Focus
Senate
Australian Senate Passes ‘World First’ Law Banning Under 16 Kids From Social Media
The law will come into force in 12 months.
Senate Inquiry Backs Under-16s Social Media Ban Without Digital ID
The lower house has passed the Bill, meaning it will now go to the Senate for a vote.
An Assault on the Internet: US Professor Visits Australia to Warn Against Misinformation Bill
Labor’s bill has passed the House of Representatives, but faces an upcoming showdown in the Senate.
Australia’s Misinformation Bill Faces Upper House Battle as Elon Musk, Senators Cite Free Speech Threat
Two independent Senators Tammy Tyrrell and David Pocock have already indicated they will oppose the bill.
Bill to Recognise Biological Sex Fails at 1st Hurdle
One Nation Senator Pauline Hanson tried to push the Bill, which was voted down by Labor, the Greens, and Senator Pocock.
Net Zero Authority Passes Senate, Labelled a ‘Union Wish List Item’
However, the unions welcomed the passage of the new law.
Senate Committee Advances $852.2 Billion Defense Budget Bill
The Senate Appropriations Committee’s bill calls for $852.2 billion in defense-related spending in fiscal year 2025.
Senate Passes Bills to Protect Children’s Safety, Privacy Online
President Joe Biden has urged Congress to send the bills to his desk ‘without delay.’
Inquiry Into Indigenous Truth and Justice Begins
Greens MPs say the move was a response to the failed Voice referendum in Australia.
Fatima Payman Quits Labor Over Stance on Palestinian State
West Australian Senator Fatima Payman has announced she has quit Labor following her move to cross the floor in voting in favour of a Palestinian state.
Senate Republicans Block Bill to Establish Right to Use IVF
The Democrat-sponsored bill sought to establish a right to IVF, but Republicans opposed the measure saying it was an attempt at election-year messaging.
Minister Under Pressure for Hiring Speechwriter for $640,000
A professional speechwriter will be paid around $300,000 a year to assist NDIS Minister Bill Shorten, despite there being an existing communications team.
Senate Again Blocks Border Bill With Support Lost From Both Parties
The bill, previously blocked by Republicans in February, was rejected in a 50–43 vote that included opposition from members of both parties.
