News from our Parliament
Keep up-to-date with the latest news from our Parliament. Read straightforward explanations of bills, committee inquiries, and events in the Senate and House of Representatives, and around Parliament House.
7
August
2019
Social security bill returns for debate
The Social Services Legislation Amendment (Ending the Poverty Trap) Bill 2018 has been restored to the Notice Paper for debate in the Senate. The bill was originally introduced in September 2018.
7
August
2019
Counterterrorism bills pass Parliament
The Parliament has passed bills to allow law enforcement agencies to manage the way Australians who may have links to terrorist groups re-enter Australia, with the introduction of a temporary exclusion order (TEO) scheme to delay their return.
9
July
2019
Usher of the Black Rod’s step count
The Usher of the Black Rod—a Senate parliamentary officer—has several busy roles in the official opening ceremonies for the 46th Parliament.
9
July
2019
A change to the Constitution?
Senator Rex Patrick introduced the Constitution Alteration (Freedom of Expression and Freedom of the Press) 2019 that would change the Australian Constitution to explicitly include freedom of speech and freedom of the press as basic rights.
9
July
2019
Tax cuts bill passes Parliament
The Parliament has passed a bill to lower personal income taxes paid by Australians.