House of Reps Summary for 09/10/2025

Date of Proceedings: Thursday, 9 October 2025
Chamber: House of Representatives
Speaker: Hon. Milton Dick

Opening

• Speaker Milton Dick commenced the session with an acknowledgment of the country and prayers (Page 0).

Committees Discussion

• The Standing Committee on Appropriations and Administration presented report No. 33, titled Annual Report 2024-25 (Page 1).

Bills Section

• Treasury Laws Amendment (Payday Superannuation) Bill 2025: Introduced by Dr. Jim Chalmers, MP for Rankin and Treasurer, the bill aims to align superannuation payments with salary timelines for workers (Page 1).
• Superannuation Guarantee Charge Amendment Bill 2025: This bill seeks to impose penalties on employers for unpaid superannuation contributions (Page 3).
• Fair Work Amendment (Baby Priya’s) Bill 2025: Amanda Rishworth introduced this bill to clarify parental leave rights for parents dealing with stillbirth or child death, acknowledging the family’s advocacy for such measures (Page 3).
• Education Legislation Amendment (Integrity and Other Measures) Bill 2025: Minister Clare presented this bill intended to strengthen the education sector and enhance access for diverse student populations (Page 4).
• Multiple amendments were put forward to incorporate chronic disease prevention within the Australian Centre for Disease Control (CDC), underlining public health strategy discussions (Pages 12-39). Support for the CDC emphasized transparency and preparedness, drawn from the COVID-19 pandemic experiences.

Call for Urgency

• Julian Leeser MP called for urgency regarding the Crimes Amendment (Mandatory Minimum Sentences for Child Sexual Abuse) Bill 2025. Despite facing opposition, he stressed the necessity of strengthening child protection laws (Page 7).

Voting Session

• A division was held concerning the ongoing bills, leading to a clear majority in favor of passing multiple pieces of legislation (Page 7).

Remarks on Government Accountability

• Opposition members voiced issues regarding the transparency of the legislation process, particularly regarding the powers and funding of the CDC (Pages 10-20).

Final Votes

• The House voted on various bills, capturing a collective emphasis on public health preparedness and the CDC’s vital role in future health crises (Pages 12-39).

Conclusion of Bills

• Several bills were officially passed, including appropriation bills for parliamentary departments, reflecting the government’s fiscal strategies for future operations (Page 41). Multiple MPs reinforced the need for resilience in public healthcare in light of ongoing challenges (Pages 41-41).

Discussions on Legislation

• Amendments relating to the Freedom of Information Act 1982 and the Biosecurity Act 2015 were debated, focusing on the establishment of a new health authority. Concerns arose over potential confusion and clarity regarding authority transitions (Page 43).
• MPs voiced that public health must be prioritized and not rushed, with calls for further inquiry into the legislation (Page 43).
• Critiques were made regarding the reduction of the Chief Medical Officer’s role and worries over public confidence in health administration (Page 43).
• Transparency and accountability remained central issues, with claims about potential information withholding by officials undermining public trust (Page 44).

Statements by Members

• David Batt MP highlighted emergency preparedness due to climate-related disasters in Queensland (Page 43).
• Renee Coffey MP outlined the achievements of the Labor Government in healthcare and family support, while critiquing the opposition (Page 43).
• Anne Urquhart MP discussed the benefits of the Cheaper Home Batteries Program, advocating for renewable energy (Page 44).

Ongoing Issues

• A focus on manufacturing, renewable energy, and energy policy challenges was emphasized. Sussan Ley MP raised concerns about industry sustainability amid a transition to all-renewables (Pages 47-49).
• Allegra Spender MP questioned the government on freedom of information amendments in light of past failures like the Robodebt case (Page 56).
• Prime Minister Anthony Albanese addressed questions regarding child exploitation, affirming government’s commitment to children’s rights (Pages 49-60).

Local and Regional Issues

• Members raised concerns about energy costs, with Ms. Zaneta Mascarenhas arguing for collaboration on renewable energy funding (Page 67).
• Critiques were noted from Michelle Landry MP, relating to the Labor government’s focus on urban versus regional issues (Page 67).
• Discussions about the importance of local initiatives, women’s health, and treatment of domestic violence victims were prevalent, with calls for improved governmental responses and accountability.

Conclusion

• The report encapsulates extensive dialogues surrounding critical legislative proposals, highlighting health, transparency, and