Senate Summary for 29/07/2025

Tabling of Documents

• The Clerk presented documents pursuant to statute as listed on Dynamic Red, with full details recorded in the Journals of the Senate (page 1).

Committee Meetings

• Various committees proposed meeting times, including:
• Community Affairs
• Education and Employment
• Legal and Constitutional Affairs (page 1).

Bill Discussions

Health Legislation Amendment (Improved Medicare Integrity and Other Measures) Bill 2025

• An amendment proposed by Senator Hanson was negatived, and the bill was reported without amendment (page 1).
• The bill underwent a third reading led by Senator McAllister, which was agreed upon (page 2).

Universities Accord (National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-based Violence) Bill 2025

• This bill was introduced alongside a consequential amendments bill, addressing Anti-Semitism on campuses (page 2).
• Senators Blyth and Green emphasized the need for accountability and adequate responses to gender-based violence in universities (page 3).

Statements by Senators

• Senators discussed topics including:
• Transgender athletes in sport.
• Domestic and family violence.
• Community support initiatives for safety on campuses (page 13).

Questions Without Notice

• Senator Ruston questioned the Prime Minister regarding claims about Medicare and bulk billing, while Senator Wong affirmed the government’s commitment to Medicare (page 18).

International Relations and Tariffs

• Concerns were raised about tariffs imposed by the United States affecting Australian exports (pages 22-23).

Climate Change

• Senator Waters expressed urgency regarding climate change responses, particularly concerning Australia’s responsibilities to Pacific island nations (page 23).

Darwin Port Deal

• Discussions highlighted calls for the Darwin Port to return to Australian control due to concerns about national sovereignty (page 27).

Renewable Energy Policies

• Senator Murray Watt supported renewable energy initiatives, criticizing opposition leader Senator Cash’s stance on net zero commitments (page 28).
• Senator Richard Dowling raised the importance of consistent environmental approval policies to attract investments (page 28).

Trade Relations with the United States

• Senator Paul Scarr questioned transparency regarding discussions between the Prime Minister and the U.S., particularly about beef import bans (page 28-29).

Housing Affordability

• Critics of past and current policies dominated discussions on housing affordability, focusing on regulatory impacts of the CFMEU (page 32-33).

Online Safety Code

• The upcoming online safety code, requiring face scans or ID checks, raised concerns about digital surveillance, especially for vulnerable groups (pages 58-59).
• Senators Payman, Kovacic, Roberts, Antic, and Babet voiced various criticisms of the code’s implications (pages 59-61).
• A division on an urgent motion concerning the code resulted in 38 votes in support and 25 against (page 61).

Universities Accord (Cutting Student Debt by 20 Per Cent) Bill 2025

• Senator McAllister introduced the bill aimed at reducing student debt through a proposed 20% cut (page 62).
• Various senators shared differing opinions on the bill, with some arguing it inadequately addressed broader economic challenges and inequities (pages 63-77).
• The session highlighted the need for educational reform and support for students amidst rising costs (pages 77-76).

Closing Remarks

• Senators paid tributes to the late Martin Bruce Cameron for his political legacy (pages 38-39).
• The session concluded with procedural motions and notices, indicating ongoing activity among senators (pages 44-49).

Adjournment

• The Senate adjourned at 20:02 after concluding discussions on various key topics.