Wednesday 25 March 2026

AI Summary

The Senate passed the National Commission for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children and Young People Bill 2026 and its companion transitional bill at third reading by 37 votes to 22.

The Senate's main business on 25 March 2026 centred on the National Commission for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children and Young People Bill 2026 and the accompanying National Commission for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children and Young People (Transitional Provisions) Bill 2026, which passed second reading 38 votes to 25 and third reading 37 votes to 22. A government response during the committee stage of the main bill was defeated 14 votes to 29. The Defence Amendment (Parliamentary Approval of Overseas Service) Bill 2020 also received a second reading in the Senate. Three appropriation bills covering government department funding and parliamentary operations for the 2025-2026 financial year were introduced at first and second reading stages: Appropriation Bill (No. 3) 2025-2026, Appropriation Bill (No. 4) 2025-2026, and Appropriation (Parliamentary Departments) Bill (No. 2) 2025-2026. There was no question time recorded for the day.