Senate Summary for 26/03/2025

• The session commenced at 09:00 with the Clerk tabling documents essential to statutory requirements, further details of which will be found in the Journals of the Senate. (Page 1)

Committees

• A private meeting of the Human Rights—Joint Statutory Committee was scheduled for 11 am, with no objections raised. (Page 1)

Bills and Legislative Discussions

Criminal Code Amendment (Genocide, Crimes Against Humanity and War Crimes) Bill 2024

• Senator Lidia Thorpe opposed past policies linked to injustices against First Nations Peoples, calling for prosecutions related to historical atrocities. She criticized provisions allowing the Attorney-General to block these prosecutions. (Pages 1-3)
• Senator Michaelia Cash countered, arguing that the bill would remove necessary safeguards and risk misuse by activists. (Page 3)
• Senator David Shoebridge supported the bill, insisting on the need to remove political discretion from genocide prosecutions, referencing recent events in Gaza. (Pages 4-6)
• Senator Dorinda Cox expressed strong support for the bill, advocating for systemic change. (Page 6)

Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Amendment (Reconsiderations) Bill 2025

• Senator Sarah Hanson-Young condemned the bill as favoring corporate interests over environmental protections and highlighted the government’s incompetency in addressing urgent environmental issues. (Pages 11-12)
• Senator Richard Colbeck critiqued the government for neglecting the salmon industry and local communities, describing its methods as not scientifically grounded. (Pages 17-19)

Economic and Social Issues

• Senator Fatima Payman and others expressed dissatisfaction with the government’s budgetary handling, particularly regarding the housing crisis and living costs. (Pages 31-39)
• Senator Jacqui Lambie raised concerns about government neglect of the Australian ugg boot industry amidst international trademark disputes. (Pages 34-36)
• Senator Dave Sharma criticized the Labor budget for lacking credibility and not assisting struggling households or businesses. (Page 39)
• Senator Nita Green defended the budget, asserting it benefits Queensland significantly with substantial funding. (Page 39)

Additional Key Speeches

• Senator Nick McKim condemned the government for favoring billionaires and corporate interests, proposing measures to alleviate housing issues. (Page 40)
• Senator Pauline Hanson criticized both major parties for financial mismanagement leading to immense national debt. (Page 41)
• Senator Fatima Payman pushed for stronger whistleblower protections. (Page 41)
• Senator Dorinda Cox opposed the Northern Territory’s Territory Coordinator Act, arguing it undermines community self-determination. (Page 42)

Legislative Outcomes

• The National Broadband Network Companies Amendment Bill 2024, promoting public ownership of the NBN, saw voting with 36 votes in favor and 28 against, and the bill was passed for a second time. (Page 134)
• An amendment to the NBN bill was rejected with 13 AYES against 30 NOES. (Page 137)
• The Treasury Laws Amendment (More Cost of Living Relief) Bill 2025 was introduced and passed through readings, despite a failed amendment that sought to raise corporate taxes for essential services. (Pages 138-140)
• The Treasury Laws Amendment (Tax Incentives and Integrity) Bill 2025 was also successfully passed. (Pages 142)

Conclusion of Session

• The Senate was adjourned until May 6, 2025, concluding the proceedings at 11:29 PM. (Page 143)

The session exhibited passionate debates on various critical issues, highlighting contrasting views on human rights, environmental responsibility, economic policies, and governance.