Senate Summary for 26/03/2026

• DOCUMENTS
• The Clerk tabled documents as listed in the Dynamic Red, with full details recorded in the Journals of the Senate (Page 1).
• BILLS
• The Senate resumed discussion on the Housing Australia Amendment (Accountability) Bill 2025. Senator Ellie Whiteaker (ALP, Western Australia) expressed her approval and highlighted the positive impacts of the Labor government’s housing projects while criticizing the Liberal Party’s past inaction. The division resulted in 36 votes in favor and 25 against, leading to the bill’s passage in the third reading (Pages 1-2).
• The Housing Investment Probity Bill 2024, introduced by Senator Jonathon Duniam (LP, Tasmania), aimed to limit Housing Australia Future Fund (HAFF) investments related to the CFMEU. The bill was criticized during the second reading, and ultimately it did not pass, with a vote count of 26-36 (Page 3).
• Further Bills
• A discussion on Goods and Services Tax compliance addressed the government’s adherence to documentation requirements regarding GST distribution (Page 5). Senator Katy Gallagher reaffirmed the government’s compliance.
• Appropriation Bills (No. 3 and No. 4) and (Parliamentary Departments) Bill (No. 2) for 2025-2026 were introduced. Senator Bragg raised concerns about the government’s financial management. The bills received general opposition support and passed the second and third readings (Page 10).
• Notices and Orders for Document Production
• A motion by Senator Faruqi pointed out previous non-compliance with orders regarding housing matters, asking the Minister for Housing to produce more documents (Page 30).
• Discussion about Housing
• Senators debated the Home Guarantee Scheme, focusing on its impacts and government responses (Page 31). Senator Slade Brockman highlighted program shortcomings and their effects on young buyers (Page 34).
• Committee Reports
• Various bills were discussed addressing housing, social services, and government regulation of fuel prices amid geopolitical concerns (Pages 21-34). The Selection of Bills Committee report underscored the need for legislative scrutiny and government accountability (Page 21).
• Senator Gallagher proposed measures to improve Treasury Laws regarding ACCC enforcement penalties, suggesting limited speaking times and scheduled questions regarding the bill (Page 35). Senator Anne Ruston expressed coalition support for social security amendments while raising concerns about financial distress for recipients due to changes (Page 35).
• Senators expressed skepticism about the government’s ability to manage rising costs, with discussions on social security adequacy amidst economic pressures (Pages 37-42).
• Questions without notice targeted economic crises and the impact of international conflicts on fuel and social welfare (Pages 52-60).
• Fuel Prices and Economic Issues
• Senator O’Sullivan questioned the government’s crisis management regarding rising fuel prices, particularly their effect on holiday planning. Minister Gallagher assured that efforts were ongoing to address these issues, though faced criticism for perceived inadequacies (Pages 61-76).
• The Middle Eastern conflict was discussed as a key factor in rising fuel prices, with various senators calling for legislative changes to combat price gouging (Pages 78-83).
• Senator Wendy Askew highlighted the critical importance of the Liberty Bell Bay manganese smelter to Australian jobs and supply chain resilience while criticizing government inaction (Page 90).
• Senator Raff Ciccone spoke on Middle Eastern tensions, distinguishing between the Iranian regime and its citizens, and defended Australia’s military support for allies like the UAE (Page 91).

Throughout the proceedings, senators voiced concerns on various pressing issues including housing policies, economic management amidst crises, social security adequacy, and the impact of international relations on domestic affairs, reflecting a range of political strategies and public sentiment.