Referendum Process for Changing the Date of Australia Day
Australia Day Bill 2025
Private Member's BillHouse of Representatives
Senate
Assent
Introduced by: Henry Pike MP (LNP)
Links to official parliament websites
Effects of this bill
If this bill passes, it means that:
The Debate
What different members said when this bill was debated:
“Today is the first day of spring, and across the Riverina there are swathes of golden glory: wattle—and today is the national day—and canola in full bloom. New lambs have hit the ground, and green shoots—thankfully not of the political variety but of the pasture variety and crops—are thankfully, finally, out, because it’s been very, very dry.”
Nicolette Boele IND
“I second the motion. I rise to support the Road Vehicle Standards Amendment (Safer E-Bikes) Bill 2025, moved by the member for Mackellar. Across our cities and suburbs, more Australians are choosing e-bikes. They are often a practical, affordable and sustainable alternative to commuting while providing that little bit of incidental exercise on the way to school or work.”
Sophie Scamps IND
“I move: That this bill be now read a second time. Today I introduce the Road Vehicle Standards Amendment (Safer E-Bikes) Bill 2025 to ensure e-bikes are fit for purpose and safe in terms of international safety standards and speed capability.”
Henry Pike LNP
“I move: That this bill be now read a second time. It is a pleasure to bring the Australia Day Bill 2025 before the 48th Parliament after it lapsed without consideration in the last parliament. This is a proposal supported by the voices of over 50,000 Australians who’ve backed my campaign to give Australia Day proper recognition and protection in federal law.”
Sharon Claydon ALP
“This is extraordinary. Here we are in 2025, and the coalition wants to kill Australia’s commitment to net zero. It’s not just short sighted; it is ludicrous. Have they learnt absolutely nothing? Did they forget the last election? Australians voted loud and clear for action on climate change.”
“Medicare is a Labor creation. Just over 40 years old, it is an institution in this country, the system people rely on, day in and day out, so that they can access the health care that they need—so that they can see a general practitioner, so that they can see a specialist, so that they can have a life-saving or life-changing operation.”
“At the last election, Labor promised the Australian people cheaper medicines. The National Health Amendment (Cheaper Medicines) Bill 2025 is about keeping that promise. Under this bill, the most you will pay for a script on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme is $25—just 25 bucks—the lowest amount since 2004. Let me take you all back to 2004 for a moment.”