House of Reps Summary for 31/07/2025

Major Outcomes from the Proceedings on 31st July 2025

Significant Matters Statements

• The House focused on Aboriginal Deaths in Custody, highlighting ongoing concerns around First Nations deaths since the 1991 Royal Commission (Page 1).

Amanda Rishworth’s Speech

• MP Amanda Rishworth (Kingston) condemned the 602 deaths and mentioned the distress within the community following the death of Kumanjayi White in police custody (Page 1).
• She outlined government efforts like vigils and discussions on Closing the Gap, emphasizing the need for justice system reform and further investments in Indigenous communities (Pages 1-2).

Julian Leeser’s Response

• Julian Leeser (Berowra, Liberal Party) thanked Rishworth and expressed condolences to Walker’s family. He stressed the need for practical actions to eliminate risks of deaths in custody (Pages 2-3).

Zali Steggall’s Remarks

• Zali Steggall (Warringah, Independent) criticized systemic injustices faced by Indigenous Australians, advocating for community-led solutions to reduce youth incarceration (Pages 3-4).

Marion Scrymgour’s Input

• Marion Scrymgour (Lingiari) called for an independent inquiry into the issue, highlighting personal connections to the deaths and the presence of institutional racism in the Northern Territory police (Pages 4-5).

Additional Discussions

• Srebrenica Genocide: Julian Hill (Bruce) marked the anniversary of the genocide, emphasizing the importance of remembrance (Page 5).
• Talks on worker rights focused on penalty rates and overtime in the Fair Work System (Pages 6-8).

Legislation

• The Commonwealth Workplace Protection Orders Bill 2025 was discussed, aimed at improving safety for Commonwealth employees. Emphasis was placed on the necessity for protective policies following violence against public workers (Pages 6-8, 22-34).

Response to Small Business Concerns

• Members voiced concern over the impacts of new legislation on small businesses, calling for better consultation before changes to penalty rates (Pages 28-29).

Other Notable Legislative Proposals

• MR WILKIE proposed social security amendments related to the Robodebt scheme’s reforms (Page 2).
• MS STEGGALL introduced a bill for a national climate change adaptation framework (Page 3).
• MS LE proposed amendments to enhance fairness in the Higher Education Support Act 2003 (Page 4).
• MR THOMPSON addressed NDIS provider concerns amidst transport allowance changes, calling for a deferral of legislation (Page 5).
• Discussions highlighted educational initiatives tied to vocational education (Page 6).
• MS BELL criticized the government’s environmental engagement (Page 7), while MS JARRETT praised advancements in economic equality for women (Page 8).

Community Engagement and Contributions

• Speeches recognized community achievements and efforts in health, education, and volunteerism, celebrating local organizations and individuals (Pages 77-92).

Closing Discussions

• The session included acknowledgments of significant community events and ongoing health and welfare challenges (Pages 75-100).

Specific Health Concerns

• Melissa McIntosh (Lindsay) raised urgent climate issues impacting marine life, criticizing government responses to toxic algae and climate change while also discussing Medicare accessibility challenges in her community (Page 100).

Tertiary Education Reforms

• Zhi Soon (Banks) spoke on legislation reducing student debt by 20% for millions, outlining commitments to expanding access to education and alleviating cost-of-living pressures for students (Page 101).

Conclusion

The session encapsulated broad discussions on social justice, Indigenous rights, labor protections, community engagement, and legislative reforms aimed at enhancing the welfare of marginalized groups across Australia.