- Competition and Consumer Amendment Bill:
- Senator Nick McKim (AG, Tasmania) proposed the Competition and Consumer Amendment (Make Price Gouging Illegal) Bill 2024, aiming to make price gouging a criminal offense. He criticized both the Labor and Liberal parties for their prior opposition to such measures, highlighting the detrimental effects of price gouging on Australian consumers (page 1).
- Senator Fatima Payman (AV, Western Australia) supported the bill, emphasizing the challenges consumers face against large corporate entities such as Coles and Woolworths (page 3).
- In opposition, Senator Malcolm Roberts (ON, Queensland) argued for enforcing existing laws over creating new ones (page 5).
- Senator Peter Whish-Wilson (AG, Tasmania) called for urgent reforms in light of the ongoing cost of living crisis (page 4).
- The bill was ultimately defeated with 29 votes against and 12 in favor, showing substantial resistance from both major parties (page 3).
- Defence Amendment (Parliamentary Joint Committee on Defence) Bill:
- Discussion transitioned to the Defence Amendment Bill, supported by Senator Michaelia Cash (LP, Western Australia), who underscored the need for enhanced parliamentary oversight in defence due to rising global tensions (page 10).
- Senator Shoebridge (AG) opposed the bill, terming it a method for political conflict as opposed to real oversight (page 14).
- Senator O’Neill (ALP) defended the amendment, considering it vital for responsible governance in defence matters (page 18).
- The bill passed after being read a second time (page 32).
- Notices and Other Business:
- Senators discussed various legislative notices, including the Interactive Gambling Amendment and the Telecommunications Legislation Amendment (pages 28-30).
- Senator Pocock raised a motion concerning human rights and accountability in Iran (page 30).
- Parliamentary Tensions and Proposals:
- The session reflected ongoing political tensions, particularly about representation in defence oversight. Senator Shoebridge criticized a lack of diverse perspectives in committee selections (page 38).
- Senator McAllister (ALP) refuted Shoebridge’s claims, defending committee practices as adhering to democratic norms (page 38).
- Senator Roberts sought broader representation to ensure accountability in significant expenditures like AUKUS contracts (pages 38-39).
- Several amendments proposed by minor parties were rejected in a division (page 39).
- Cost-of-Living Concerns:
- Senators emphasized increasing cost-of-living pressures faced by Australians, discussing energy prices and economic challenges affecting families (pages 43-44). Specific focus was placed on transitioning towards renewable energy whilst addressing immediate economic needs (pages 44-54).
- Aged Care Crisis:
- Discussions highlighted a systemic crisis in the aged care sector, stressing the government’s responsibility to ensure adequate support for older Australians (pages 55-58).
- Defence Property and Economic Management:
- The session underscored the importance of renewing defence properties deemed unfit for purpose, with commitments towards improving facilities for national security highlighted (pages 49-50).
- Senator Tim Ayres provided updates regarding government processing of documents in response to parliamentary inquiries (page 59).
- Housing Affordability Debates:
- Senator Fatima Payman raised concerns over the implications of the 5% deposit scheme on housing affordability (page 60).
- Senator Bragg critiqued the government’s handling of freedom of information processes, linking it to housing price issues (pages 61-63).
- Senator Barbara Pocock highlighted the broader housing crisis and the need for accountability in government policy (pages 63-64).
- Broader Economic Discussions:
- Various senators, including Senator Richard Colbeck, called for responsible fiscal policy, reflecting dissatisfaction with the government’s economic management (pages 62-64).
- Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price denounced government spending practices, arguing they negatively influence household finances and contribute to national debt (pages 65-66).
- Multiple committees provided reports regarding legislative changes and the government’s response to public inquiries (pages 70-79).
- Legislative Developments:
- Senator Ayres introduced readings for bills including the Copyright Amendment Bill 2026 and the Health Legislation Amendment (Prescribing of Pharmaceutical Benefits) Bill 2025, underlining their significance to citizens’ rights (pages 82-89).
- Concluding Remarks:
- The session culminated with discussions on government transparency and the need for ethical practices in dealings with consulting firms (pages 89-91).
- Senator Henderson initiated a motion highlighting the rising costs of essential goods under the current government, calling for urgent action to tackle the cost of living crisis (pages 92-93).
- Discussions highlighted the urgent need for systemic reform in various sectors, reflecting broader political dynamics as parliament moves forward (page 96).
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