Weekly Wrap Up – 12 December 2025
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Federal Parliament returns next week for the first time in five weeks, marking the start of the Spring session. Long breaks between sittings are a double-edged sword. It’s a well-needed respite from the intense scrutiny and long hours that come with sitting weeks, with time to deal with issues away from the daily spotlight of Question Time. But it’s also a time when pressure builds on issues, making the first fortnight back after a break a potential tinderbox. The Albanese Government will face this prospect head on next week.
In the Senate, the crossbench and Coalition look set to unite against the Government’s gambling reforms. In committee hearings this week on the legislation, the Coalition and Greens have called for tougher restrictions than currently proposed, particularly as it relates to protecting children and vulnerable groups. Gambling industry groups have also warned of unintended consequences. With the Bills slated for consideration in the chamber next week and Government signalling it intends to hold firm, the Bill’s passage through the Senate looks shaky to say the least. Expect to see fierce deal cutting as the fortnight progresses.
Meanwhile, in the House, Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke will face questions about reforms to migration policy. After reportedly being approved at a Cabinet meeting on Monday, a package of reforms Minister Burke was due to announce at the Press Club on Thursday was reportedly nixed by the Government’s leadership group, forcing a last-minute rescheduling of the speech. While they are unlikely to get any answers, expect to see the Opposition hone in on this next week.
One Press Club speech that did go ahead this week was by Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen. He used the speech to declare the Commonwealth is prepared to use its powers to ensure the next wave of data centres underpinning the AI boom are powered by renewable energy, despite pushback from Queensland and the Northern Territory.
All of this points to a livelier than usual sitting fortnight ahead; stay tuned.
Top talking points
Treasury Consultation: Jim Chalmers opened consultation on draft legislation on negative gearing and CGT reforms.
National Press Club: Chris Bowen addressed the National Press Club, discussing Australia’s energy security policy settings.
Tony Burke: Tony Burke postponed his National Press Club address, delaying an announcement on migration changes due to key policy details not being finalised.
Fuel Excise: The temporary fuel excise reduction has ended. Jim Chalmers confirmed the Government has no plans to reinstate the discount.
Polling: RedBridge polling shows One Nation has reclaimed the lead on primary vote, increasing two points to 31 per cent, while Labor has fallen to 29 per cent. The Coalition recorded the largest movement, gaining four points to 22 per cent.
Making headlines this week
New Victorian Cabinet
News Bargaining Incentive Legislation
The Federal Government finalised the News Bargaining Incentive, which includes a series of amendments following consultation with industry. Legislation is expected to be introduced in the next Parliament sitting period. The scheme will impose a charge on large digital platforms that do not enter commercial agreements with Australian news publishers, encouraging them to support Australian news publishers. Key amendments include increasing the levy from 2.25 per cent to 2.5 per cent of Australian digital advertising revenue, rather than total Australian revenue, as well as extending the scope to include LinkedIn. The final model also strengthens incentives for platforms to reach agreements with a broader range of publishers, including smaller and regional outlets. The US administration has also reiterated its claim that the policy amounts to “foreign extortion”, foreshadowing further trade tensions as Australia moves to legislate the scheme.
Things to watch
10 August: Megan Spindler-Smith, Sophie Cusworth and Dr Martin Laverty will address the National Press Club, discussing the NDIS.
10 August: The RBA will meet to determine the cash rate.
11 August: The Federal Parliament will convene.
12 August: Anoulack Chanthivong will address CEDA, discussing data centre development in New South Wales.
12 August: Andrew Bragg will address the National Press Club, discussing housing policy.
14 August: The ABS will release lending indicator data.
Treasury and ASIC Updates
Treasury opened consultation on draft regulations that would require the Tax Practitioners Board to publish additional information on its public register. This includes registration suspensions and terminations, sanctions, convictions under the Tax Agent Services Act 2009, infringement notices paid by unregistered practitioners, and enforceable voluntary undertakings.
ASIC proposed reforms to provide greater flexibility for companies advertising IPOs, in response to industry feedback and to align Australia’s framework more closely with international markets. The changes are intended to help companies better gauge investor interest while providing ASIC with earlier visibility of prospective listings.
ASIC also launched a renewed small business strategy focused on improving education, simplifying regulatory obligations, strengthening industry engagement and delivering more targeted enforcement.
Pacific Engagement, Defence Strategy and Procurement Developments
Penny Wong travelled to Fiji to attend the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Foreign Ministers Meeting, where discussions focused on regional stability and preparations for the upcoming PIF Leaders Meeting in Palau. Wong also announced the connection of all PIF members to undersea cable networks, supporting digital connectivity across the region.
Richard Marles launched the 2026 Defence Innovation, Science and Technology Strategy. The ten-year blueprint focuses on key capability priorities including long-range fires and hypersonic weapons, high-energy lasers, autonomous systems, quantum technology, artificial intelligence, and undersea warfare.
The Federal Government is investing $736 million to acquire advanced AIM-260 air-to-air missiles for the Royal Australian Air Force, enhancing long-range strike capability and strengthening regional deterrence. The missiles will be integrated across key fighter platforms.
Bird Flu Preparedness, Packaging Reform and Clean Energy Regulator Updates
DCCEEW developed preparedness plans for priority wildlife species and high-risk locations ahead of a possible H5 bird flu outbreak. The plans identify responsible agencies, at-risk species and sites, and potential conservation actions to support a coordinated and timely response.
The Senate Environment and Communications Legislation Committee recommended that the Extended Producer Responsibility Scheme for Packaging (No Time to Waste) Bill 2026 not be passed. However, the Committee supported the Federal Government’s approach to developing a nationally consistent packaging reform framework, informed by stakeholder consultation.
Former CEO of the NSW Environment Protection Authority Tony Chappel has been appointed CEO and Chair of the Clean Energy Regulator (CER). Mr Chappel succeeds David Parker AM, who led the CER since 2017.
ACCC Inquiry, Housing Supply, Online Safety and NSW Planning Moves
Anika Wells endorsed the ACCC’s decision to conduct an inquiry into regional mobile coverage and the potential regulation of wholesale access. The inquiry will inform options to improve connectivity and choice for regional and remote Australians.
New ABS data showed building approvals rose 9.2 per cent last financial year, with over 205,000 dwellings approved, the highest level since 2020–21. However, Clare O’Neill noted that construction supply chains remain under pressure due to ongoing global disruptions, including the conflict in the Middle East.
eSafety released the Early days, early insights report. The report found that the proportion of Australians under 16 with a social media account declined from 52.4 per cent to 42.1 per cent between December 2025 and March 2026, following the introduction of new online safety measures.
The New South Wales Government finalised the Cherrybrook Precinct rezoning, enabling the delivery of up to 10,000 new homes, including at least 560 affordable homes, around Cherrybrook Metro Station. Building heights in the precinct will range from four to 27 storeys, with the tallest buildings concentrated around the metro station.
PBS, Early Childhood and ATEC Appointments
The Federal Government announced a new PBS listing for patients with a rare brain cancer, alongside additional medicines for serious health conditions.
New data shows enforcement action in the early childhood education and care sector has doubled over the past year, with regulators taking 1,538 compliance actions and cancelling approvals for 589 services in the latest quarter.
Mark Rose AM has been appointed the inaugural First Nations Commissioner of the Australian Tertiary Education Commission. The role aims to inform higher education reforms and strengthen First Nations participation and outcomes across the tertiary sector.