Senate Summary for 26/11/2025

The proceedings on November 26, 2025, in the Senate of Australia’s Parliament, chaired by Senator Sue Lines, covered various critical issues impacting Australian society.

Major Outcomes

Tabling of Documents

• The Clerk announced the tabling of documents, which are detailed in the Journals of the Senate (Page 1).

Committee Meetings

• Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Committees arranged a private meeting at 9:10 AM.
• The Migration Joint Standing Committee planned a private meeting at 10 AM focusing on the benefits of skilled migration.
• The Select Committee on Productivity in Australia scheduled a meeting for 1 PM on November 27 (Page 1).

Immigration Legislation

• Senator Malarndirri McCarthy (Labor Party) moved the Plebiscite (Future Migration Level) Bill 2018 for consideration (Page 1).
• Senator Malcolm Roberts (PHON) supported the bill, arguing that a plebiscite is necessary to address immigration levels directly, citing pressures on housing and concerns about illegal immigration (Pages 1-2).
• Conversely, Senator Paul Scarr (LP) opposed the bill, labeling immigration debates as overly complex and asserting that Australia’s current immigration rates are problematic (Page 3).
• Senator Sean Bell (PHON) echoed the need for limiting immigration, emphasizing community impacts and housing affordability (Pages 5-6).
• Senator Fatima Payman (AV) criticized the proposed bill as a mere “stunt” lacking legal effect and urged a compassionate dialogue on immigration (Pages 7-8).

Social Security and Human Rights

• Proposed amendments by Senator Penny Allman-Payne targeted debt recovery processes to enhance social equity (Pages 11-13). Discussions highlighted the need for reforms to address financial crises affecting vulnerable individuals.
• Senator David Pocock’s advocacy for human rights focused on Schedule 5 of a legislation, criticizing its perceived lack of oversight (Pages 20-21).

Geelong Treaty Implementation Bill 2025

• Senator Maria Kovacic (LP) argued for the Customs Tariff Amendment, emphasizing its importance for defense partnerships under AUKUS (Pages 24-26).
• Senator David Shoebridge (AG) opposed this bill, expressing concerns regarding enhanced military powers that might compromise Australia’s autonomy (Pages 26-29).

Domestic Violence and Social Issues

• The motion regarding Domestic and Family Violence drew attention to urgent societal issues, with various senators, including Senator Kovacic, advocating for systemic support against violence (Page 33).

Key Discussions on Critical Issues

• Senator Ellie Whiteaker (ALP) discoursed on the bilateral framework with the US for critical minerals, emphasizing its relevance for defense technology and economic resilience (Page 37).
• Senator Tyron Whitten (PHON) raised concerns about wind turbine safety following asbestos discoveries, demanding government intervention (Page 38).
• Discussions on cybersafety, particularly a social media ban for children under 16, were criticized by Senator Fatima Payman for lacking inclusivity and transparency (Page 39).
• Housing Crisis: Senators expressed concerns over rising housing costs, with Senator Bridget McKenzie (NATS) stating that government actions have failed to address these challenges adequately (Page 41).
• In speaking against the rising crime proposal of life sentences for 14-year-olds, Senator Mehreen Faruqi highlighted issues within the youth justice system that disproportionately impact Indigenous children (Page 42).

CSIRO Job Cuts

• The ongoing job cuts at CSIRO led to significant discourse, initiated by Senator Whish-Wilson, emphasizing their detrimental impact on scientific research and public service (Page 8). Various senators criticized the current funding approaches and mismanagement leading to these cuts, arguing for a commitment to scientific and research integrity (Pages 94-95).

Conclusion

The session on November 26 addressed significant legislative matters, notably immigration, social security, women’s rights, and the housing crisis. It underscored a broad consensus for reform while showcasing partisan divides on how best to approach these pressing issues affecting Australian communities.