House of Reps Summary for 10/02/2026

• The House of Representatives convened on February 10, 2026, under the Chairmanship of Hon. Milton Dick. The session focused on the consideration of various bills.

Major Bills Discussed

• Universities Accord (Australian Tertiary Education Commission) Bill 2025:
• An amendment proposed by the member for Berowra was put to a division, resulting in 39 AYES and 96 NOES (page 1). The bill was subsequently agreed upon (page 2).
• Universities Accord (Australian Tertiary Education Commission) (Consequential and Transitional Provisions) Bill 2025:
• A second reading emphasized its role in facilitating discussions around education reform. The bill was also agreed to (page 2).
• Law and Justice Legislation Amendment (New South Wales Local Court) Bill 2026:
• This bill aims to align federal laws with changes in New South Wales’ court system. The coalition supported this technical measure for ensuring consistency in law (page 3).
• National Health Amendment (Passive Immunological Products) Bill 2026:
• The bill focuses on enhancing access to immunization products such as those for RSV, gaining endorsement from the opposition for its importance in addressing healthcare disparities (pages 4-6).
• Social Security and Other Legislation Amendment (Technical Changes No. 1) Bill 2026:
• This legislation aims at improving the clarity and functioning of existing welfare arrangements (pages 6-7).
• National Commission for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children and Young People Bill 2026:
• The bill faced criticism for potentially duplicating existing roles without adequately addressing systemic issues affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children (page 9).

Other Discussions and Concerns

• Illegal Fishing:
• A debate highlighted the adverse effects of illegal fishing in Australian waters, prompting operations like Operation BROADSTAFF to tackle these issues (page 28).
• Local Issues:
• Members raised topics like the closure of bank branches in regional areas and grassroots community efforts for memorials, underlining local needs (page 16).
• Healthcare Services:
• Discussions centered on expanding Medicare, increasing the number of general practitioners, and responding to evolving healthcare needs (pages 20-26).
• Cost of Living and Inflation:
• Questions about the government’s response to inflation and the cost of living crisis were posed, highlighting urgent national issues (pages 20-30).

Migration Debate

• Public Importance Matter on Migration:
• Bob Katter MP emphasized high migration levels and proposed a policy of ‘no migration without integration,’ raising concerns about Australia’s future demographics (page 30).
• Counterarguments:
• Julian Hill MP defended migration as essential for diversity, clarifying the government’s approach as one of management rather than chaos (p. 32).
• Rational Migration Discussions:
• Rebekha Sharkie MP called for policy integration on migration and housing (p. 34), while Joanne Ryan MP rebuffed negative rhetoric against immigrants, pointing to First Nations contributions (p. 35).
• Calls for Accountability:
• Assistant Minister Ged Kearney (p. 64) and Kara Cook MP (p. 71) supported the commission aimed at benefiting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and addressing systemic issues.

Additional Remarks

• Expressions of Gratitude and Recognition:
• Personal tributes were made regarding community contributions, such as those by Mick from Holstep Health (page 73) and surf lifesaving champion Ali Day (page 73).
• Economic Critique:
• Andrew Wallace MP criticized the government’s economic policies for rising inflation and cost-of-living impacts (page 74).
• Community Engagement:
• Ongoing discussions reflected a commitment to addressing issues ranging from aged care system failures (Dr. Anne Webster, p. 87) to agricultural sector challenges (Rick Wilson, p. 92).

Overall Impression

The parliamentary session stressed the need for legislation and discussions to address systemic issues faced by diverse communities in Australia, aiming for comprehensive reforms and enhanced responsiveness to local needs.