Wednesday 27 May 2026
House of RepresentativesAI Summary
The House of Representatives introduced six bills on 27 May 2026, including the Appropriation Bills for the 2026-2027 financial year and an amendment bill targeting long-term sustainability of the National Disability Insurance Scheme.
Six bills were introduced in the House of Representatives. The Appropriation Bill (No. 1) 2026-2027, Appropriation Bill (No. 2) 2026-2027, and Appropriation (Parliamentary Departments) Bill (No. 1) 2026-2027 seek parliamentary approval for government spending in the next financial year. The National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026 and the Health Insurance Amendment (Incentive Payments and Other Measures) Bill 2026 were introduced at Second Reading, alongside the Customs Tariff Amendment (Incorporation of Proposals) Bill (No. 1) 2026. The Treasury Laws Amendment (Business Registries Stabilisation and Uplift) Bill 2026 passed its Third Reading. No divisions were held. During question time, Education Minister Jason Clare outlined a stated $20 billion education investment. Prime Minister Albanese was asked about housing reform and Reconciliation Week, and did not directly answer a question on capital gains tax averaging for small-business owners. Agriculture Minister Julie Collins announced the government had secured over 209,000 tonnes of urea across six shipments through a Fuel and Fertiliser Security Facility.
Question Time
National Anti-Corruption Commission
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Sophie Scamps asked the Attorney-General whether new NACC commissioner and deputy commissioner positions would be advertised for at least two weeks, have public selection criteria, and be filled by an independent selection panel. Michelle Rowland confirmed that appointments follow a merit-based selection process with public advertisement, assessment by a selection panel, Attorney-General consideration, and cross-party Parliamentary Joint Committee review, noting all previous NACC appointments were unanimously approved.
Budget
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Wilson asked the Prime Minister whether the government supports capital gains tax averaging over five years for small-business owners, referring to a 1999 policy. Albanese did not directly answer the question, instead pivoting to cite comments from venture capital entrepreneurs arguing that tax concerns are overstated and highlighting existing R&D tax incentives.
Artificial Intelligence
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Kate Chaney asked why the government has not legislated safeguards for automated decision-making in government services, citing concerns about income support cancellations and aged care decisions. Tanya Plibersek responded that the government requires human oversight of all AI decisions, stated that 93% of robodebt royal commission recommendations have been implemented with three remaining measures requiring legislation, and criticized the previous government's robodebt scheme.
National Security
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McIntosh asked about arrests or charges against ISIS sympathisers who returned to Australia. Burke responded that three returned fighters are currently in custody, with one charged for entering a declared terrorist zone and two charged with crimes against humanity, while noting ongoing AFP investigations.
World Blood Cancer Day
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Member for Kennedy asked the Health Minister whether they have done everything possible to grow Australia's bone marrow donor registry and meet international obligations, noting 18,000 lives lost in three years. The Minister acknowledged Australia's registry remains small compared to other developed nations, confirmed releasing additional funds that resulted in double-digit growth in 2024 and almost 30 per cent expansion in 2025-26, but conceded more action is needed.
National Security
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Member Hamilton asked whether Australian government agencies have provided operational support to repatriate ISIS sympathisers since 2022. Minister Conroy directly answered that the government has not provided and will not provide assistance to this group.
Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence
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Andrew Wilkie asked the Prime Minister to join a roundtable in Hobart with family violence advocates and survivors following two recent domestic violence deaths in Tasmania. Anthony Albanese acknowledged the tragic incidents, outlined the government's $4.4 billion investment in ending family and domestic violence, and noted an upcoming consultation in Devonport, but did not directly commit to attending the requested roundtable.