Senate Summary for 25/11/2025

The Senate session on November 25, 2025, began with the Clerk tabling documents in accordance with the statute. Various committees proposed private meetings for upcoming dates.

Censure Motion

• Senator Penny Wong moved a censure motion against Senator Pauline Hanson due to actions perceived as disrespectful to Muslim Australians, aligning with Australia’s multicultural values. The motion received substantial support, passing with 46 votes in favor and 5 against.

Social Security and Legislation

• Debate commenced on the Social Security and Other Legislation Amendment (Technical Changes No. 2) Bill 2025, specifically addressing the government’s responses to the robodebt scandal. Senator Cox raised issues regarding the Bureau of Meteorology’s new online platform, urging for improvements due to negative impacts on farmers and fishers. A proposal for an independent audit was discussed.

Violence Against Women

• Senator Gallagher spoke on the government’s commitment to tackling violence against women, proposing increased funding for 1800RESPECT and related initiatives. Senator Waters highlighted the urgent need for improved frontline resources. Concerns about accountability in family violence services were raised by Senator Smith, while Senator Pocock called for better support for local healthcare resources.

Questions Without Notice

• Senator Dorinda Cox inquired about recovery efforts following Tropical Cyclone Fina, prompting a response from Senator Jenny McAllister, who outlined the government’s financial assistance and collaboration with the Northern Territory government for infrastructure rebuilding. Concerns regarding climate change disasters and investment in emergency management were discussed.
• Senator David Pocock questioned the potential impact of required budget cuts on the Australian Public Service, which Senator Katy Gallagher clarified were misrepresented, stating they were aimed at reassessing priorities rather than imposing cuts.

Energy Policies

• Senator Sarah Henderson raised issues related to the Belem declaration’s effects on coal and gas exports. Minister Don Farrell responded, underscoring the issue’s jurisdiction falls under the Minister for Climate Change and Energy.
• Criticisms continued as Senator Kovacic pointed out electricity prices remaining high despite government promises. Senators from both sides expressed dissatisfaction over the government’s handling of energy prices and social issues, including domestic violence and housing for vulnerable populations such as older women.

Legacy Acknowledgment

• The Senate also recognized the legacy of the late Hon. Graham Frederick Richardson AO, reflecting on his contributions to Australian politics and social causes.

Legislative Discussions

• The committee recommended significant amendments to the Surveillance Legislation Amendment (Identify and Disrupt) Bill 2020, particularly regarding oversight of the Australian Signals Directorate. Although the government acknowledged these recommendations, it deemed further responses unnecessary.

New Legislation

• Senator Tim Ayres introduced the Strengthening Oversight of the National Intelligence Community Bill 2025, aiming to expand oversight powers and bolster public trust in security measures. The second reading emphasized the need for enhancing intelligence agency accountability.

Community and Environmental Issues

• Discussions included youth homelessness, environmental impacts, and critiques of government actions regarding domestic and international matters, including funding in Ukraine and forestry’s role in conservation.
• The session also witnessed debates about the ABC’s impartiality and governance challenges, reflecting a range of societal issues.

Conclusion

• The Parliament adjourned at 21:38, concluding a session marked by significant political motions, social advocacy discussions, and legislative proposals targeting both domestic policies and national security.