- The proceedings on 12 February 2026 focused on several key topics including the acknowledgment of the late cartoonist Jon Kudelka, significant legislative proposals, and various member statements.
- Prime Minister Anthony Albanese paid tribute to Jon Kudelka during the STATEMENTS ON INDULGENCE, highlighting his influential contributions to the arts, particularly in Tasmania (Page 1).
- Speaker Milton Dick reported on an Australian Parliamentary Delegation to Zambia and Mauritius, which took place from 21 to 27 September 2025. He noted it was potentially the first all-female delegation led by a Speaker, emphasizing the significance of fostering international parliamentary relations (Page 1).
- Two notable bills were introduced:
- The Health Legislation Amendment (Improving Choice and Transparency for Private Health Consumers) Bill 2026 by Mark Butler, Minister for Health, aiming to enhance transparency in health costs (Page 2).
- The Treasury Laws Amendment (Financial Reporting System Reform) Bill 2026 by Daniel Mulino, Assistant Treasurer, intended to modernize the financial reporting system through the establishment of External Reporting Australia (ERA) (Page 3).
- The TRUSTEESHIP BILLS included discussions on the Treasury Laws Amendment (Supporting Choice in Superannuation and Other Measures) Bill 2025, focused on promoting consumer choice in superannuation (Page 5).
- The Australian Security Intelligence Organisation Amendment Bill (No. 2) 2025 was mentioned, with the Speaker noting its return from the Federation Chamber due to unresolved queries (Page 5).
- A series of amendments and votes took place:
- A proposed amendment regarding ASIO questioning powers was debated, with Julie-Ann Campbell’s emphasis on retaining sunsetting clauses for necessary oversight (Page 7).
- The Opposition Leader Tony Burke argued against the amendment, favoring the necessity for permanent questioning powers due to national security concerns (Page 8).
- Appropriation Bills also sparked debate, particularly by Ted O’Brien, who criticized government spending and its correlation with inflation and cost-of-living challenges faced by families (Page 12). Sussan Ley echoed this concern, critiquing the impact of spending policies on national debt (Page 29).
- In recognition of the 18th anniversary of the National Apology to Indigenous Australians, Minister Albanese reaffirmed the government’s commitment to addressing socio-economic disparities, announcing enhanced investment in Indigenous health and housing (Page 27).
- In the Statements by Members section, various members discussed pressing issues:
- Cassandra Fernando discussed the home deposit scheme, helping first home buyers (Page 40).
- Monique Ryan celebrated the Lunar New Year, recognizing the importance of multicultural contributions (Page 41).
- Sam Lim voiced support for the Burmese community amid ongoing struggles in Myanmar (Page 41).
- Ali France raised awareness about domestic violence and government funding for support services (Page 41).
- Tanya Plibersek addressed gender pay inequality and government measures to narrow the gap (Page 49).
- Chris Bowen discussed commitments to affordable energy solutions and criticism of past policies (Page 51).
- Several members highlighted local achievements and ongoing issues in their electorates, discussing matters such as economic impacts of rising costs, community contributions, and the importance of various government initiatives aimed at supporting families and local communities.
- The proceedings encapsulated the current political landscape in Australia, with active debates on economic management, social issues, and legislative reforms influencing the government’s agenda moving forward.
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