New data has laid bare the depth of Perth’s rental crisis, with Sydney and Melbourne now offering more affordable rental suburbs than Western Australia’s capital – despite having more than double the population.
SENATOR DEAN SMITH SHADOW ASSISTANT MINISTER FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND TRADE SHADOW ASSISTANT MINISTER FOR ENERGY AND EMISSIONS REDUCTION LIBERAL SENATOR FOR WESTERN AUSTRALIA 19 January 2026 UNANIMOUS COMMITTEE REPORT FLAGS KEY CONCERNS WITH COMBATING ANTISEMITISM, HATE AND EXTREMISM BILL The bipartisan Senate Scrutiny of Bills Committee has tabled a unanimous report raising significant concerns over aspects of the Albanese Government’s Antisemitism, Hate and Extremism Bill 2026. Chief among these is that parts of the proposed legislation risk infringing fundamental rights long protected under Australian law, including freedom of expression and freedom of association. Since 1981, the Scrutiny of Bills Committee has assessed every bill introduced into the Senate against long-standing accountability and rights-based standards. The Committee comprises Coalition, Labor and Australian Greens senators and is chaired by Senator Dean Smith. Its latest report — agreed by all members — identifies multiple areas of concern in addition to potentially trespassing on rights and liberties, including questions of procedural fairness, broad and discretionary Ministerial powers, the use of automated decision-making frameworks for security assessments, and the absence of an automatic sunset clause. The Committee also drew attention to the speed at which the Bill is expected to be considered and debated by Parliament, given the scope and seriousness of its proposed measures. The Committee has now formally sought further explanation from the relevant Minister on these issues and why the Government considers them necessary. This includes a request for detailed advice from the Minister on whether provisions that criminalise speech and association are proportionate to the Bill’s stated objectives, and whether the breadth of conduct and ideas captured under the Bill is appropriately defined. Clarification has been sought regarding the expansive definition of firearms and explosive materials contained in the Bill. The Committee now awaits the Minister’s response. In the meantime, the report contains a number of recommendations made by the Committee, including the establishment of a mechanism for ongoing monitoring of the Bill’s operation, including a statutory review and the application of a sunset clause pending the outcome of that review. Comments attributable to Senator Dean Smith, Chair of the Senate Scrutiny of Bills Committee “This is a unanimous report — Coalition, Labor and Greens senators are all united in their concern about the breadth of the powers proposed and the limited safeguards in the Bill.” “The Committee is not questioning the importance of addressing Antisemitism, hate or extremism — but Parliament has a duty to ensure laws are precise, proportionate and consistent with fundamental rights.” “Legislation of this magnitude should not be rushed. It requires careful scrutiny, clear definitions and strong accountability mechanisms.” “Where laws affect freedom of speech and association, the threshold for justification must be very high — and that case has not yet been made.” “The absence of a sunset clause and reliance on broad discretionary powers raise serious questions about long-term oversight.” “Protecting Australians from harm must never come at the expense of undermining the rule of law.”
SENATOR DEAN SMITH ACTING SHADOW MINISTER FOR ENERGY AND EMISSIONS REDUCTION SHADOW ASSISTANT MINISTER FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND TRADE LIBERAL SENATOR FOR WESTERN AUSTRALIA NO CHRISTMAS BILL RELIEF, JUST ONGOING ENERGY HARDSHIP FROM LABOR IN 2026 Christmas passed without the Albanese Government delivering the $275 power bill reduction it promised. Instead, in a further demonstration of the negative impact Labor’s bungled energy policy is having on households and businesses, many Australians are entering the New Year paying higher prices and carrying more debt. ABS inflation data released today reveals electricity prices surged by 19.7 percent in the year to November 2025, with an increase of nearly 7 percent between October and November alone. The ACCC’s Inquiry into the National Energy Market report, launched at the end of last year, also confirmed electricity costs increased between 2024 and 2025. Unsurprisingly, it has led to already struggling Australians falling deeper into debt. Data released by the Australian Energy Regulator shows the confronting scale of growing debt being experienced by East Coast energy consumers. The average residential energy debt for 2024-2025 was $1,367 – an increase of $381, or 38.6 percent, since 2022-23 when the Albanese Government came to power. Small businesses are similarly impacted, with the average energy debt sitting at $2,516, up from $2,458. Contrasted with the average under the previous Coalition Government in 2020-2021, small businesses are now carrying an additional $388 in debt – an 18 percent rise in five years. These figures do not capture those Australians on hardship plans. Data from across the East Coast shows that 205,000 households were utilising hardship arrangements at the end of June 2025. The AER reports that average residential electricity hardship debt for 2024-2025 is $2,102. That represents a $415, or 19.3 percent, increase compared to 2022-2023. In the last year, it jumped by nearly 25 percent. The average residential gas energy debt for those on hardship programs was $947 for 2024-2025, up nearly 11 percent since 2022-23 and 16.6 percent in the past year. Not only has the Albanese Government broken its promise, but this data is evidence that its failed, ideologically driven energy policy has pushed prices to crippling new heights and – unless significant changes are made – will continue to do so in 2026. Comments attributable to Senator Dean Smith: “This is not the beginning to the New Year Australian energy consumers deserved – or the one they were promised.” “Labor has broken its commitment to deliver energy bill relief to Australians, while overseeing increases in both prices and debt that are pushing them to the edge. “It is no coincidence that these increases have occurred since the Albanese came to Government in 2022 and began rolling out its misguided energy and emissions reduction policy. “Until Labor adopts a sensible and responsible plan that puts Australian households and businesses first, this is what 2026 will look like for energy users.”
SENATOR DEAN SMITH SHADOW ASSISTANT MINISTER FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND TRADE SHADOW ASSISTANT MINISTER FOR ENERGY AND EMISSIONS REDUCTION LIBERAL SENATOR FOR WESTERN AUSTRALIA 28 November 2025 LABOR’S COST OF LIVING CRISIS FORCING RECORD NUMBERS OF OLDER WESTERN AUSTRALIANS BACK TO WORK New figures reveal the Albanese Government’s cost-of-living crisis is deepening in WA, with a record 35,700 Western Australians aged 70 and over now in the workforce—a staggering 31.2 per cent increase in just one year. Working into your 70s was once a choice, but under Labor it has become a financial necessity for thousands of seniors. ABS data shows one in ten Western Australians over 70 are now working, compared with one in 25 a decade ago. An additional 8,500 seniors have re-entered the workforce in the past year alone—many because they simply cannot afford to retire on fixed incomes that have been eroded by rising prices. This surge reflects the reality of life under Anthony Albanese and Labor, with relentless price hikes, soaring housing costs and a shrinking retirement buffer. Perth continues to suffer some of the highest cost pressures in the nation, recording 4.3 per cent inflation in the October quarter—the second highest of any capital city. At the same time, rents have risen 75 per cent since 2020, increasing from $400 to $700 a week and placing immense strain on older Western Australians living alone or on part pensions. Soaring property prices have added to the burden, with Perth’s median house price climbing by nearly $300,000 in three years, forcing some to delay retirement or even take on second mortgages to help their children enter the market. This mirrors a national trend, with Census data showing the number of Australians aged 55 to 64 who own their homes outright has almost halved in two decades. Research from Digital Finance Analytics reveals three-quarters of retirees with a mortgage owe more than they have in superannuation, leaving them little choice but to stay in the workforce. While some Australians choose to work longer, thousands in Western Australia are being forced to because Labor has let inflation and housing costs spiral out of control. Older Western Australians deserve security in retirement—not a Government that forces them back to work to keep up with rising bills. Quotes attributable to Senator Dean Smith: “This surge in WA people aged over 70 returning to work is not a sign of choice—it’s a sign of worsening financial distress under Labor.” “When one in ten seniors in the West has no option but to stay in the workforce, something is fundamentally broken in the Albanese Government’s economic management.” “Stubborn inflation and Perth’s housing and rental crunch are pushing many older Western Australians to keep working long after they planned to retire.” “With three-quarters of retirees with a mortgage owe more than they have in super it is no wonder so many are delaying retirement.” “Older Western Australians deserve dignity and security in retirement, not the financial pressure that forces them back into the workforce.”
SENATOR DEAN SMITH SHADOW ASSISTANT MINISTER FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND TRADE SHADOW ASSISTANT MINISTER FOR ENERGY AND EMISSIONS REDUCTION LIBERAL SENATOR FOR WESTERN AUSTRALIA 28 November 2025 COST OF LIVING CRISIS FORCING RECORD NUMBERS OF OLDER WESTERN AUSTRALIANS BACK TO WORK. New figures reveal a deepening cost-of-living crisis in Western Australia, with a record 35,700 Western Australians aged 70 and over now in the workforce—a staggering 31.2 per cent increase in just one year. Once, working into your 70s was a choice, but under the Albanese Labor Government it has become a financial necessity for thousands of seniors. ABS data shows one in ten Western Australians over 70 are now working, compared with one in 25 a decade ago. An additional 8,500 seniors have re-entered the workforce in the past year alone—many because they simply cannot afford to retire on fixed incomes that have been eroded by rising prices. This surge reflects the reality of life under Labor – relentless price hikes, soaring housing costs and a shrinking retirement buffer. Perth continues to suffer some of the highest cost pressures in the nation, recording 4.5 per cent inflation in the September quarter – the second highest of any capital city. At the same time, rents have surged 75 per cent since 2020, rising from $400 to $700 a week placing immense strain on older Western Australians living alone or on part pensions. Soaring property prices have added to the burden, with Perth’s median house price climbing by nearly $300,000 in three years, forcing many older Western Australians to delay retirement or take on second mortgages to help their children into the market. This mirrors a national trend with census data showing the number of Australians aged 55 to 64 who own their homes outright has almost halved in two decades. Research from Digital Finance Analytics reveals three-quarters of retirees with a mortgage owe more than they have in superannuation, leaving them little choice but to stay in the workforce. While some Australians choose to work longer, thousands in Western Australia are being forced to because Labor has let inflation, housing costs and interest rates to spiral out of control. Older Western Australians deserve dignity in retirement—not a government that forces them back to work to keep up with rising bills. Quotes attributable to Senator Dean Smith “This surge in over-70s returning to work is not a sign of choice—it’s a sign of financial distress under Labor.” “When one in ten seniors has no option but to stay in the workforce, something is fundamentally broken in Canberra’s economic management.” “Perth’s skyrocketing rents and stubborn inflation are pushing older Western Australians to keep working long after they planned to retire.” “Families tell us they are helping their kids buy a first home while still paying off their own—this is the real cost of Labor’s housing crisis.” “Three-quarters of retirees with a mortgage owe more than they have in super—no wonder so many are delaying retirement.” “Older Western Australians deserve dignity and security in retirement, not the financial pressure that forces them back into the workforce.”
SENATOR DEAN SMITH SHADOW ASSISTANT MINISTER FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND TRADE SHADOW ASSISTANT MINISTER FOR ENERGY AND EMISSIONS REDUCTION LIBERAL SENATOR FOR WESTERN AUSTRALIA 20 November 2025 UNANIMOUS SCRUTINY COMMITTEE REPORT RAISES SIGNIFICANT CONCERNS WITH ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION REFORM BILL The bipartisan Senate Scrutiny of Bills Committee has tabled a unanimous report raising substantial concerns about the Albanese Government’s Environment Protection Reform Bill 2025, questioning its impact on individual rights, the rule of law and the level of parliamentary oversight applied to major environmental decisions. Since 1981 the Scrutiny of Bills Committee has assessed every bill before the Senate against long-standing accountability standards. The Committee operates on a non-partisan basis, and its current membership includes Coalition, Labor and Australian Greens senators, and is chaired by Liberal Senator Dean Smith. Its latest digest — agreed by all members — identifies seven major areas of concern in relation to the Environment Protection Reform Bill. The Committee has sought further explanation from the Minister on a range of issues, including the Bill’s broad and layered discretionary powers, the significant matters left to delegated legislation, the limited availability of merits review, the use of notifiable instruments that bypass full parliamentary scrutiny, and the lack of transparency around Commonwealth grants to the States and Territories. Key excerpts from the report highlight the seriousness of these issues. The Committee questions why core national environmental standards cannot be included in primary legislation, and why the Bill creates “layered discretionary powers” that shift central policy decisions from Parliament to ministerial regulation. It also warns that a broad “national interest” exemption power could be applied to “a broader range of contestable interests,” and raises concerns that penalties may be imposed without sufficient justification or consistency with comparable Commonwealth offences. On grants and spending powers, the Committee notes that delegating the establishment of new Commonwealth programs to the Executive risks undermining Parliament’s constitutional role — particularly in areas governed by section 96 of the Constitution. These findings — agreed unanimously by Government, Coalition and Greens senators — make clear that the Environment Protection Reform Bill requires significant further justification and amendment before it can meet long-standing parliamentary scrutiny standards. The Committee will consider the Minister’s responses in due course. Comments attributable to Senator Dean Smith, Chair of the Senate Scrutiny of Bills Committee “This is a unanimous report — Coalition, Labor and Greens Senators all share deep concerns about the breadth of ministerial powers and the lack of parliamentary oversight in this Bill.” “Environmental reform should strengthen accountability, not weaken it. The Parliament cannot be expected to sign off on legislation that shifts core policy decisions into delegated legislation with little explanation or justification.” “The Committee is particularly concerned by the layers of discretionary power given to the Minister. These are not small administrative matters — they are fundamental decisions that shape national environmental standards.” “The Government must explain why national environmental standards cannot be set out clearly in the primary legislation. These are enduring issues, and Parliament has a responsibility to ensure they are properly scrutinised.” “We have also raised serious questions about the use of notifiable instruments, which bypass the usual disallowance processes and leave Parliament with limited capacity for oversight.” “Delegating broad spending powers to the Executive, including potential grants to States and Territories, requires clear constitutional justification. Section 96 of the Constitution is explicit about the Parliament’s role, and the Committee expects that role to be respected.” “The Minister now has an obligation to address each of these concerns in detail. Australians deserve clarity, transparency and safeguards — not vague powers and unexplained departures from established scrutiny principles.” Key quotes from the report: Broad discretionary powers and matters in delegated legislation Page 11 1.21 Firstly, it is unclear to the committee why it is not possible for core national environmental standards to be included in the bill, given that environmental concerns are in many (if not all) respects relatively constant over time. 1.22 Secondly, the committee notes that the structure of the decision-making process envisaged in relation the Commonwealth approval process layers ministerial discretion upon ministerial discretion. The minister is given a broad power to fix, by way of regulation, the content of the national environmental standards. Having established the standards, there is a further discretionary power to prescribe which of those standards apply in relation to management or authorisation processes. It remains unclear to the committee why this structure of layered discretionary powers is necessary given the extent to which it transfers central policy matters from the bill to the regulations. In this regard, it is further noted that a rule or standard will only apply to a particular factual situation if they have relevance to that situation. The committee therefore considers that further explanation of the power to prescribe national environmental standards as irrelevant to particular processes is necessary. 1.23 Thirdly, the committee is concerned about the requirement that the minister must be satisfied that a management or authorisation framework is not inconsistent with applicable national environmental standards. This drafting seems to suggest that there is space between a framework complying with a standard and a framework not complying with the standard (i.e the framework may be not inconsistent with a standard even though it neither complies nor conflicts with the standard). The committee considers that exactly how this criterion conditioning the minister’s powers would function in practice has not been adequately explained in the explanatory memorandum and, as such, that this lack of clarity may operate to expand the scope of discretionary power available to the minister. 1.28 It is unclear to the committee why declarations or accreditations are not considered legislative in character but are nonetheless subject to a bespoke disallowance process. This approach, which appears to be novel in Commonwealth legislation, may operate to lessen the level of parliamentary scrutiny to which these matters are subjected. Broad discretionary powers Page 19 1.53 The committee notes that the national interest exemption power in proposed section 157H provides a broad ministerial discretion to…
SENATOR DEAN SMITH SHADOW ASSISTANT MINISTER FOR COMPETITION, CHARITIES AND TREASURY SENATOR FOR WESTERN AUSTRALIA MEDIA RELEASE 9 September 2024 HOMEOWNERS IN MORTGAGE ARREARS NEARLY DOUBLES Growing home loans, combined with the impact of 13 interest rates rises under Labor, has created a staggering increase in the number of Australians falling behind in their mortgage repayments – with WA the second worst affected state. Senator Dean Smith, Shadow Assistant Minister for Competition, Charities and Treasury, has obtained mortgage arrears figures from the Reserve Bank of Australia revealing the significant challenges Australians are experiencing in the Albanese Government’s cost of living crisis. The RBA figures confirm that the share of borrowers in 90-day arrears has surged across all states in Australia. In some states like New South Wales and Victoria the rate of increase nearly doubled. Share of borrowers in 90-day arrears (%) NSW VIC QLD WA SA TAS 2023 0.31 0.37 0.29 0.43 0.33 0.29 2024 0.57 0.67 0.47 0.62 0.54 0.50 Source: RBA Victoria has the highest share of borrowers in 90-day arrears at 0.67 percent, closely followed by Western Australia at 0.62 percent. The latest ABS data shows that since the low interest rates that characterised the start of the pandemic in early 2020, the average loan in Western Australia has jumped by $146,800, or 36.1 percent. It’s important to note that, during this time, the national average full-time adult weekly wage increased by just 14.2 percent, meaning income is not keeping pace with homeowner’s financial commitments. Quotes attributable to Senator Dean Smith: “Once again, Australian homeowners – including those in WA – are being reminded that life isn’t easy under Anthony Albanese and Labor.” “What these new RBA numbers reveal is that many Australians are now unable to meet their monthly mortgage repayments and that is because Albanese Government cannot control its homegrown inflation, leaving the RBA to do the heavy lifting with rates rises.” “Combine these rate rises with ever growing loans caused by a housing shortage aggravated by Labor’s record and unplanned migration policies, and you have a desperate situation.” “My home state of WA is one of the worst affected by this housing crisis, with the average home up by 40% – or $174,400 – in just four years.” “Gosnells in Perth, for example, is now ranked within the top eight areas in Australia with the highest share of borrowers that have a high mortgage burden, sitting at 15 percent according to the RBA.” “The median price of a home in that suburb has also surged by 32.5%, and rents have risen by 20.8%” “This is a crisis brought on by Labor’s economic mismanagement – and Australians are hurting as a result” ENDS
SENATOR JAMES PATERSON SHADOW MINISTER FOR HOME AFFAIRS AND CYBER SECURITY SENATOR DEAN SMITH SHADOW ASSISTANT MINISTER FOR COMPETITION, CHARITIES AND TREASURY FELICIA ADENIYI LIBERAL PARTY CANDIDATE FOR COWAN 30 April 2025 MULTICULTURAL YOUTH SWIMMING PROGRAM WILL SAVE LIVES AND BOOST SOCIAL COHESION An elected Dutton Liberal Government will provide $150,000 over three years from a revitalised Safer Communities Fund (SCF) to support multicultural youth swimming lessons in Cowan, ensuring improved water safety and greater social integration for more than 600 local kids. Utilising Royal Life Saving WA’s 8-week ‘Swim & Survive’ program, the classes will be run from Stirling Leisure Centre – Leisurepark in Balga for up to 208 children a year, with the cost of any swimming equipment included. Liberal candidate for Cowan, Felicia Adeniyi, said this funding would help children and their families feel safer in and around the water. “This is especially important in Cowan, where a significant percentage of the population was born overseas. We know that multicultural communities are at greater risk of drowning due to cultural differences in swimming ability,” Ms Adeniyi said. “This funding is a direct response to requests from concerned families in Cowan, and particularly the Organisation of African Communities in Western Australia, given the tragic drownings that occurred in recent years.” Senator for Western Australia, Senator Dean Smith, said the swimming program also has a key role in preventing isolation and fostering greater social integration for multicultural children. “Water safety knowledge and swimming are, fortunately, part of life for the wider community, but it’s vital that multicultural families are not excluded from this,” Senator Smith said. “The swimming program will help ensure that these children can confidently and safety enjoy the same activities as everybody else in Cowan, fostering a stronger sense of community here.” Shadow Minister for Home Affairs and Cyber Security, Senator James Paterson, said under a Dutton Liberal Government, the Cowan community will be better supported. “Getting Australia back on track means keeping Australia safe – safe for families, safe for businesses, and safe for communities,” Senator Paterson said. This commitment is part of the Liberals’ plan to strengthen our local communities and get our country back on track.
SENATOR DEAN SMITH SHADOW ASSISTANT MINISTER FOR COMPETITION, CHARITIES AND TREASURY LIBERAL SENATOR FOR WESTERN AUSTRALIA FELICIA ADENIYI LIBERAL FOR COWAN 29 April 2025 $295 MILLION FOR CONGESTION-BUSTING MAJOR ROAD UPGRADES IN COWAN An elected Liberal Government will deliver two transformational upgrades to congested major roads in Perth’s northern suburbs worth a total of $295 million. This much needed infrastructure boost means locals will spend less time on the road and have a safer driving experience. The Liberals will deliver a grade separation project at Reid Highway and Erindale Road for $225 million. $70 million has been allocated for grade separation works at Wanneroo Road and Hepburn Avenue. Liberal candidate for Cowan, Felicia Adeniyi, said that the upgrades would support residents in Hamersley, Balcatta, Westminster and Balga, as well as the thousands of motorists who use Reid Highway every day. “The northern suburbs are growing rapidly and our road infrastructure must keep up with the increased demand to avoid delays and accidents,” Ms Adeniyi said. “Many locals have made it clear this is a priority and we are committed to delivering it so people can spend less time in the car and more time doing what matters.” Senator for Western Australia, Senator Dean Smith, said that the upgrades would improve road safety at some of Perth’s busiest intersections. “These are incredibly busy roads and the upgrades will ensure they are fit for purpose in this dymamic, expanding part of the city,” Senator Smith said. “This significant commitment is confirmation the Liberals understands the needs – and potential – of Cowan and its motorists.” ENDS
SENATOR DEAN SMITH SHADOW ASSISTANT MINISTER FOR COMPETITION, CHARITIES AND TREASURY LIBERAL SENATOR FOR WESTERN AUSTRALIA SENATOR LINDA REYNOLDS LIBERAL SENATOR FOR WESTERN AUSTRALIA FELICIA ADENIYI LIBERAL FOR COWAN 12 April 2025 DELIVERING WORLD-CLASS FACILITIES FOR WANNEROO RUGBY UNION CLUB An elected Liberal Government will provide $4 million towards the redevelopment and expansion of the Wanneroo Rugby Union Club, ensuring that the club remains a hub for grassroots and elite-level rugby in Perth’s northern suburbs. Liberal candidate for Cowan, Felicia Adeniyi, secured this commitment to ensure local athletes, families, and community groups can enjoy improved sporting opportunities and facilities. “The club has long been a mainstay of Western Australia’s rugby community, but its current facilities have become outdated and no longer meet the demands of a growing player base, including in the rapidly expanding women’s rugby competition,” said Ms Adeniyi. “This investment will ensure that the club can expand and modernise its infrastructure to cater to increased membership.” The upgrades will include: New female change rooms to support the club’s growing women’s teams, providing a professional space for training and game days. Improved spectator amenities to enhance the game-day experience for families, fans, and visiting teams. A high-performance training academy, aimed at developing the next generation of elite rugby players, supporting pathways into professional and national teams. The club’s redevelopment will help attract visiting teams for training camps and tournaments, boost the local economy, and raise the profile of rugby players in the local area. Senator Dean Smith and Senator Linda Reynolds both welcomed the announcement. “Sport is at the heart of our northern suburbs lifestyle and this investment will ensure that the club remains a centre for rugby excellence in WA, attracting locals and interstate and international teams,” Senator Smith said. “It is also advantageous timing ahead of the 2027 and 2029 Rugby World Cups, where professional teams will be looking for high-quality training facilities,” said Senator Smith. “This funding recognises the key role the club plays in our local sporting and social life, and will enable it to deliver improved services to athletes and their supporters,” Senator Reynolds said. “This redevelopment will not only enhance the playing experience for athletes and sports enthusiasts, helping them to reach their full potential, but also drive economic benefits through use by professional teams and for events,” said Senator Reynolds. This commitment is part of the Liberals’ plan to strengthen our local communities and get Australia back on track. To read more about our plan, visit https://www.liberal.org.au/our-plan. ENDS
