Key Legislative Reports and Developments

Universities Accord Bill

The Universities Accord (National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-based Violence) Bill 2025 was introduced to address gender-based violence in educational institutions. Minister for Education Jason Clare emphasized the need for reporting protocols, educational programs, and trauma-informed responses.

Criminal Code Amendment (Hate Crimes) Bill 2024

This bill aimed to refine definitions and increase penalties for hate crimes, reflecting ongoing national debates about security and discrimination.

Scams Prevention Framework Bill

Addressing the $2.7 billion lost to scams in the past year, this bill proposed industry-wide protective measures, mandatory compliance codes, and civil penalties. MPs debated stakeholder concerns about double liability and consumer protections, with Independent MP Andrew Wilkie pushing for stronger victim compensation models.

Economic Concerns and Energy Regulation

Discussions covered tax relief for small businesses, the future of energy affordability, and restructuring the Australian Energy Regulator to enhance market stability.

Petitions Committee Report

A diverse set of petitions underscored significant public concerns, including:

• Parent Visa Delays
• Environmental Protections and Mining Restrictions
• Media Bias at ABC
• National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Funding
• Women’s Health and Abortion Access
• Foreign Policy Sanctions on Israel, Iran, and Myanmar

Ministerial responses included announcements on foreign interference countermeasures, family law reforms, and electoral transparency initiatives.

Key Parliamentary Debates

Defence and Veteran Affairs

The Defence Service Homes Amendment (Insurance) Bill 2025 passed without amendment, while the Veterans’ Entitlements, Treatment and Support Bill 2024 underwent Senate review, highlighting continued investment in veterans’ services.

Cost of Living and Taxation

MPs debated negative gearing policies, bulk-billing rates, and inflation control, with partisan divides over economic management strategies.

Energy Infrastructure and Climate Policy

The Electricity Infrastructure Legislation Amendment Bill 2025 triggered heated debate over transparency and the impact of energy price hikes on manufacturing. Concerns were raised over renewable energy project costs and local community benefits.

Community and Social Reforms

Early Childhood Education and Care (Three Day Guarantee) Bill 2025

Aimed at improving childcare access, this bill proposed guaranteed childcare for families earning up to $530,000 annually. Debate centered on equity in funding, workforce participation, and rural accessibility.

Women’s Health Initiatives

Assistant Minister for Health Ged Kearney outlined new measures including menstrual hygiene support for First Nations women, expanded reproductive healthcare access, and increased women’s representation in policymaking.

Silica Exposure and Worker Safety

MPs discussed the Customs Amendment (Expedited Seizure and Disposal of Engineered Stone) Bill 2024, banning engineered stone imports to prevent silicosis risks.

Tributes and Community Recognition

• Tributes to Anthony Messner and Kevin James Andrews highlighted their contributions to Australian politics.
• MPs acknowledged Australia Day Award recipients and community volunteers for their service.
• Bruce Pawley was recognized for his work at Bankstown RSL.

Conclusion

The February 2025 sessions in the House of Representatives reflected intense debates on economic challenges, energy policy, scam prevention, social reforms, and veterans’ affairs. Government and opposition parties clashed over cost-of-living measures, women’s health policies, and the transparency of legislative amendments, emphasizing the complexities of Australian governance.