Social Services and Other Legislation Amendment (Strengthening the Safety Net) Bill 2023

The majority voted against an amendment to the usual second reading motion, which is "that the bill be read a second time" (parliamentary jargon for agreeing with the main idea of the bill). Because this vote was unsuccessful, the text set out below won't be added to the motion. The amendment was introduced by Victorian Senator Janet Rice (Greens).

Note that these types of amendments don't make any legal changes, but instead are politically influential as they represent the will of the Senate.

Amendment text

At the end of the motion, add ", but the Senate calls on the Government to ensure no one is left behind and lift all income support payments above the poverty line".