G’day John, I’ve just come back from a wild fortnight in Canberra. As usual, there was no shortage of drama and political games. But through all that noise, some important stuff got done.
Here’s the rundown.
What Passed the Senate?
The Senate passed 8 Bills, including:
- Defence Housing Australia Amendment Bill 2025;
- Fair Work Amendment (Protecting Penalty and Overtime Rates) Bill 2025;
- National Health Amendment (Cheaper Medicines) Bill 2025;
- Health Insurance (Pathology) (Fees) (Repeal) Bill 2025;
- Pacific Banking Guarantee Bill 2025;
- Aged Care (Accommodation Payment Security) Levy Amendment Bill 2025;
- Home Affairs Legislation Amendment (2025 Measures No. 1) Bill 2025; and
- Australian Security Intelligence Organisation Amendment Bill (No. 1) 2025.
If you want some more detail, feel free to contact my office at (03) 6431 3112 or email [email protected].
| | Sticking up for the Defence and Veteran Community
- Our Defence families should never be put at the back of the line. I took the major parties to task to get an amendment passed which calls on the government to make sure:
- ADF members and families get priority access to Defence Housing over foreign military personnel;
- taxpayers aren’t footing the bill to house foreign military staff; and
- better transparency with Defence Housing Australia required to publish housing allocation and wait times so we can get the best outcome for ADF members and their families.
Backing Small Business
Small business is getting smashed and it’s only getting worse. That’s why I put forward an amendment that called for:
- A clear and consistent definition of small business across our laws – Labor has promised this, but hasn’t delivered, leaving small businesses tangled in red tape; and
- lowering the small business tax rate by pushing for a 15% small business tax rate to give real relief and keep jobs alive.
Sadly, I didn't receive support from the big parties, so it didn’t get passed.
Delivering Home Care
In July I signed an open letter by Senator David Pocock asking the government to bring forward 20,000 home care packages. The Labor government wasn't really interested and neither was the Coalition. The cross bench got to work in the house and the senate. After days of lobbying the Coalition joined the party and Labor agreed to bring on the 20,000 home care packages. This was a great example of what an independent cross bench can get done!
| | Key Speeches
You just can’t keep a Lambie quiet! Here’s an overview of a couple of my recent speeches in the Senate. Don’t forget to check out my social media page for the full speeches.
Ukraine and Russia
Ukraine’s been left hanging while Russia pushes its aggression. We need to step up, send more bushmasters, share drone tech and stop dragging our feet. Australia can and should be doing more.
Eden Westbrook
Eden should have turned 26 this year. Instead, her family has fought for 10 years for answers about her suspicious death in Tasmania. A respected pathologist has found possible homicide evidence. The system has failed Eden’s family. We need an independent inquiry now.
Social Media
The rise of so-called sovereign citizens is splitting our communities and fuelling violence. Social media algorithms are turbocharging paranoia, spreading disinformation and conspiracy theories that radicalise people. This toxic mix has already cost the lives of Tasmanian and Victorian police officers. It’s time to hold social media giants accountable and start regulating.
Cost of Living
Interest rates might have dipped slightly, but Tassies are still struggling. Food insecurity is at a crisis level while banks, telcos and energy giants make billions in profit on the back of everyday folks. This is the real price of excessive privatisation – we got sold out and now we are paying for it every day.
Robbins Island Wind Farm
I’m not against renewables, but Robbins Island is the wrong place for a wind farm. It threatens Tassie devils, breeding grounds and local livelihoods. There’s a better project at Whaleback Ridge with community backing. Why not get it right the first time?
National Security
The government finally listed Iran’s Revolutionary Guard as terrorists. But Hizb ut-Tahrir should be on that list too. They stoke antisemitism, glorify terrorism and undermine social cohesion. The UK’s already acted and it’s time we followed. | | Questions I asked in the Senate
Defence Housing
I pressed the government on defence housing. This includes assessing the viability of rental assistance and whether the government is planning for the future. With 7,000 more military personnel expected in the next few years, we need more defence housing, married quarters and childcare centres near bases, not more excuses or empty promises.
NDIS Housing Rorts
Dodgy developers are ripping off mum and dad investors in the disability housing scheme while people with disabilities still go without proper homes. I asked the Minister why the government isn’t properly regulating Specialist Disability Accommodation to keep dodgy developers out and supporting the disability community.
Russian Blood Oil
Our fuel imports are propping up Putin’s war chest. Through a loophole, Russian crude refined in India gets into Aussie tanks. The dollar value of what we give Russia by purchasing blood oil is twice what we are giving Ukraine to defend itself. That’s billions and nothing but shame for us. Time to wash this blood off our hands. I grilled the government on how much has slipped through and when they’ll stop this disgraceful double standard. | | Mid-Winter Ball 2025
I’m not usually one for these events but the Midwinter Ball does some good. This year, it raised a whopping $370,000 for charity which adds to a massive $5.8 million since 2000. And yep, I scrubbed up alright! Check out my glam here | | Current Inquiries – Have your say!
I fought bloody hard to get these inquiries up. But they only matter if you have your say. I need to hear what’s really happening on the ground. Check out the links below and get involved. Your voice makes the difference.
National Volunteer Incentive Scheme (Climate Army) – Report due 6 November 2025
Australia has been smashed by extreme weather in 2025 and it’s only going to get worse. But volunteer numbers are dropping when we need them most. That’s why I’m pushing for a Climate Army, a national scheme to get more Aussies, especially young people, trained, recognised, and ready to help when natural disasters hit. A new inquiry will look at how to make it happen, including rewards, safety, qualifications, and what’s working overseas. It’s time to stop talking and start preparing. If you’ve got something to say about it, make a submission or observe the public hearing by clicking the following link!
Military Superannuation and Pension Schemes – Report due 30 October 2025
I’m digging into the military superannuation and pension schemes for current and former ADF members. This includes investigating whether the schemes are fit for purpose, whether Commonwealth Superannuation Corporation account holders have the same rights and protections as other Australians, and whether the Defence Force Retirement and Death Benefits Scheme, Military Superannuation and Benefits Scheme and others are operating in the best interests of current and former serving members. Watch this space! Check out the inquiry here.
Veteran Compensation and Income Support – Report due 30 October 2025
The Senate is also running an inquiry into the compensation and income support system for veterans. I want to know how the system is treating you, how the advocacy services are working (or not working), and how well the Veterans' Review Board is performing. I am also pushing to make sure veterans have a choice about having legal representation in the Veterans’ Review Board and ensuring that training and professional standards for advocates are up to scratch. If you have something to say about this topic, make a submission by clicking on the following link.
Capping Uni Exec Salaries: Tertiary Education Legislation Amendment (There For Education, Not Profit) Bill 2025) - Report due by 28 November 2025
While everyday Aussies are struggling, the fat cats are living it up. I’ve introduced Bills to cap the outrageous salaries of government secretaries and university executives. You know the system is broken when university bosses are pocketing $900K+ while students drown in debt. That taxpayer money should be making education cheaper, not lining the pockets of the privileged few. My Bill would limit Vice-Chancellors salaries to that of the Federal Treasurer, being around $430,000 per annum. Taxpayer money should go to education, not executive bonuses. If you’ve got something to say about it, make a submission by clicking the link.
Capping Senior Public Servant Pay: Remuneration Tribunal Amendment (There For Public Service, Not Profit) Bill 2025 - Report due by 28 November 2025
We are in the middle of a cost-of-living crisis, and some bureaucrats are earning more than $950,000—and, in some cases, more than $1,000,000—which is much more than the Prime Minister. Public service is about service to the country, not service to self. My Bill caps these salaries at the same level as the Treasurer’s which is around $430,000. Secretaries in the United States, who head larger departments with many more billions of dollars, receive around $403,000. It’s about fairness and priorities. If you're fed up with senior public servants chasing profits, let the government know and make a submission via the link.
That’s the wrap for this fortnight. I will keep cutting through the spin, fighting for veterans, small business and Tassies who’ve had a gutful. | | |
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