Senate Summary for 26/08/2025

Proceedings Overview

• The Senate of Australia convened on August 26, 2025, under the chairmanship of President Senator Sue Lines at 12:00 PM (Page 0).

Document Presentation

• The Clerk presented several documents pursuant to statute and returns to order, with details to be documented in the Journals of the Senate (Page 1).

Committee Proposals

• Proposals for upcoming committee meetings were announced, covering various topics including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs, Corporations and Financial Services, and others (Page 1).

Fair Work Amendment Bill Discussion

• Fair Work Amendment (Protecting Penalty and Overtime Rates) Bill 2025:
• The bill aims to ensure that penalty and overtime rates are not diminished in modern awards (Page 1).
• Senator Helen Polley supported the bill, stressing its importance for workers in retail and hospitality (Page 1).
• Support for the bill was echoed by Senators Carol Brown and Larissa Waters, who emphasized protections for vulnerable workers (Pages 2-4).
• Senator Jana Stewart highlighted the adverse effects of prior penalty rate reductions in regional Victoria and called for the current legislation (Page 4).

Various Statements and Issues Raised

• Senators discussed topics including environmental conservation, the fishing industry, and Indigenous community transitions (Pages 15-20).

Questions Without Notice

• Senator James McGrath questioned government tax policies and the potential for new taxes, specifically regarding their impact on living standards (Pages 20-22).
• Minister Penny Wong defended the government’s stance and characterized opposition claims as scaremongering.
• Discussions continued on the government’s strategies for addressing housing supply issues, focusing on the Home Guarantee Scheme (Pages 22-24).
• Oversight regarding the National Disability Insurance Scheme was also addressed, particularly concerning accessibility for the disabled (Pages 25-26).

Taxation Concerns and Government Accountability

• Senator McKenzie raised concerns over tax increases and their effects on living standards, specifically questioning the Minister for Finance, Senator Gallagher (Page 30).
• Gallagher defended previous tax proposals from the opposition, asserting their current stance on maintaining existing tax policies (Page 30).
• Discussions on the implications of a proposed “spare bedroom tax” surfaced, with calls for transparency in government tax policies (Page 30-51).
• Senator McLachlan raised issues regarding housing market interventions and their unintended consequences (Page 31).
• Overall, a significant divide remained between the government and opposition regarding taxation and housing policy.

Additional Legislative Matters

• Several bills were discussed, including:
• Customs Amendment related to the Australia-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (Page 58).
• A disallowance motion concerning the Tax Assessment (Build to Rent Developments) Determination by Senator Bragg, who criticized the government’s housing approach (Page 59).
• Senator Ananda-Rajah defended the build-to-rent model as a solution for housing affordability (Page 59).

Other Legislative Discussions

• Senator Sarah Henderson questioned the Fair Work Amendment Bill, urging caution about its impact on small businesses (Pages 72-74).
• Senator Anne Ruston addressed Aged Care Amendments, connecting them to previous government reforms (Page 76).
• National security concerns were raised by Senator Dave Sharma regarding recent terrorist acts linked to the Iranian government (Page 82).
• Concerns regarding immigration policies were expressed by Senator Hanson, advocating for stricter controls (Page 88).

Community Issues

• Senator Jacqui Lambie discussed the Eden Westbrook case, urging thorough investigation due to community frustration (Page 85).
• The humanitarian crisis in Gaza was addressed by Senator David Shoebridge, highlighting the need for civilian protection (Page 81).
• Senator Bridget McKenzie opposed renewable energy transitions in Western Australia, citing potential community harm (Page 78).

Conclusion of Proceedings

• The session concluded with procedural votes on motions related to housing, climate risks, and financial governance (Pages 56-58).
• Document reviews of public sector appointments were tabled by Senator Jess Walsh (Page 58), and a message concerning the National Anti-Corruption Commission was conveyed by Senator Glenn Sterle (Page 58).