments that have sustained regional Australia for generations;
(3) recognises that:
(a) the Government's approach amounts to the socialisation of private assets, where public money, public guarantees and publicly backed schemes are used to underwrite private renewable energy developments and transmission projects; and
(b) intermittent power does not provide the affordable or reliable base load electricity needed to run a modern economy, and that the failure of intermittent generation is being masked by secretive capacity investment schemes and opaque market interventions;
(4) further notes, with concern, the severe impact on small regional communities from the construction of renewable energy precincts, including the arrival of hundreds of temporary workers, demand for already limited housing, pressure on local roads, health services, schools, water, policing and emergency services, and disruption to community life;
(5) calls on the Government to immediately pause the rollout of renewable energy precincts where local communities have not been properly consulted and where the full economic, social, environmental and infrastructure costs have not been independently assessed; and
(6) supports the establishment of a Royal Commission into the rollout of renewable energy precincts across regional Australia, including their effect on cost of living, energy reliability, private property rights, public expenditure, local infrastructure, community cohesion and the long-term future of regional landscapes.
( Notice given 11 August 2026. )
Time allotted — 15 minutes.
Speech time limits —
Mr Joyce — 5 minutes
Other Members — 5 minutes
[Minimum number of proposed Members speaking = 3 x 5 mins]
The Committee determined that consideration
of this matter should continue on a future day.
4 MR VIOLI: To move—That this House:
(1) notes that:
(a) the My Aged Care system is broken, causing widespread hardship and distress for ageing Australians;
(b) the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing recently confirmed that the current wait time for an older person of standard priority for a Support at Home package is between 300 to 330 days;
(c) a recent report by KPMG found that 96,709 people are still waiting in the National Priority System for a Home Care Package at their approved level; and
(d) residents in rural and regional parts of Australia are finding that once they finally get services approved, there are no available service providers to deliver the required supports; and
(2) requires the Minister for Health and Ageing to:
(a) immediately explain and address the ongoing and increasing delays with the My Aged Care and Support at Home programs; and
(b) outline what specific measures the Government will take to address provider scarcity and workforce issues in outer-metropolitan and regional electorates, where approved funding is currently failing to translate into actual bedside care and support at home.
( Notice given 12 May 2026. )
Time allotted — remaining private Members' business time prior to 12 noon.
Speech time limits —
Mr Violi — 5minutes.
Other Members — 5minutes each.
[Minimum number of proposed Members speaking = 6 x 5 mins]
The Committee determined that consideration
of this matter should continue at a later hour.
Items for Federation Chamber (11 am to 1.30 pm)
PRIVATE MEMBERS' BUSINESS
Notices
1 DR HAINES: To move—That this House:
(1) recognises that:
(a) regional Australia is playing a vital role in hosting the infrastructure needed to facilitate the energy transition;
(b) there is a patchwork of community engagement and benefit obligations across and within states that makes it difficult for regional communities to know what to expect when dealing with renewable energy proponents;
(c) regional communities have varying experiences engaging with renewable energy proponents, with some proponents undertaking best practice community engagement and others, poor or absent engagement; and
(d) poor community engagement and benefit processes are bad for communities, and undermine the energy transition;
(2) notes that:
(a) the surge in artificial intelligence (AI) data centres has increased national awareness of the importance of community benefit for communities impacted by new largescale infrastructure developments; and
(b) regional communities have been calling for a fair share of community benefits commensurate to their role in hosting Australia's energy transition, long before this conversation started about AI data centres; and
(3) calls on the Government to:
(a) establish a permanent, nationally consistent community benefit framework that sets out minimum mandatory community benefit contributions to be paid by renewable energy proponents to community benefit funds that:
(i) deliver intergenerational community benefit to regional communities who host their infrastructure; and
(ii) support local governments to navigate their increasing responsibilities in facilitating the energy transition; and
(b) assign the implementation and oversight responsibility for this framework to the Australian Energy Infrastructure Commissioner.
( Notice given 11 August 2026. )
Time allotted — 25 minutes.
Speech time limits —
Dr Haines — 5 minutes
Other Members — 5 minutes
[Minimum number of proposed Members speaking = 5 x 5 mins]
The Committee determined that consideration
of this matter should continue on a future day.
2 MS FERNANDO: To move—That this House:
(1) commends the Government for investing a further $158.4 million to expand the Commonwealth Prac Payment (CPP) to students training in ten additional frontline health professions;
(2) acknowledges that, from 1 July 2027, this expansion will build on paid prac already available to eligible teaching, nursing, midwifery and social work students, with around 95,000 students expected to receive support each year;
(3) recognises that:
(a) practical placements are a significant part of health degrees, making up more than a year of study in some courses; and
(b) travel, accommodation and relocation costs can discourage students from undertaking placements in regional and remote Australia, where health workforce shortages are often most acute;
(4) notes that eligible students currently receive $338.60 a week, benchmarked to the single Austudy rate and indexed annually, providing real cost-of-living relief while they undertake mandatory placements; and
(5) further acknowledges that expanding CPP will help more students complete their qualifications, growing the health workforce Australians rely on and strengthening Medicare.
( Notice given 11 August 2026. )
Time allotted — 30 minutes.
Speech time limits —
Ms Fernando — 5 minutes
Other Members — 5 minutes
[Minimum number of proposed Members speaking = 6 x 5 mins]
The Committee determined that consideration
of this matter should continue on a future day.
3 MR CHESTER: To move—That this House:
(1) acknowledges:
(a) the significant contribution Australia's livestock producers make to regional economies, employment and the nation's food security;
(b) that wild dogs are a serious and growing threat to livestock, costing an estimated $302 million in production losses each year; and
(c) the burden carried by property owners to deal with the wild dog predation on stock;
(2) notes that:
(a) the Government has cut important pest and invasive species management programs, despite the significant and growing economic impact of invasive species on Australian agriculture;
(b) federal funding for the National Wild Dog Management Coordinator is due to expire at the end of September 2026, with funding for the National Wild Dog Action Plan expiring a month later;
(c) the coordinator and the plan provide a nationally agreed, evidence-based framework that enables coordinated control across state and territory borders; and
(d) industry bodies have committed to co-funding the national wild dog program, yet the Government has chosen to ignore its responsibility to support coordinated wild dog control; and
(3) urges the Government to:
(a) guarantee ongoing funding to maintain the National Wild Dog Management Coordinator role;
(b) renew funding for the National Wild Dog Action Plan to continue the second half of the ten year management program;
(c) recognise that a nationally coordinated approach to pests management is essential to protecting livestock, agricultural productivity and the prosperity of regional Australia; and
(d) commit to ongoing investment in the coordinated management and control of wild dogs and other invasive species that threaten Australian agriculture, regional communities and the environment.
( Notice given 11 August 2026. )
Time allotted — 25 minutes.
Speech time limits —
Mr Chester — 5 minutes
Other Members — 5 minutes
[Minimum number of proposed Members speaking = 5 x 5 mins]
The Committee determined that consideration
of this matter should continue on a future day.
4 MR FRENCH: To move—That this House:
(1) recognises the Government's Key Apprenticeship Program, which provides $10,000 incentive payments to new tradies, has already attracted 30,000 apprentices in the first 12 months;
(2) notes that:
(a) carpentry, plumbing and electrical trades are the most popular occupations for apprentices under the program; and
(b) the program is calibrated to offer incentive payments at milestones across the course of an apprenticeship, ensuring that apprentices are supported to reach the finish line of their apprenticeship, with data showing stronger retention rates;
(3) acknowledges that the program forms a key part of the Government's work to deliver targeted support for apprenticeships in industries where we need them most, particularly housing construction;
(4) affirms the Government's ongoing support for the program, with the budget locking in incentive settings for both apprentices and employers until 2029; and
(5) expresses concern that despite multiple opportunities to clarify their position, neither the Opposition nor the One Nation party have made clear their support for the program, with the Shadow Minister for Skills and Training calling the program 'wrong' and 'throwing good money, after bad money'.
( Notice given 30 June 2026. )
Time allotted — 45 minutes.
Speech time limits —
Mr French — 5 minutes
Other Members — 5 minutes
[Minimum number of proposed Members speaking = 9 x 5 mins]
The Committee determined that consideration
of this matter should continue on a future day.
Orders of the day
1 ENERGY COSTS: Resumption of debate ( from 9 February 2026 ) on the motion of Mr Tehan—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.
Time allotted — remaining private Members' business time prior to 1.30 pm.
Speech time limits —
All Members — 5minutes each.
[Minimum number of proposed Members speaking = 5 x 5 mins]
The Committee determined that consideration
of this matter should continue on a future day.
Items for Federation Chamber (4.45 pm to 7.30 pm)
PRIVATE MEMBERS' BUSINESS
Notices—continued
5 MS ALDRED: To move—That this House notes the:
(1) $41.9 billion collapse in revenue from tobacco excise in this year's budget, and that downgraded forecasts now reveal the Government expects to collect just $2.1 billion, the lowest tobacco excise collection this century, despite a 282 per cent increase in the excise rate since 2013;
(2) Government's failure to arrest smoking rates;
(3) continued and rapid escalation of violent crime from the illegal tobacco trade, including over 200 firebombings of supermarkets and tobacconists since 2023 under this Government as well as the proceeds funding terrorist activities; and
(4) calls by the New South Wales State Premier Chris Minns and former Deputy Australian Chief Medical Officer Dr Nick Coatsworth for a complete overhaul of tobacco excise and law enforcement resourcing to combat illegal tobacco.
( Notice given 2 June 2026. )
Time allotted — 30minutes.
Speech time limits —
Ms Aldred — 5minutes.
Other Members — 5minutes each.
[Minimum number of proposed Members speaking = 6 x 5 mins]
The Committee determined that consideration
of this matter should continue on a future day.
6 MS K COOK: To move—That this House:
(1) notes that Mental Health Month is observed throughout October each year to raise awareness of mental health, reduce stigma and encourage all Australians to seek support when they need it;
(2) recognises the importance of mental health to the wellbeing of individuals, families and communities, and acknowledges the role played by families, carers, lived experience advocates, peer workers, community organisations and health professionals in supporting Australians experiencing mental health challenges;
(3) welcomes the Government's continued investment in strengthening Australia's mental health system, including through:
(a) the rollout of Medicare Mental Health Centres, with more than 56 of the planned 92 centres now open nationwide, providing free, walk-in mental health support with no referral or diagnosis required;
(b) the establishment of Medicare Mental Health Kids Hubs, providing free support for children aged 0 to 12 and their families, with 17 Kids Hubs being rolled out across the country;
(c) expanding the network of headspace services and upgrading 30 centres to a new and enhanced headspace Plus model, providing young Australians with accessible mental health care, early intervention and holistic support;
(d) the new national early intervention service, Medicare Mental Health Check In, providing free guided digital support and low intensity therapy to help Australians build practical skills; and
(e) strengthening access to mental health care through Medicare and community-based services;
(4) acknowledges that early intervention, community connection and reducing stigma are critical to improving mental health outcomes and preventing suicide; and
(5) encourages all Australians during Mental Health Month to check in with family members, friends, neighbours and colleagues, seek support when they need it, and help build communities where every person feels connected, supported and able to access quality mental health care.
( Notice given 11 August 2026. )
Time allotted — 40 minutes.
Speech time limits —
Ms K Cook — 5 minutes
Other Members — 5 minutes
[Minimum number of proposed Members speaking = 8 x 5 mins]
The Committee determined that consideration
of this matter should continue on a future day.
Orders of the day—continued
AGED CARE: Resumption of debate on the motion of Mr Violi—That this House:
(1) notes that:
(a) the My Aged Care system is broken, causing widespread hardship and distress for ageing Australians;
(b) the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing recently confirmed that the current wait time for an older person of standard priority for a Support at Home package is between 300 to 330 days;
(c) a recent report by KPMG found that 96,709 people are still waiting in the National Priority System for a Home Care Package at their approved level; and
(d) residents in rural and regional parts of Australia are finding that once they finally get services approved, there are no available service providers to deliver the required supports; and
(2) requires the Minister for Health and Ageing to:
(a) immediately explain and address the ongoing and increasing delays with the My Aged Care and Support at Home programs; and
(b) outline what specific measures the Government will take to address provider scarcity and workforce issues in outer-metropolitan and regional electorates, where approved funding is currently failing to translate into actual bedside care and support at home.
( Notice given 11 August 2026. )
Time allotted — 50 minutes.
Speech time limits —
All Members — 5minutes each.
[Minimum number of proposed Members speaking = 10 x 5 mins]
The Committee determined that consideration
of this matter should continue on a future day.
Notices—continued
7 MS FERNANDO: To move—That this House:
(1) recognises the Prime Minister's announcement that the Government will establish a new Fair Work Court;
(2) notes that the aims of the Fair Work Court are to:
(a) provide simpler, fairer and faster access to justice for working Australians; and
(b) ensure that workers are not placed in a position where the cost of pursuing a claim exceeds the value of the claim; and
(3) further notes that the:
(a) Fair Work Court would be staffed by specialist judges with expertise in workplace relations; and
(b) Government will consult with workers, employers and legal experts on the operation of the Fair Work Court, including how it can improve access to justice and better support workers and employers in navigating workplace disputes.
( Notice given 11 August 2026. )
Time allotted — remaining private Members' business time prior to 7.30 pm.
Speech time limits —
Ms Fernando — 5minutes.
Other Members — 5minutes each.
[Minimum number of proposed Members speaking = 9 x 5 mins]
The Committee determined that consideration
of this matter should continue on a future day.
THE HON D. M. DICK MP
Speaker of the House of Representatives
12 August 2026
… progress in implementing the Agreement's Priority Reforms has, for the most part, been weak and reflects tweaks to, or actions overlayed onto, business-as-usual approaches. The disparate actions and ad hoc changes have not led to improvements that are noticeable and meaningful for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. … What is needed is a paradigm shift.
If you're a baby boomer, you're made to feel like you're stealing food from the mouths of the younger generation.
The DEPUTY SPEAKER ( Ms Lawrence ) took the chair at 09:30.
… Australian policy had been right through the eighties … different to the orthodox model of economic liberalisation the model adopted in a number of other countries and by our opponents.
It took the view—
that we could be competitive and still look after those on the margins. We could compete with the best in the region and the world, and yet maintain our egalitarian values and preserve our social cohesion.
Cash Distribution Framework Bill 2026
Cash Distribution Framework (Consequential Amendments and Transitional Provisions) Bill 2026
Commonwealth Bank is maintaining banking services and employment in regional Australia by keeping all CBA regional branches open until at least the end of 2026, a three year extension on its current commitment.
The Cash Distribution Framework Bills are a critical step to provide security to the long-term availability of cash in Australia.
Cash Distribution Framework (Consequential Amendments and Transitional Provisions) Bill 2026
(1) Schedule 2, item 3, page 11 (after line 33), after subitem (1), insert:
(1A) In giving, varying or revoking an interim direction, the ACCC:
(a) must have regard to any relevant cash-related contractual chain orders; and
(b) may consult the Fair Work Commission or the Fair Work Ombudsman in relation to interactions with any such orders.
(2) Schedule 2, item 5, page 12 (line 16), after "Note", insert "1".
(3) Schedule 2, item 5, page 12 (after line 17), after the note, insert:
Note 2: There is an exception to this civil penalty provision in section 195A (interactions with cash-related contractual chain orders) of the new Act, as modified by subitem 8(2) of this Schedule.
(4) Schedule 2, item 6, page 16 (after line 11), at the end of subitem (5), add:
Note: See also section 195A of the new Act, as modified by subitem 8(2) of this Schedule, in relation to interactions between interim directions and cash-related contractual chain orders.
(5) Schedule 2, item 8, page 17 (line 10), before "A reference", insert "(1)".
(6) Schedule 2, item 8, page 17 (after line 16), after paragraph (c), insert:
(ca) section 195A (interactions with cash-related contractual chain orders);
(7) Schedule 2, item 8, page 17 (after line 21), at the end of the item, add:
(2) Section 195A (interactions with cash-related contractual chain orders) of the new Act applies as if the list of civil penalty provisions in paragraph (1)(b) of that section included the civil penalty provision in subitem 5(1) of this Schedule.
Therapeutic Goods Amendment (Medicines Shortages and Other Measures) Bill 2026
Therapeutic Goods (Charges) Amendment Bill 2026
Biosecurity Amendment (Improving Operational Efficiency) Bill 2026
Wine and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2026
Backing the industry through this federal budget is an investment in regional communities like ours.
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) the Wine Equalisation Tax (WET) taxes wine on its wholesale value rather than its alcohol content, unlike every other major alcohol category, which are taxed volumetrically;
(b) this structure subsidises the cheapest, highest-volume wine products, including cask wine, which can be purchased for as little as 24 cents per standard drink; and
(c) reform of the WET has been recommended by at least thirteen separate government reviews, including the 2010 Henry Tax Review, and is supported by the Royal Australasian College of Physicians, the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists, Cancer Council Australia, the Australian Medical Association, and the Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education; and
(2) calls on the government to bring forward, without further delay, a plan to replace the WET with a volumetric tax on wine, consistent with the taxation of beer and spirits".