House of Reps Summary for 12/02/2025

Session Details

• Date: February 12, 2025
• Chair: Hon. Milton Dick
• Time: 09:00
• Location: House of Representatives

Significant Matters

• Women’s Health:
• Presented by Ged Kearney MP, Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care (ALP, Cooper) (pages 1-3).
• Addressed systemic issues in women’s healthcare, including gender bias and inadequate pain management.
• Noted investments in women’s health, like menstrual hygiene products for First Nations women and enhanced access to reproductive health services.
• Stressed the need for women’s representation in decision-making roles.

Response from the Opposition

• Sussan Ley MP (Deputy Leader of the Opposition, Liberal Party, Farrer) responded (page 3).
• Acknowledged past shortcomings in women’s health initiatives.
• Committed to supporting policies without politicizing them.
• Promised to match recent government commitments in women’s health.

Legislative Business

• Discussed various bills, including the Pacific Banking Guarantee Bill 2025 and legislation related to women’s health and telecommunications (pages 5-6, 15).

Childcare Policies

• Early Childhood Education and Care (Three Day Guarantee) Bill 2025:
• Aimed at improving access to childcare by guaranteeing three days of care per fortnight (pages 18-22).
• Emma McBride MP highlighted its positive impacts on working families and women’s workforce participation.

Community Developments

• Infrastructure Projects:
• MPs discussed contributions to regional towns, focusing on local hospital redevelopment and public service improvements (pages 30-33).

Constituency Statements

• MPs such as Helen Haines and Melissa McIntosh addressed constituency issues, including healthcare in Albury Wodonga and local road funding delays (pages 30-32).

Australia Day Awards

• Andrew Willcox MP recognized local Australia Day Awards for community contributions (page 34).

Pawley Tribute

• Jason Clare MP paid tribute to Bruce Pawley for his efforts at Bankstown RSL, benefiting veterans and families (page 34).

Ongoing Legislative Discussions

• Continued discourse on various bills impacting public policy, especially in education, health, and community services (pages 35-40).

Future Plans and Concerns

• Discussions emphasized enhancing childcare affordability and support for women and families (pages 22-23).

Silica and Worker Safety

• Addressed legislative reforms regarding silica exposure and associated health risks (pages 35-38).
• The Customs Amendment (Expedited Seizure and Disposal of Engineered Stone) Bill 2024 was presented to reinforce the ban on engineered stone imports (page 41).
• Tony Zappia MP focused on silicosis prevention due to historical lessons learned from asbestos use (pages 41-42).
• Matt Thistlethwaite MP highlighted the importance of the bill in enhancing worker safety and border control measures (page 42).

Condolence Motion

• Motion for Hon. Kevin James Andrews AM following his passing (page 43).
• MPs shared tributes, emphasizing Andrews’ service from 1991 to 2022.
• Kate Thwaites MP praised his dignity and respect in public discourse.
• Michael Sukkar MP called Andrews a “giant of Australian politics” (page 44).
• Scott Buchholz MP expressed admiration and encouraged reflection on Andrews’ legacy (page 48).

Conclusion

• The session formally concluded with a motion to continue further proceedings in the House, marking the end of the discussions (page 49).