Raff Ciccone
ALP Federal

Chair of Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Legislation Committee

Elected 2019

7 years

Senator for Victoria (VIC)

Federal - VIC

Raffaele, or “Raff”, was born in East Melbourne in 1983. His parents, Paola and Amato, are Italian immigrants who settled in Australia in the 1960s. Raff grew up in Melbourne’s southeast and attended Salesian College for high school.

Studying at Deakin University, Raff attained a Bachelor of Commerce (Financial Planning) and a Bachelor of Arts (Politics and Public Policy). He also holds a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Political Science and Government from the University of Melbourne as we...

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Committees

  • Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade
  • Intelligence and Security
  • Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade: References
  • Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade: Legislation
  • Appropriations, Staffing and Security
  • Scrutiny of Bills
  • Broadcasting of Parliamentary Proceedings

Key Staff

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See It In Action

First Speech in Parliament

24 July 2019

# First Nations Recognition # Labour Rights # Social Justice # Education Access # Wage Theft # Preventative Health # Homelessness # Gig Economy Protections # Immigrant Contributions # Community Support

Personal Background and Values

  • Raff Ciccone shares the immigrant story of his Italian parents, highlighting their journey to Australia and the importance of family and community.
  • He emphasises the values instilled by his parents: the significance of education, hard work, fairness, equality, and the dignity of individuals.

Policy Areas and Legislative Focus

  • Advocates for constitutional recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and a pathway to treaty, aiming to address injustices faced by First Nations people.
  • Calls for reforms in labour laws, including enhanced protections for temporary visa workers, increased penalties for wage theft, and regulations to adapt to the gig economy.
  • Highlights the need for an increase in Newstart payments to combat poverty among the unemployed and addresses the growing issue of homelessness by proposing comprehensive responses to its root causes.
  • Stresses the importance of preventative health measures and screening, drawing from personal experience with his wife's breast cancer diagnosis.

Commitment to Social Justice

  • Ciccone expresses his dedication to social justice and aims to put working Australians' issues at the forefront of national discussions. He reflects on the role of government in ensuring security and dignity for all citizens.

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FAQ

Raff Ciccone represents the Senate seat of Victoria in the Australian Parliament.

Raff Ciccone is a member of the Australian Labor Party.

Latest Updates

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See It In Action

In Parliament

QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE: TAKE NOTE OF ANSWERS

Answers to Questions

Australian Federal Parliament • Senate • 12 May

AI Summary

  • The Albanese government is committed to improving the lives of hardworking Australians, particularly in addressing housing affordability.
  • Criticism is directed at the opposition for voting against measures to increase housing supply and support first-home buyers.
  • The speaker underscores the need for economic reforms to protect living standards amid global challenges and rising cost-of-living pressures.

GOVERNOR-GENERAL'S SPEECH

Warrnambool May Racing Carnival, Farrer By-Election

Australian Federal Parliament • Senate • 12 May

Tourism and Hospitality Hospitality Small Business

AI Summary

  • The 2026 Warrnambool May Racing Carnival attracted about 30,000 spectators and showcased regional racing's ability to unite communities.
  • The event contributed $14.3 million to the local economy, with 80% of visitors coming from outside the region, benefiting various local businesses.
  • Regional racing generates $1.17 billion annually for Victoria and supports over 9,000 jobs.
  • Senator Ciccone highlighted the contrasting performance of the Liberals and Nationals in the Farrer by-election, criticising their significant losses.

Social Media

Posted on Facebook • 13 May 2026

Budget

The Federal Budget delivers targeted cost-of-living relief with more tax cuts to support Australian workers. Building on the Albanese Government's cost-of-living measures, these changes will help workers keep more of what they earn while easing pressure on household budgets. #auspol #budget2026 Anthony Albanese Jim Chalmers MP Katy Gallagher Daniel Mulino Australian Labor Party
Open Post

Posted on Facebook • 13 May 2026

Budget

What's in the Federal Budget for you? From responding to the global oil shock and taking pressure off Australians, the Albanese Labor Government's Budget focuses on building a stronger economy and lifting living standards for working families. Federal Labor remains focused on supporting workers so they are rewarded and can move forward with confidence. #auspol #budget2026 Australian Labor Party
Open Post

Posted on X • 1 May 2026

National Security Multicultural Affairs

The Interim Report of the Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion makes 14 recommendations to strengthen Australia's response to antisemitism, protect against terrorism and support social cohesion following the Bondi terrorist attack. The Government has accepted all recommendations that relate to the Commonwealth and will work with states and territories on a coordinated national approach. Commissioner Virginia Bell found Australia's existing legal and regulatory frameworks are... https://t.co/H5muXdhHxj
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Posted on X • 30 April 2026

Transport and Infrastructure Roads - Safety

🚧 Over $856,000 is being invested to upgrade the Eurambeen-Streatham Road and Mount William Road intersection in Stoneleigh under the Albanese Government's 2026-27 Black Spot Program, following advocacy by local State Labor MP Martha Haylett. This announcement is part of more than $4.5 million in road safety upgrades across Wannon, including projects in Birregurra, Wurdiboluc and Anglesea. 🚗 The projects were recommended by the Victoria Black Spot Consultative Panel, made up of local stake...
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Posted on LinkedIn • 12 May 2026

💙 RIP - my thoughts are with Lachlan Muddle's family, as they are with his defence family within the SAS. Lest We Forget 🇦🇺
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Posted on LinkedIn • 4 May 2026

Multicultural Affairs

The Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion begins its first block of public hearings today, running through to Friday, 15 May 2026. The hearings will examine the nature and prevalence of antisemitism in Australia and hear directly from witnesses about their lived experiences. The Commission is also inviting public submissions on antisemitism and the measures needed to strengthen social cohesion. You can watch the live stream https://lnkd.in/gHjThHeW or find more informatio...
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