The Latest Breaking News from Crossbench

Senators aim to rip cap off veteran health care payment

The crossbench has launched a bid to rule out caps on veterans' health spending into the future, after outrage linked to the looming cost limit.

AAP · Sep 15

Crossbench MPs launch push to stop Australian military exports being used in human rights breaches

‘Red lines’ legislation would forbid defence equipment technology or services being used, includes parts for F-35 fighter jets

The Guardian - AU · Sep 13

As gambling reforms face pressure from all sides, will Labor hold ’em, fold ’em or walk away?

Stronger action on inducements would be popular with voters – but crossbenchers fear ad reforms are worse than the status quo

The Guardian - AU · Aug 9

Wilkie accuses Labor and Coalition of drinking Aukus ‘Kool-Aid’ as crossbenchers rally for ‘transparent’ inquiry

Several independents have long urged a review into trilateral defence pact, which is anticipated to cost Australia up to $368bn

The Guardian - AU · Jun 13, 2025

‘Bad’ hate crime laws quickly passed after terror ‘con job’ must be reversed, crossbenchers insist

Independents and legal experts say Labor and Coalition teaming up to ‘ram laws through parliament’ lacked transparency and was ‘bad politicking’

The Guardian - AU · Mar 13, 2025

Whistleblowing reform urged to prevent dark chapters

Australia needs an independent whistleblower protection authority to help guide those who expose wrongdoing through a fraught legal system, crossbenchers say.

AAP · Feb 10, 2025

Employers’ national insurance rise ‘straw that breaks camels back’, Lords told

Crossbench peer Lord Morse, former head of the National Audit Office, warned that ‘not all big businesses have equally broad shoulders’.

The Independent UK · Jan 27, 2025

Crossbenchers cancel their membership of airlines’ elite lounges

Crossbench independents Allegra Spender, Helen Haines and Kate Chaney have declared they are pulling out of the elite lounges run by Qantas and Virgin, amid the ongoing spotlight on privileges politicians receive from the airlines.

The Conversation · Nov 4, 2024

Morning Mail: MPs demand LGBTQ+ census answers, more rights for gig workers, ‘born alive’ misinformation debunked

Ministers face calls to explain why they dumped questions on sexuality and gender diversity; super and workplace insurance within reach for riders

The Guardian - AU · Aug 27, 2024

Legal aid funding boost needed to stop femicide crisis

Urgent national reforms are needed if the Labor government wants to stop domestic and family violence, says legal aid organisations.

AAP · Jul 4, 2024