Laws · since May 2022
What Parliament has passed, and what’s before it
A selection of significant bills, newest first. Each entry says in plain words what the bill does and where it stands, and links to Parliament’s own record. Where a bill drew organised objections, they’re reported with who raised them. That’s a record of the debate, not this site’s opinion.
- Before Parliament
Universities Accord (Opening the Doors of Opportunity) Bill 2026
Amends the Higher Education Support Act 2003 to move university funding to a 'managed growth' system based on a total number of equivalent full-time student places, and provides needs-based funding grants for students from low socioeconomic backgrounds, First Nations students and regional-campus students. It also gives the Australian Tertiary Education Commission a framework to allocate international student places.
Points of debate · Cost & economic impact · raised by Group of Eight, Universities Australia
The Group of Eight told the Senate inquiry (12 Aug 2026) the bill risks 'replacing one barrier with another' and gives the Minister 'unchecked power to shape the character, purpose and behaviour' of autonomous universities. Universities Australia (24 Aug 2026) said the bill lacks a legislative guarantee that total system funding will cover existing student load and that a minister 'could still impose unreasonable conditions directly on the funding of an individual university'. The government says the bill implements the Universities Accord's recommendation for managed growth and needs-based funding.
- Before Parliament
Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Amendment Bill 2026
Amends the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Act 2006 to let the AUSTRAC Chief Executive Officer restrict or prohibit reporting entities from using high-risk mechanisms to provide designated services. It also updates the definition of financing of terrorism to reference new offences for financing a state sponsor of terrorism and makes technical amendments. The bill was reviewed by the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security.
- Passed
Online Safety Amendment (Strengthening Enforcement for the Social Media Minimum Age) Bill 2026
Amends the Online Safety Act 2021 to expand the eSafety Commissioner's information-gathering powers in relation to the social media minimum age framework and to increase civil penalties for non-compliance. It builds on the 2024 Act that set a minimum age of 16 for holding accounts on age-restricted social media platforms.
- IntroducedPrivate member’s bill
Automated Decision-Making (Safeguards and Transparency) Bill 2026
A private member's bill introduced in the House of Representatives on 7 September 2026 concerning safeguards and transparency for automated decision-making by government. No summary had been published on the bill's aph.gov.au page at the time of verification.
- Passed
News Journalism Payments Bill 2026
Part of the government's 'news bargaining incentive' package. According to ABC reporting on the scheme, large digital platforms above a local revenue threshold face a charge on Australian revenue unless they strike commercial deals to pay news outlets, with the proceeds distributed to newsrooms. No summary had been published on the bill's aph.gov.au page at the time of verification.
Points of debate · Cost & economic impact · raised by Meta, Google
Meta said the proposal was 'nothing more than a digital services tax' and a 'government-mandated transfer of wealth' with 'no connection to the value exchanged'; Google argued it ignored existing commercial agreements and 'arbitrarily' excluded other platforms (ABC, 28 Apr 2026). Communications Minister Anika Wells said it is 'only fair that large digital platforms contribute to the hard work of journalism that enriches their feeds'.
- Passed
Interactive Gambling Amendment (Gambling Reform) Bill 2026
Amends the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 to establish new restrictions on wagering advertising, including a ban on wagering ads during live sports coverage and requirements for online services to stop restricted users receiving ads. It expands the BetStop national self-exclusion register, prohibits online keno and foreign matched lotteries, and imposes obligations on financial institutions and online services to block payments and access to designated interactive gambling services.
Points of debate · Other · raised by Grattan Institute, Alliance for Gambling Reform, Federal Opposition, Australian Greens
Grattan Institute's Kate Griffiths (The Conversation, 18 Aug 2026) argued the bill falls short of the 2023 Murphy inquiry's recommendation to phase out 'all gambling advertising on all media' within three years, retaining a daytime cap on TV ads and permitting inducements. The Alliance for Gambling Reform called for closing 'streaming and live sport loopholes' and banning inducements. The Coalition, Greens and crossbench pressed for stronger measures and the government agreed to amendments adding inducement restrictions; the government describes the Act as the most significant gambling advertising reform to date.
- Passed
Australian Security Intelligence Organisation Amendment Bill (No. 2) 2025
As introduced, the bill amends the ASIO Act 1979 to make ASIO's compulsory questioning warrant framework permanent, expand the scope of adult questioning warrants to ASIO's full security mandate, amend the eligibility of prescribed authorities, add reporting requirements to the Attorney-General, and require post-charge questioning to occur only before a retired judge. It also provides for a further review by the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security.
Points of debate · Civil liberties & detention · raised by Law Council of Australia
The Law Council of Australia (17 Nov 2025) opposed removing the sunset clause, with President Juliana Warner saying 'just because they have been in place for an extended period does not mean we should lose sight of the fact that they are extraordinary powers', and criticised the retention of questioning powers over children aged 14 and over and the expansion to ASIO's full security mandate. In a 28 May 2026 update the Law Council welcomed a government amendment to retain the sunset clause and further amendments on children under 14 and legal representation; the government's stated rationale was to keep the powers 'fit for purpose' for the contemporary threat environment.
- Before Parliament
Counter-Terrorism Legislation Amendment Bill 2026
According to the Parliamentary Library preliminary digest, the bill extends the sunset dates for key counter-terrorism police powers and the control order and post-sentence order frameworks for a further three years to 7 December 2029. It repositions control orders as the primary mechanism for imposing conditions on serious terrorist offenders after release, enables warrants and information sharing when a control order is being considered, and amends the terrorist organisation listing framework. The Attorney-General said the bill responds to the Bondi attack and an 'evolving' threat environment.
- Passed
National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026
Amends the NDIS Act 2013 to define 'functional capacity', limit unscheduled plan reassessments, require supports to relate directly to a participant's eligible impairments, allow the Minister to reduce funding for specified groups of supports, introduce plan end dates and renewal processes, and refine the 'reasonable and necessary' test. It also requires consideration of eligibility for other service systems and expands the NDIA's fraud and compliance powers.
Points of debate · Other · raised by Advocacy for Inclusion, Law Council of Australia
Advocacy for Inclusion (5 Jun 2026) said government modelling showed 'hundreds of thousands of people with disability will be removed from or denied access to the scheme by 2031' and drew parallels with Robodebt over automated decision-making and weakened review rights. The Law Council of Australia (10 Jun 2026) said the consultation timeframe was 'unacceptably short' and that the bill's financial approach 'risks undermining original goals of the NDIS such as its participant-centred approach'. The government presents the changes as necessary to secure the scheme's long-term sustainability.
- Passed
Treasury Laws Amendment (Tax Reform No. 1) Bill 2026
Replaces the 50 per cent capital gains tax discount for individuals, trusts and partnerships with cost base indexation and a 30 per cent minimum tax rate on gains accruing from 1 July 2027. It limits negative gearing for residential property investments to new builds from 1 July 2027, introduces a non-refundable tax offset for labour income from 2027-28, and provides a $1,000 standard deduction for work-related expenses from 2026-27.
Points of debate · Cost & economic impact · raised by Federal Opposition (Tim Wilson)
ABC reported (12 May 2026) that the changes broke a 2026 election commitment not to alter negative gearing or CGT, quoting the Prime Minister's earlier 'For the 50th time' assurance. Shadow Treasurer Tim Wilson said the changes would 'lead to 35,000 fewer homes and higher rents' and the Coalition has pledged to repeal them. Treasurer Jim Chalmers argued the tax system had 'got out of whack' and that investor dominance was locking young people out of housing.
- IntroducedPrivate member’s bill
Commonwealth Electoral Amendment (Voter Protections in Political Advertising) Bill 2026
Amends the Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918 to prohibit misleading or deceptive electoral or referendum matter, and the Referendum (Machinery Provisions) Act 1984 to impose additional transparency and standards requirements for political advertising. It is the latest of several 'truth in political advertising' private members' bills; the government's own Electoral Communications Bill 2024 lapsed at the 2025 dissolution.
- Before Parliament
Secrecy Provisions Amendment (Repealing Offences) Bill 2026
Replaces the existing Criminal Code offence for unauthorised disclosure of information by Commonwealth officers with a new offence for improper use or communication of information done with intent to obtain a benefit or cause detriment. It requires the Attorney-General's consent to prosecute journalists for secrecy offences, and removes or decriminalises secrecy offences and non-disclosure duties across more than 300 provisions in 17 Acts and 5 regulations.
Points of debate · Free speech · raised by Law Council of Australia
The Law Council of Australia (submission 22 May 2026, update 7 Jul 2026) supported the reform overall but said the new general secrecy offence could 'bring persons who provide unpaid services to the Commonwealth within a secrecy offence framework' designed for public servants, and sought a narrower definition of 'services', materiality thresholds and broader public-interest exceptions beyond journalists. The government's rationale is to reduce Commonwealth secrecy provisions by more than a third while retaining a targeted offence.
- IntroducedPrivate member’s bill
Interactive Gambling Amendment (Stop the Gambling Ads) Bill 2026
Amends the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 to prohibit advertising of licensed interactive wagering services in Australia, subject to limited exceptions and phased implementation. It is a private member's bill and sits alongside the government's narrower Gambling Reform Act 2026.
- Introduced
Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission Bill 2026
Continues the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission as the national criminal intelligence agency with realigned functions and powers to obtain, analyse and communicate intelligence on serious and organised crime. It also provides for nationally coordinated criminal history checks and criminal intelligence assessments. A companion bill imposes a charge for criminal history check applications.
- Passed
Treasury Laws Amendment (Building a Stronger and Fairer Super System) Bill 2026
Together with an imposition bill, reduces tax concessions for individuals with total superannuation balances above $3 million (the 'Division 296' measure) and makes consequential amendments to nine Acts. It also links the low income superannuation tax offset eligibility threshold to the personal income tax threshold and its maximum amount to the superannuation guarantee percentage.
Points of debate · Cost & economic impact · raised by The Tax Institute
The Tax Institute (21 Jan 2026) said the original 2023 design drew 'considerable criticism from tax professionals and the general public' because balances were not indexed and unrealised capital gains would be taxed, and that the redesigned draft still contained elements that appeared 'inequitable, discriminate among different kinds of superannuation funds, and result in double taxation'; it also criticised a consultation window spanning the holiday period. The Treasurer announced a redesign on 13 Oct 2025; the government says the measure better targets concessions for very large balances.
- Passed
Migration Amendment (2026 Measures No. 1) Bill 2026
Amends the Migration Act 1958 to enable temporary restrictions on the arrival of specified classes of temporary visa holders, including where events outside Australia increase the risk that visa holders will not depart when their visas cease. The Minister can make an 'arrival control determination' for a specified period.
Points of debate · Immigration & borders · raised by Human Rights Watch
Human Rights Watch (11 Mar 2026) called the bill 'cynical and cruel', saying it would automatically freeze temporary visas, could see travellers in transit detained and deported, and was introduced 'without consultation with Australia's refugee and migration sector' while concentrating power in the Minister. Assistant Minister Julian Hill cited instability in the Middle East and the risk that visa holders would not depart as circumstances changed.
- Did not pass
Freedom of Information Amendment Bill 2025
Would have amended the Freedom of Information Act 1982 to implement or respond to recommendations of earlier reviews including the 2013 Hawke Review. Critics reported the bill would have allowed agencies to refuse anonymous requests and requests exceeding a processing-time threshold, introduced an application fee, and expanded exemptions for cabinet and deliberative documents.
Points of debate · Democratic process · raised by Centre for Public Integrity, Human Rights Law Centre, Alliance for Journalists' Freedom, Australia Institute, Justice and Equity Centre
The Centre for Public Integrity said the bill 'risked entrenching secrecy and weakening Australia's freedom of information system', with Research Director Gabrielle Appleby noting access to information 'is fundamental to democratic accountability'. A joint release by the Human Rights Law Centre, Alliance for Journalists' Freedom, Australia Institute, Justice and Equity Centre, Grata Fund and Whistleblower Justice Fund (5 Mar 2026) said the bill would have 'increased government secrecy, decreased accountability, and disempowered voters'. The government had argued the changes would address vexatious and resource-intensive requests; Finance Minister Katy Gallagher withdrew the bill citing lack of Senate support.
- Passed
Combatting Antisemitism, Hate and Extremism (Criminal and Migration Laws) Bill 2026
Amends the Criminal Code to create aggravated offences for preachers and leaders who advocate or threaten force or violence and for adults who seek to radicalise children, increase penalties for advocating or threatening violence, create a listing framework for prohibited hate groups, and strengthen prohibited symbols offences. It adds an aggravated sentencing factor for racially motivated conduct and inserts migration character grounds addressing hate-motivated conduct. The package followed the 14 December 2025 Bondi attack.
Points of debate · Civil liberties & detention · raised by Law Council of Australia, Australian Human Rights Commission, Executive Council of Australian Jewry, Jewish Council of Australia, Australian National Imams Council, Lebanese Muslim Association, NSW Council for Civil Liberties, Liberty Victoria and QCCL, Federal Coalition (Sussan Ley; the Nationals), Australian Greens, Senator David Pocock, Amnesty International Australia
Reaction split across the spectrum. The Law Council (15 Jan 2026) warned that 'compressed timelines and limited consultation periods increase the risk of drafting errors', and Human Rights Commission President Hugh de Kretser told the three-day inquiry it was 'insufficient' and that protections should also cover religion, sex, sexuality and disability. Jewish organisations were divided: the Executive Council of Australian Jewry called it 'a significant step in the right direction' while criticising its race-only scope, and the Zionist Federation welcomed the power to ban groups; the Jewish Council of Australia urged a pause, saying 'rushing through sweeping criminal laws is not going to make Jews safer'. Muslim organisations objected: the Australian National Imams Council said it was 'appalled and concerned' the Act could be applied unfairly to Muslims, and the Lebanese Muslim Association said it 'seems to be concentrated to protect one community and target another'. Civil-liberties councils argued 'the Federal Government cannot legislate its way to social cohesion'. The Coalition first called the draft 'pretty unsalvageable' (Sussan Ley) then, after a deal narrowing the hate-group definition and adding a two-yearly review, the Liberals voted for it; the Nationals abstained or voted no, wanting more time, and three of their frontbenchers quit over it. The Greens and Senator David Pocock voted against, citing chilling effects on protest and mandatory minimums. The government said urgent action was needed after the Bondi attack.
- Passed
Environment Protection Reform Bill 2025
Part of a seven-bill package implementing the 2020 Samuel Review of the EPBC Act. It streamlines assessments and approvals, provides for national environmental standards and bioregional plans, prohibits approval of projects with 'unacceptable impacts', requires residual impacts to be compensated to a net gain, and creates a 'national interest' pathway allowing projects to be approved even if they do not meet certain requirements. A separate Act establishes a National Environmental Protection Agency.
Points of debate · Environment · raised by Minerals Council of Australia, Australian Greens, Environmental law academics (The Conversation)
The Minerals Council of Australia (14 Nov 2025) said the 'unacceptable impacts' test was vague and subjective, that removing existing assessment pathways would push projects into the longest process, and that the new EPA needed clearer accountability to ministers. Environmental law academics writing in The Conversation (27 Nov 2025) criticised the broad 'national interest' exemption, ministerial discretion over standards and the offsets 'restoration fund', while noting the Greens' deal secured native forest protections; the Greens described the outcome as 'woefully short' on climate. The government said the reforms deliver faster, clearer decisions with stronger environmental protection.
- Passed
Fair Work Amendment (Protecting Penalty and Overtime Rates) Bill 2025
Amends the Fair Work Act 2009 to require the Fair Work Commission to ensure penalty and overtime rates in modern awards are not reduced, and that awards do not include terms substituting for penalty or overtime entitlements where this would reduce the additional pay employees would otherwise receive.
Points of debate · Workers & business · raised by Australian Retailers Association, Australian Industry Group
Australian Retailers Association CEO Chris Rodwell called the bill 'heavy-handed regulation' that prevents employees choosing higher base salaries in exchange for penalty rates, and Australian Industry Group CEO Innes Willox said it would 'make it harder for employers to employ people who want to work when it suits them' (Ragtrader, 25 Jul 2025). The government said the bill protects award-reliant workers from having penalty rates traded away.
- Passed
Universities Accord (Cutting Student Debt by 20 Per Cent) Bill 2025
Provides a one-off 20 per cent reduction to HELP and certain other student loan debts incurred on or before 1 June 2025. It raises the minimum repayment threshold from $54,435 to $67,000 for 2025-26 and calculates compulsory repayments on income above the threshold rather than as a percentage of total income.
Points of debate · Cost & economic impact · raised by Andrew Norton (Monash University)
Andrew Norton, Professor of Higher Education Policy at Monash University (The Conversation, 23 Jul 2025), argued the new repayment system risks a 'debt treadmill' for lower-earning graduates whose repayments fall below indexation, that the 20 per cent cut benefits recent graduates most while future students gain nothing, and that the bill leaves underlying course-cost drivers untouched. The government said the measure delivers immediate cost-of-living relief to three million Australians with student debt.
- Did not pass
Treasury Laws Amendment (Better Targeted Superannuation Concessions and Other Measures) Bill 2023
Original 'Division 296' bill that, with an imposition bill, would have applied an additional 15 per cent tax on earnings attributable to superannuation balances above $3 million, calculated on the change in total balance including unrealised gains, with no indexation of the threshold. It also contained unrelated Treasury measures.
Points of debate · Cost & economic impact · raised by The Tax Institute
The Tax Institute said the original design drew 'considerable criticism from tax professionals and the general public, primarily because the relevant superannuation balances were not indexed, and the measure proposed to tax unrealised capital gains'. The Treasurer announced a redesign on 13 October 2025 that dropped taxation of unrealised gains; the government's rationale was to make concessions on very large balances more sustainable.
- Did not passPrivate member’s bill
Whistleblower Protection Authority Bill 2025
Would have established a Whistleblower Protection Authority to receive and facilitate investigation of whistleblower disclosures, support disclosers, investigate mistreatment of whistleblowers and undertake enforcement, with an advisory council and a parliamentary joint committee. The government has not legislated a whistleblower protection authority as at September 2026.
- Did not passPrivate member’s bill
Electoral Legislation Amendment (Electoral Communications) Bill 2024
Would have prohibited authorising electoral or referendum matter that is inaccurate and misleading to a material extent (including 'deepfakes'), required AI-generated or digitally modified electoral matter to carry a statement to that effect, established an Electoral Communications Panel, and removed the three-day pre-election broadcast 'media blackout'.
- Passed
Electoral Legislation Amendment (Electoral Reform) Bill 2024
Amends the Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918 to establish annual and overall caps on political gifts, annual caps on electoral expenditure, expedited disclosure of gifts, a lower disclosure threshold, consolidated financial reporting, a new system of administrative funding and increased public election funding. It also introduces the category of 'nominated entity' and expands obligations for Commonwealth campaign accounts.
Points of debate · Democratic process · raised by Senator David Pocock, Kate Chaney MP, Australian Greens (Larissa Waters)
Independent Senator David Pocock (20 Nov 2024) called the bill a 'major party stitch up' designed to lock out community independents and objected to it not being referred to a Senate inquiry. After the February 2025 Labor-Coalition deal raised the donor cap to $50,000 and the disclosure threshold to $5,000, Greens Senator Larissa Waters said the major parties were 'agreeing on rigging the system to lock out their competitors' and independent MP Kate Chaney said the process showed 'the major parties just do not want any scrutiny' (ABC, 12 Feb 2025). The government said the reforms deliver the first federal caps on donations and spending and end secrecy around donations.
- Passed
Scams Prevention Framework Bill 2025
Amends the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 to establish a Scams Prevention Framework requiring service providers in designated sectors (initially banks, telecommunications providers and digital platforms) to take steps to prevent, detect, report, disrupt and respond to scams using their services, with penalties for non-compliance and dispute resolution arrangements.
Points of debate · Other · raised by Consumer Action Law Centre, CHOICE, Australian Communications Consumer Action Network, Financial Rights Legal Centre, Financial Counselling Australia
A coalition of consumer groups including Consumer Action Law Centre, CHOICE, ACCAN, Financial Rights Legal Centre and Financial Counselling Australia (8 Oct 2024) said the framework 'only goes halfway' because it lacks a UK-style presumption of reimbursement for scam victims; Consumer Action's Stephanie Tonkin said victims could face 'an almost 30-step process' taking up to two years with no guaranteed refund. The government's stated position was that a reimbursement-based model would reduce incentives for consumers and industry to prevent scams.
- Passed
Early Childhood Education and Care (Three Day Guarantee) Bill 2025
Replaces the Child Care Subsidy activity test with a guaranteed minimum of 72 hours per fortnight (three days a week) of subsidised early childhood education and care for all families regardless of work or study hours, and a 100-hour fortnightly entitlement for families caring for an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander child.
- Passed
Criminal Code Amendment (Hate Crimes) Bill 2025
Amends the Criminal Code to strengthen offences for urging force or violence against targeted groups, create new offences for threatening force or violence against groups or their members, and expand the groups protected by the prohibited hate symbols offences. Government amendments agreed on 6 February 2025 introduced mandatory minimum sentences, including 12 months' imprisonment for public display of prohibited symbols and six years for terrorism offences.
Points of debate · Due process & sentencing · raised by Law Council of Australia, Australian Greens (Adam Bandt)
The Law Council of Australia (6 Feb 2025) said it was 'extremely disappointed' by the late addition of mandatory minimums, with President Juliana Warner arguing they prevent courts considering personal circumstances so that, for example, a person displaying a prohibited symbol at a protest would face 12 months' jail, and noting the amendments contradicted Labor's 2023 national platform. Greens Leader Adam Bandt said 'we have very real concerns with mandatory minimum sentencing' (ABC, 5 Feb 2025). Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said delay 'does come at a cost' given crimes 'happening in real time'.
- Did not pass
Nature Positive (Environment Protection Australia) Bill 2024
Would have established Environment Protection Australia as a statutory Commonwealth regulator to undertake regulatory and implementation functions under federal environmental laws, as 'stage 2' of the Nature Positive reforms. Companion bills would have created Environment Information Australia and made transitional amendments.
Points of debate · Environment · raised by Australian Greens (Sarah Hanson-Young), WA Government (Roger Cook), Mining industry groups
ABC reported (2 Feb 2025) that the bills were shelved after resistance from WA Premier Roger Cook and sections of the mining industry, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese saying he could not see a 'path to success' and 'we won't be proceeding with it this term'. Greens environment spokesperson Sarah Hanson-Young said 'the prime minister has again caved to the vested interests of the WA mining industry'. The government said it would revisit the reforms after the election.
- Passed
Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Bill 2024
Amends the Online Safety Act 2021 to establish a minimum age of 16 for social media use and to oblige providers of age-restricted social media platforms to take reasonable steps to prevent under-16s from holding accounts. It also makes a consequential amendment to the Age Discrimination Act 2004.
Points of debate · Privacy & anonymity · raised by Law Council of Australia, Amnesty International Australia
The Law Council of Australia said the Senate inquiry's one-day submission window was 'highly concerning' and wrote to senators (26 Nov 2024) raising the 'extremely broad' definition of age-restricted platform, potential over-collection of personal information and the reliance on subsequent rules. Amnesty International Australia (26 Nov 2024) warned age verification could force platforms to collect biometric or identity data and that a blanket ban would isolate young people rather than regulate platforms. The government said the law responds to parents' concerns and puts the onus on platforms rather than children.
- Passed
Privacy and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2024
First tranche of Privacy Act reform. Expands the Information Commissioner's powers, enables information sharing after data breaches and in emergencies, requires a Children's Online Privacy Code, adds transparency obligations for automated decisions, and introduces new civil penalties. It also creates a statutory tort for serious invasions of privacy and Criminal Code offences for 'doxxing'.
Points of debate · Privacy & anonymity · raised by Law Council of Australia
The Law Council of Australia (7 Nov 2024) supported passage but called for a government roadmap with timeframes for the remaining Privacy Act Review reforms, sought redrafting of the statutory tort so its parameters were clearer, and warned the doxxing offences were 'drafted too broadly' with unclear definitions of 'menacing' and 'harassing'. The government described the bill as a first step, with further tranches to follow.
- Passed
Future Made in Australia Bill 2024
Establishes the National Interest Framework to guide public investment intended to facilitate private-sector investment in priority industries such as renewable hydrogen, critical minerals processing and clean energy manufacturing. It sets out sector assessment processes and community benefit principles for Future Made in Australia support.
Points of debate · Cost & economic impact · raised by Productivity Commission (Danielle Wood)
Productivity Commission chair Danielle Wood (ABC, 25 Apr 2024) said 'we need to be very cautious about stepping into this space', warned that subsidised infant industries 'turn into very hungry teenagers and it's kind of hard to turn off the tap', and said there was 'nothing wrong with buying cheaper solar panels from China'. The government argued the 'world has changed' and Australia risked being left behind in the global competition for clean-energy manufacturing; the Commission later welcomed added scrutiny provisions in the bill.
- Passed
Help to Buy Bill 2023
Establishes the Help to Buy shared equity scheme, administered by Housing Australia, under which the Commonwealth takes an equity stake to help low- and middle-income earners purchase new or existing homes with a smaller deposit. A companion Act makes consequential amendments.
Points of debate · Cost & economic impact · raised by Australian Greens, Federal Opposition
The Greens and Coalition withheld Senate support for months; the Greens argued the scheme would push up prices and demanded action on rent caps and negative gearing, with housing spokesperson Max Chandler-Mather saying Labor 'would rather have a fight with the Greens than actually help people' (Michelle Grattan, The Conversation, 25 Nov 2024). The government said the scheme would help 40,000 households into home ownership and refused to negotiate broader housing tax changes.
- Passed
Migration Amendment (Removal and Other Measures) Bill 2024
Amends the Migration Act 1958 to require non-citizens on a removal pathway who have exhausted avenues to remain in Australia to cooperate with steps to arrange their removal, with criminal penalties for non-compliance. It also allows the Minister to designate 'removal concern countries' whose nationals may be refused visas.
Points of debate · Immigration & borders · raised by Kaldor Centre for International Refugee Law (UNSW), Human Rights Watch
The Kaldor Centre for International Refugee Law (26 Mar 2024) said the bill gave the Minister 'extraordinarily broad and ill-defined powers', imposed mandatory prison terms of one to five years for non-cooperation that were 'unprecedented in Australian law', and could see entire countries subject to visa bans. Human Rights Watch (28 Nov 2024) said the laws 'criminalise administrative non-compliance'. The government said the powers were needed to remove people with no right to remain, following High Court decisions on indefinite detention.
- Passed
Migration Amendment Bill 2024
Amends the Migration Act 1958 to end certain bridging visas where the holder has permission to enter another country, allow the Minister to decide a protection finding would no longer be made for a 'removal pathway non-citizen', create an immunity from civil liability for certain acts, permit disclosure of criminal history information to foreign countries, and authorise spending on 'third country reception arrangements'.
Points of debate · Immigration & borders · raised by Human Rights Law Centre, Human Rights Watch, Refugee Council of Australia
The Human Rights Law Centre recommended the bill not be passed, arguing that 'warehousing people in third countries has never been, and will never be, an acceptable or effective response' and that reversing protection findings undermined refugee determinations. Human Rights Watch (28 Nov 2024) noted receiving countries need not be Refugee Convention parties and described the package as 'a new low'. The Refugee Council of Australia said of the companion phones bill that 'mobile phones are a lifeline for people in detention'. The government said the measures respond to the High Court's NZYQ and YBFZ decisions and protect community safety.
- Passed
Aged Care Bill 2024
Establishes a new framework for Commonwealth-funded aged care in response to the Royal Commission and the Aged Care Taskforce, including a Statement of Rights, new provider registration and regulatory arrangements, the 'Support at Home' program, means-tested co-contributions for non-clinical care, and a First Nations Aged Care Commissioner.
Points of debate · Cost & economic impact · raised by Australian Greens (Penny Allman-Payne)
The Australian Greens issued a dissenting report to the Senate inquiry and, in later statements, Senator Penny Allman-Payne said older Australians would face co-payments of 'up to $50 per shower' under Support at Home and that the government had embedded aged care 'as a marketplace' rather than a universal entitlement. The Coalition supported passage subject to amendments it negotiated. The government said the co-contribution model, based on the Aged Care Taskforce, makes the system sustainable while fully funding clinical care.
- Passed
Treasury Laws Amendment (Reserve Bank Reforms) Bill 2023
Implements part of the government's response to the RBA Review by replacing the Reserve Bank Board with a separate Monetary Policy Board and Governance Board and clarifying the RBA's objectives. As introduced it removed the Treasurer's power to override monetary policy decisions, but Greens amendments retained that power and the RBA's power to direct bank lending.
Points of debate · Other · raised by Federal Opposition (Angus Taylor), Australian Greens
Shadow Treasurer Angus Taylor withdrew the Coalition from a bipartisan deal, arguing the reform would let the Treasurer 'stack' the new monetary policy board with favourable appointees (Michelle Grattan, The Conversation, 10 Sep 2024). The Greens conditioned support on retaining the Treasurer's override power, which the government accepted. Treasurer Jim Chalmers said he had accommodated six opposition requests and that the reforms implement the independent RBA Review.
- Did not pass
Communications Legislation Amendment (Combatting Misinformation and Disinformation) Bill 2024
Would have amended the Broadcasting Services Act 1992 to impose obligations on digital platforms regarding content 'reasonably verifiable as false, misleading or deceptive' and reasonably likely to cause serious harm, and expanded the Australian Communications and Media Authority's powers to make and enforce codes and standards on misinformation and disinformation. The government said it would have required platforms to publish risk assessments and provide complaints processes.
Points of debate · Free speech · raised by Federal Opposition (David Coleman), Australian Greens, Institute of Public Affairs
Shadow Communications Minister David Coleman called the bill 'appalling' and warned platforms would censor content 'to avoid the threat of big fines'; the Greens opposed it citing 'broad, ambiguous definitions' that would leave platforms to determine truth; the Institute of Public Affairs argued it would 'silence online debate' (ACS Information Age, 25 Nov 2024). Minister Michelle Rowland said the bill would have delivered 'an unprecedented level of transparency, holding big tech to account' and that the government would pursue other measures such as truth in political advertising and deepfake offences.
- Passed
Treasury Laws Amendment (Cost of Living Tax Cuts) Bill 2024
Amends the Income Tax Rates Act 1986 to modify individual income tax thresholds and rates from 2024-25, redesigning the previously legislated 'stage 3' tax cuts to reduce the 19 per cent rate to 16 per cent, reduce the 32.5 per cent rate to 30 per cent, and adjust the thresholds for the 37 and 45 per cent rates.
Points of debate · Democratic process · raised by Federal Opposition (Peter Dutton)
Opposition Leader Peter Dutton said the Prime Minister had broken a repeated pre-election commitment to deliver the legislated stage 3 cuts unchanged and 'should call an election and put the changed position to the Australian people' (ABC, 26 Jan 2024); the Coalition ultimately voted for the bill. The government said changed economic circumstances justified redirecting relief to low- and middle-income earners, with Treasury advising 13.6 million taxpayers would benefit.
- Passed
Fair Work Legislation Amendment (Closing Loopholes No. 2) Bill 2023
Amends the Fair Work Act 2009 on casual employment, the definition of employment, sham contracting, workplace delegates' rights, intractable bargaining, and minimum standards for 'employee-like' gig workers and road transport contractors. A Greens amendment agreed in the Senate inserted a 'right to disconnect' allowing employees to refuse unreasonable out-of-hours contact.
Points of debate · Workers & business · raised by Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Business Council of Australia, Minerals Council of Australia
ACCI chief executive Andrew McKellar said there was 'a fundamental flaw' in the process, with '89 new amendments being brought forth on top of 800 pages of existing legislation that was rammed through', and Business Council chief executive Bran Black said the amendments made 'a bad bill worse' and would make casual jobs harder to find (AAP, 29 Nov 2023). Employment Minister Tony Burke said the changes were 'pragmatic, practical' and would deliver better workplace protection.
- Passed
Counter-Terrorism Legislation Amendment (Prohibited Hate Symbols and Other Measures) Bill 2023
Creates Commonwealth offences for publicly displaying or trading in goods bearing prohibited Nazi and Islamic State symbols, and for using a carriage service for violent extremist material. It expands the offence of advocating terrorism to cover instructing on or praising a terrorist act, raises its maximum penalty from 5 to 7 years, and removes the sunsetting requirement for terrorist organisation listings.
- Did not pass
Constitution Alteration (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice) 2023
Proposed to alter the Constitution to recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Peoples of Australia by establishing a Voice to make representations to the Parliament and the Executive Government on matters relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. As a constitutional alteration it required approval at a referendum, where it was rejected nationally and in every state.
Points of debate · Indigenous rights · raised by Federal Coalition, No campaign
Researchers Andrea Carson, Rebecca Strating and Simon Jackman (The Conversation, 1 May 2024) found support collapsed after the Opposition Leader rejected the proposal, with the No campaign using messages such as 'the vote will divide us' and 'if you don't know, vote no', and identified cost-of-living concerns and a 'disinformation ecosystem' as further factors. The government argued the Voice was a modest, advisory body requested by Indigenous Australians in the Uluru Statement from the Heart.
- Passed
Public Interest Disclosure Amendment (Review) Bill 2022
Amends the Public Interest Disclosure Act 2013 as a first stage of whistleblower reform: it excludes 'personal work-related conduct' from the scheme, expands protections and civil remedies for reprisals, removes the general secrecy offence, clarifies the roles of the Ombudsman and IGIS, and provides for a five-year review. Consequential amendments align the Act with the National Anti-Corruption Commission.
Points of debate · Other · raised by Human Rights Law Centre, Transparency International Australia, Griffith University Centre for Governance and Public Policy
The Human Rights Law Centre, Transparency International Australia and Griffith University's Centre for Governance and Public Policy welcomed the technical reforms in a joint submission but warned against a 'piecemeal approach', noting that of 21 reform areas in their federal roadmap the bill addressed only one completely and four partially, and called for a whistleblower protection authority. The government described the bill as priority reforms ahead of a broader second stage.
- Passed
National Anti-Corruption Commission Bill 2022
Establishes the National Anti-Corruption Commission to investigate and report on serious or systemic corruption in the Commonwealth public sector, refer evidence of criminal conduct for prosecution and undertake education and prevention. It creates a Parliamentary Joint Committee and an independent Inspector to oversee the Commission. Public hearings may be held only in 'exceptional circumstances' and where in the public interest.
Points of debate · Democratic process · raised by Centre for Public Integrity, Transparency International Australia, Human Rights Law Centre, Accountability Roundtable
Seven integrity organisations including the Centre for Public Integrity, Transparency International Australia and the Human Rights Law Centre (joint statement 22 Nov 2022) called for removal of the 'exceptional circumstances' test for public hearings, with Anthony Whealy KC calling it 'excessive, redundant and a serious retraction by Labor'. The Accountability Roundtable said 'it is difficult to see what example would meet this test' (ABC, 18 Oct 2022). Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus said the test struck 'the right balance', citing that only around 5 per cent of NSW ICAC hearings are public.
- Repealed
Fair Work Legislation Amendment (Secure Jobs, Better Pay) Bill 2022
Abolishes the Australian Building and Construction Commission (renaming its Act the Federal Safety Commissioner Act) and repeals the Building Code, and abolishes the Registered Organisations Commission. It also amends the Fair Work Act 2009 to expand multi-employer bargaining, prohibit pay secrecy, limit fixed-term contracts, add job security and gender equity to the Act's objects, and create Pay Equity and Care and Community Sector expert panels.
Points of debate · Workers & business · raised by Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Australian Industry Group, Business Council of Australia, Council of Small Business Organisations Australia, Minerals Council of Australia, National Farmers' Federation
Six employer bodies - ACCI, Ai Group, the Business Council of Australia, COSBOA, the Minerals Council and the National Farmers' Federation - issued a joint statement (9 Nov 2022) saying the bill 'unjustifiably expands the scope for multi-employer bargaining', 'undermines the system of enterprise bargaining' and 'would not deliver any identifiable path to productivity improvements', and called for the bargaining provisions to be abandoned or substantially amended. The government argued the changes would get wages moving and close the gender pay gap.
- Repealed
Social Security (Administration) Amendment (Repeal of Cashless Debit Card and Other Measures) Bill 2022
Amends the Social Security (Administration) Act 1999 to abolish the cashless welfare arrangements known as the cashless debit card, allowing existing participants to exit the program or move to alternative income management arrangements, including on a voluntary basis. It makes consequential amendments to family assistance, social security and national emergency legislation.
Points of debate · Other · raised by Federal Opposition (Linda Reynolds, Jacinta Nampijinpa Price), Australian Greens
Coalition senators recommended the bill not be passed. Liberal Senator Linda Reynolds warned abolition would mean 'more grog ... more violence ... more child neglect', and NT Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price said the government was ignoring vulnerable children in favour of adults 'controlled by addiction' (ABC, 28 Sep 2022). The Greens supported abolition but criticised the continuation of any income management. Social Services Minister Amanda Rishworth said the card had not worked and that the government wanted income management to become voluntary after consulting communities.
- Passed
Climate Change Bill 2022
Legislates Australia's greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets of 43 per cent below 2005 levels by 2030 and net zero by 2050. It requires the Minister to table an annual climate change statement, requires the Climate Change Authority to advise on future targets, and provides for periodic reviews of the Act.
How bills are chosen
Hand-verified against aph.gov.au bill pages. Statuses: scheduled (introduced, awaiting debate), debated (before Parliament), passed, failed (defeated, withdrawn or lapsed), repealed. Controversy entries report who objected and what they argued, with sources; they are not the site's own judgement. This is a selection of significant bills, not every bill. Government bills are shown by default because they show what the government is doing; private members’ bills almost never pass and are kept separate so they don’t distort the picture. Think one is missing or described unfairly? Tell us.