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Last updated: Tuesday, 31 March 2026 at 2:16 PMNo updates available
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Draft House Minutes

No. 52

Tuesday, 31 March 2026

- 12:00:08 PM

 1The House met, at 12 noon, pursuant to adjournment. The Speaker (the Honourable M. Dick) took the Chair, made an acknowledgement of country and read prayers.


- 12:00:59 PM

 2BILL DECLARED REFERRED TO FEDERATION CHAMBER

Mr Burke (Leader of the House) declared that, unless otherwise ordered, thHigh Seas Biodiversity Bill 2026 stands referred to the Federation Chamber for further consideration.


- 12:01:22 PM

 3SUSPENSION OF STANDING AND SESSIONAL ORDERS

Mr Burke (Leader of the House) moved—That so much of the standing and sessional orders be suspended as would prevent the whole debate time limit on the motion to take note of the Better and Fairer Schools Agreement progress report—Ministerial statement being removed.


- 12:01:43 PM

Question—put and passed, with the concurrence of an absolute majority.


- 12:01:51 PM

 4Suspension of standing and sessional orders—Consideration of the Treasury Laws Amendment (Fuel Excise Relief) Bill 2026

Mr Burke (Leader of the House)pursuant to notice, moved—That so much of the standing and sessional orders be suspended as would prevent the following from occurring in relation to the Treasury Laws Amendment (Fuel Excise Relief) Bill 2026:

(1)debate on the bill continuing after the second reading speech of the Minister;

(2)immediately following the conclusion of the discussion of a matter of public importance and the presentation of a delegation report by the Member for Corangamite, if the bill has not passed, debate to resume immediately;

(3)at no later than 5.30 pm, any questions necessary to complete the remaining stages of the bill being put, with any message from the Governor-General under standing order 147 being announced, and any detail amendments circulated being treated as if they had been moved [together] by the Member proposing them; and

(4)any variation to this arrangement being made only on a motion moved by a Minister.


- 12:02:43 PM

Debate ensued.


Mr Tehan 12:02:45 PM.
- 12:08:49 PM

Question—put and passed.


- 12:09:09 PM

 5Treasury Laws Amendment (Fuel Excise Relief) Bill 2026

Dr Chalmers (Treasurer) presented a Bill for an Act to amend the law relating to taxation, and for related purposes.

Document

Dr Chalmers presented an explanatory memorandum to the bill.

Bill read a first time.


- 12:09:31 PM

Dr Chalmers moved—That the bill be now read a second time.


- 12:14:33 PM

In accordance with the resolution agreed to earlier this sitting, debate ensuing—


- 12:14:35 PM

Mr T Wilson moved, as an amendment—That all words after “That” be omitted with a view to substituting the following words:
“the House notes that:

(1)the reduction in fuel excise and corresponding reduction in the heavy vehicle road user charge reflects a policy first proposed by the Opposition;

(2)the Government initially denied there was a fuel supply problem in Australia and, by delaying taking action to ensure distribution of fuel to where it was needed, exacerbated price pressures and supply shortages;

(3)the Government delayed acting on cost of living relief despite mounting pressure on Australian households, small businesses and transporters;

(4)the Government has failed to provide any budget offsets or outline how this measure will be funded, increasing the risk of additional inflationary pressure where the only fuel guaranteed is for inflation, not for farmers or families;

(5)within 24 hours of the announcement, the Government’s proposed GST arrangements have already fallen into disarray, raising further concerns about fiscal credibility and coordination;

(6)uncertainty remains regarding fuel supply security and the risk of heavy-handed market interventions; and

(7)Australians deserve timely leadership and responsible economic management during this fuel crisis”.

Debate ensued.


Ms Jarrett 12:28:13 PM. Mr Birrell 12:41:26 PM. Ms Briskey 12:55:35 PM. Mr Littleproud 1:05:22 PM.
- 1:20:25 PM

Ms Payne addressing the House—


- 1:30:00 PM

It being 1.30 pm, the debate was interrupted in accordance with standing order 43Ms Payne was granted leave to continue her speech when the debate is resumed, and the resumption of the debate made an order of the day for a later hour this day.


- 1:30:17 PM

 6MEMBERS’ STATEMENTS

Members’ statements were made.


Ms Watson-Brown 1:30:20 PM. Ms Clutterham 1:31:37 PM. Mr Boyce 1:33:11 PM. Dr Reid 1:34:22 PM. Mr Wilkie 1:35:57 PM. Ms Fernando 1:37:25 PM. Mr Buchholz 1:38:55 PM. Mr D Smith 1:40:30 PM. Mr Caldwell 1:41:54 PM. Mr Ng 1:43:26 PM. Mr Chaffey 1:44:47 PM. Ms T Cook 1:46:19 PM. Mr Conaghan 1:47:45 PM. Ms K Cook 1:49:17 PM. Mr Chester 1:50:55 PM. Ms Sitou 1:52:31 PM. Mr Small 1:54:00 PM. Mr Gregg 1:55:33 PM. Mr Hastie 1:57:08 PM. Ms Mascarenhas 1:58:38 PM.
- 2:00:27 PM

Mr Albanese (Prime Minister), by indulgence, made a statement congratulating the winner of the Squiz Kids ‘PM for a day’ competition.


- 2:01:56 PM

Mr Littleproud, by indulgence, made a statement on the same matter.


- 2:02:53 PM

 7QUESTIONS


- 2:02:57 PM

 (1)Mr Taylor to Mr Albanese (Prime Minister)


- 2:06:51 PM

 (2)Mr M Smith to Mr Albanese (Prime Minister)


- 2:10:10 PM

 (3)Mr Tehan to Mr Bowen (Minister for Climate Change and Energy)


- 2:11:57 PM

Distinguished visitor announced.


- 2:12:52 PM

 (4)Ms Comer to Dr Chalmers (Treasurer)


- 2:16:01 PM

 (5)Ms Spender to Dr Chalmers (Treasurer)