The question is that the amendments on sheets 3738, 3789, 3741, 3742, and 3746 be agreed to.
What was debated in Parliament
Summarised using AI from the official Hansard transcript of the debate only. It is not a record of the debate and may leave things out. Read the Hansard below to check it.
This bill lets the workplace minister declare an urgent pathway so the Fair Work Commission can make road transport contractual chain orders, such as fuel cost recovery rules, without the usual six-month wait. The Government said it responds to fuel price rises from the Middle East conflict. Most parties supported it, and the debate focused on whether it gives real relief, whether the powers should be permanent, and how fast it was passed.
Arguments made in support
The Government said truckies and small transport businesses at the end of contract chains cannot pass on surging fuel costs and need faster help.
Government senators said consultation and existing safeguards stay in place, and orders under the urgent pathway last six months.
Government speakers said trucking groups and the Transport Workers' Union had all backed the bill.
The Greens supported the bill as relief for those at the bottom of the supply chain, but said many other workers also need help with fuel costs.
One Nation supported the bill, saying trucking deserves first attention because it affects every Australian quickly.
Arguments made against, or for changes
Coalition senators said the bill gives no immediate relief at the bowser, and called for halving fuel excise and cutting the road user charge instead.
The Coalition said the power is permanent, and moved amendments for a sunset clause, an independent review, required consultation and limiting orders to fuel.
Coalition and One Nation speakers said the bill was rushed through without committee scrutiny and gives the minister broad powers.
One Nation said higher freight charges could push up prices for consumers, and urged use of the Liquid Fuel Emergency Act.
Coalition speakers said only one application had been made under the existing scheme, so the urgency was not justified.
38 speeches by 21 members in the House and Senate over 3 sitting days.
Hansard: House of Representatives, 26 Mar 2026 ›
The official Hansard (PDF), Parliament of Australia
Hansard: Senate, 26 Mar 2026 ›
The official Hansard (PDF), Parliament of Australia
Hansard: Senate, 30 Mar 2026 ›
The official Hansard (PDF), Parliament of Australia
Australia's Voice
0 Yes
0 No
1–
The last column counts members who did not vote. Party counts are for current members.
3 votes were cast by people who have since left Parliament.
Every party member who voted went with the majority of their party.