- Date of proceedings: November 3, 2025
- Chamber: Senate
- President: Senator Sue Lines
Key Outcomes
Tabling of Documents
– The Clerk tabled documents pursuant to statute (Page 1).
Committee Discussions
– Meetings were discussed concerning the Environment and Communications References Committee and the Information Integrity on Climate Change and Energy Select Committee (Page 1).
Fair Work Amendment (Baby Priya’s) Bill 2025
– Senator Katy Gallagher moved to limit debate on the Fair Work Amendment (Baby Priya’s) Bill 2025, with all remaining questions to be put at 1 PM (Page 1).
– Senators Malcolm Roberts and Matthew Canavan opposed the limitation, arguing it hindered important debates about stillbirths (Page 1).
– Minister Gallagher defended the decision to manage discussion time while ensuring necessary amendments and clarity for grieving parents (Page 3).
Bill Overview
– The bill aims to secure entitlements for parents who experience stillbirth or infant loss, highlighting the emotional toll of these events (Page 5).
– Senator Gallagher discussed the importance of not losing parental leave in tragic situations, referencing Baby Priya’s case (Page 6).
– Bipartisan support was noted, with Senators including Anne Ruston acknowledging the compassion needed for families (Pages 6-8).
Amendments and Discussions
– There was pushback against perceived issues in the bill regarding voluntary terminations from Senator Malcolm Roberts (Page 14).
– Senator Gallagher countered, asserting the importance of the bill in providing support during loss and clarifying parental leave policies (Page 15).
– Discussion included emotional testimonies and reflections on loss (Pages 23-28).
Superannuation Contributions
– Questions arose regarding the implementation of superannuation contributions alongside salary mandates, discussed by Senators Paterson, Whiteaker, and Mulholland (Pages 28-35).
Energy Prices
– Senator McKenzie questioned Senator Gallagher about rising electricity costs and policy implications, with Gallagher attributing issues to historical policies and outlining current government actions to support households (Pages 38-39).
Women’s Health Policies
– Senator Smith inquired about new health measures for women, focusing on accessibility to contraceptives, which Gallagher confirmed as a government priority (Page 39).
Climate Change Discussion
– Debate arose surrounding commitments to reduce livestock emissions, with questions from Senator Whitten and responses from Minister McCarthy expressing current strategies towards methane reduction (Page 40).
Environmental Policies and Accountability
– Senator Waters challenged the government’s climate policies, to which Minister Watt defended environmental reforms amid allegations of favoritism to fossil fuels (Page 41).
Housing Policies
– Senator Bragg highlighted increased home prices, discussing government measures to assist first-time buyers with Senator Wong responding on supply enhancement (Page 49).
Various Legislative Changes and Proposals
– Senator AYRES introduced several bills, including the Administrative Review Tribunal and Education Legislation Amendment Bills, aimed at improving regulatory decision-making and education integrity (Page 85).
– A discussion ensued regarding the Treasury Laws Amendment (Payday Superannuation) Bill, with support for timely super contributions expressed by various senators alongside concerns raised about impacts on small businesses (Pages 93-107).
Community Engagement and Cultural Events
– Senator Ciccone acknowledged the Oakleigh Glendi and Ohi Day for their cultural significance and contributions to community spirit (Pages 110).
Session Conclusion
– The Senate session adjourned at 20:18 after a motion proposed by Senator Sharma was agreed upon.
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