Michelle Rowland
Greenway · Australian Labor Party · Australia
“Failure to comply with the identity verification requirement in ART proceedings would result in the tribunal being required to dismiss the matter.”
“Courts must retain a high degree of discretion in the management of proceedings. This means that the FCFCOA will also be able to extend time for satisfying the identity verification requirement or dispense with the requirement altogether where appropriate.”
“The bill provides safeguards for vulnerable applicants of the ART and will notapply these changes to reviews relating to social security, veterans entitlements, the National Disability Insurance Scheme or aged care where written reasons may play an important role.”
“Improving ART efficiency and operations The bill makes amendments to the Administrative Review Tribunal Act 2024and other Commonwealth legislation to expand tribunal powers, improve tribunal processes, increase efficiency, avoid administrative delays, and aid the management of caseload surges and backlogs—particularly in migration matters…”
“I move: That this bill be now read a second time. The Administrative Review Tribunal (the ART) commenced operation on 14 October 2024, replacing the former Administrative Appeals Tribunal as Australia's primary federal merits review body.”
“It will provide an important touchpoint, and a further opportunity to protect the integrity of the merits and judicial review systems through identification checks.”
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“It will also support the ART and the FCFCOA to address significant case loads, enhance efficiency and avoid administrative delay, ensuring that decisions can be made in an efficient and timely manner. I commend the bill to the chamber. Debate adjourned.”
“It will provide an important touchpoint, and a further opportunity to protect the integrity of the merits and judicial review systems through identification checks. Conclusion Taken together, these reforms will support a more efficient, effective and robust review framework by encouraging active participation in the process, and dissuading frivolous applications—while ensuring appropriate balances are in place. The ART has a crucial role in enabling members of the community to seek fair, quick and inexpensive review of government decisions. The FCFCOA has a crucial role in providing an avenue to review the legality of government decisions. This bill will support the tailoring of ART procedures and operations to the different circumstances of the cases before them.”
“Courts must retain a high degree of discretion in the management of proceedings. This means that the FCFCOA will also be able to extend time for satisfying the identity verification requirement or dispense with the requirement altogether where appropriate. This new requirement would ensure applicants are genuinely engaging with merits and judicial review processes by establishing a mandatory engagement point between the applicant and the review pathways. As a regulation, it would of course be open to the parliament to scrutinise and consider the arrangements—and disallow them if appropriate. This proposal ensures that genuine applicants understand precisely what it is they are seeking to do, and that the ART and the FCFCOA can have confidence an individual seeking review is who they say they are.”
“Failure to comply with the identity verification requirement in ART proceedings would result in the tribunal being required to dismiss the matter. As an important safeguard, the existing reinstatement powers already available to the ART would continue to operate in circumstances where a matter should not have been dismissed in the first place. Applicants who fail to comply with the identity verification requirement in FCFCOA proceedings would require leave of the Court to continue proceedings. Where leave is not granted, the FCFCOA would be able to dismiss the proceedings. The FCFCOA would also be able to reinstate proceedings which had been dismissed. The difference in approach between the ART and FCFCOA reflects the constitutional limits arising from the status of the FCFCOA as a court established under Chapter Ill of the Constitution.”
“The bill provides safeguards for vulnerable applicants of the ART and will notapply these changes to reviews relating to social security, veterans entitlements, the National Disability Insurance Scheme or aged care where written reasons may play an important role. The changes will also not apply to other reviews that may be prescribed by regulations. The bill would, among other matters: Protecting the integrity of the protection and migration review system The bill would introduce a new requirement for the verification of the identity of an applicant for merit or judicial review of a prescribed protection or migration decision in the ART and FCFCOA. The particulars around when, where and how the identity verification process would operate would be set out in regulations under the Migration Act.”
“Improving ART efficiency and operations The bill makes amendments to the Administrative Review Tribunal Act 2024and other Commonwealth legislation to expand tribunal powers, improve tribunal processes, increase efficiency, avoid administrative delays, and aid the management of caseload surges and backlogs—particularly in migration matters. The bill will enable the ART to give reasons for a decision orally—rather than alwaysin writing—with written statements of reasons to be given at the request of a party. These changes ensure that ART resources are not unnecessarily expended to produce written reasons when parties do not require them. These changes apply to matters in the ART's migration caseload, as well as other caseloads where written reasons may not always be required.”
“Efficient review procedures are important to reduce delays in decision-making, provide genuine applicants with the benefit of a timely and effective remedy, and strengthen the integrity of administrative and judicial review systems. The purpose of the Administrative and Judicial Review Legislation Amendment Bill 2026 is to enhance the efficiency and responsiveness of the migration review framework by supporting the ART and FCFCOA to more effectively respond to their significant and increasing caseloads. The bill would also support the ART to manage its significant workload across case types, through measures that would create efficiencies, improve processes and increase flexibility.”
“The government is therefore committed to ensuring the ART has the tools and the flexibility it needs to deliver these objectives. The Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (FCFCOA) (Division 2) also plays an important role in hearing and determining judicial reviews of certain government decisions, including decisions of the ART. It is important that the FCFCOA is well-equipped to perform this function, which is critical to our system of government, and promotes public trust and confidence in government institutions. Merits and judicial review processes should be proportionate. The time and resources expended to determine a matter should reflect the complexity of the issues, and the importance of what is at stake.”
“I move: That this bill be now read a second time. The Administrative Review Tribunal (the ART) commenced operation on 14 October 2024, replacing the former Administrative Appeals Tribunal as Australia's primary federal merits review body. The ART provides an independent mechanism of review of government decisions made under over 400 Commonwealth acts—a function that is critical to Australia's system of government. The government established the ART to ensure that members of the community have an avenue to seek review of government decisions in an effective, efficient and fair way. The government recognises that not every review is the same and that the ART should provide a meaningful opportunity for review in a way that is appropriate to the circumstances of the case.”
“I move: That this House: does not concur in the resolution transmitted by the Senate; and notes that: on Monday, 22 June 2026, the Australian Government commenced the process to select and appoint a Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner for the National Anti-Corruption Commission; the Government is seeking candidates with the highest levels of integrity, leadership and decision-making ability for these positions; the Government confirmed that appointments will be made through an open, competitive, and merit-based process, as all the appointments to the National Anti-Corruption Commission have been made; consistent with the requirement under section 178 of the National Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2022, the Attorney-General will refer the proposed appointments to the Parliamentary Joint Committee on the National Anti-Corruption Commission (the committee) for approval before recommending them to the Governor-General for appointment; there is a need to balance the committee's important role under the legislation with respecting the privacy of candidates and their willingness to put themselves forward as candidates; the Government is committed to providing the committee with appropriate information about the proposed candidates on which to base its decision; and the motion purports to expand the functions of the committee beyond that prescribed by statute.”
“The amendments are minor and technical in nature, and either make no change or only minor changes to the substance of the law. Schedule 2 repeals 106 acts. The amendments relate to acts that are spent or redundant and do not alter the current or future effect of the law in any way. These ongoing improvements to legislation are important to ensure that the Commonwealth statute book remains up to date, accurate and accessible. Debate adjourned.”
“Statute law revision and updated bills aim to enhance the clarity and efficiency of the statute book. The amendments are minor and technical in nature and either make no change, or only minor changes, to the substance of the law, and only in ways that are consistent with the scope and intention of the relevant provisions. This bill contains two schedules. Schedule 1 contains general amendments to 42 acts across the Commonwealth statute book. These are intended to enhance readability, facilitate interpretation and administration and promote consistency across the Commonwealth statute book. Amendments in this schedule correct typographical errors and minor inconsistencies, update references and repeal spent or obsolete provisions within acts. Schedule 1 also makes minor updates to reflect modern drafting practices.”
“I move: That this bill be now read a second time. The Statute Update Bill 2026 amends 42 Commonwealth acts to make minor, technical amendments across the Commonwealth statute book, including to fix errors, remove spent and obsolete provisions, and update references to align with modern legislative drafting practice. The bill also repeals 106 spent or obsolete acts. Such amendments would improve the quality of legislation and ensure it can be more easily understood. Statute law revision acts and statute stocktake acts have been passed since 1934 to remove obsolete and spent provisions from the statute book and correct drafting mistakes. They are traditionally non-controversial and are essential to keep the Commonwealth statute book accurate and up-to-date.”
“The Albanese government will continue to shield Australians from the impacts of global pressures, including conflict in the Middle East.”
“Through ongoing engagements, we have now secured ministerial consent from the New South Wales government for the lease at Douglas Reserve, allowing this project to proceed. I am also pleased that the lease for the Ken Birdsey Park in Schofields has been referred to the New South Wales government for approval. These locations were identified by locals in my community, and I'm so pleased to be able to deliver for them. I will continue to fight to ensure that every resident across Greenway has access to reliable mobile coverage. Constituents have welcomed the extension of fuel excise relief for another month. This will make petrol and diesel 16c per litre cheaper for another month. For local families, tradies and small businesses, this is vital cost-of-living relief for those who need it most.”
“This $720 million project will cut travel times, ease congestion and support future growth across Greenway. After years of neglect, we're delivering the practical infrastructure investments that our community needs and deserves. Access to reliable mobile connectivity is an important concern in my electorate. In 2022, I worked with residents in The Ponds to address longstanding mobile black spots and was successful in securing land for a new tower at Jonas Bradley Park. I'm pleased that that tower is now built and connecting my community in Greenway. While this is real progress, more work remains. I will continue to bring together network operators, Blacktown council and locals to find practical solutions.”
“I'm pleased to share that construction on the new Rouse Hill Hospital is underway. This milestone reflects years of advocacy, by my community in Greenway and Labor governments committed to delivery. Working together, the Albanese and Minns Labor governments are building the world-class hospital that north-west Sydney needs. Excavation and earthworks for the hospital footprint are taking place right now, and I look forward to the project continuing to make great progress. For growing communities like ours, better health services must be matched with strong infrastructure. That's why we're also investing in road upgrades across north-west Sydney. We're progressing works to widen Windsor Road near the hospital site, addressing a significant bottleneck on this vital road. Construction is also underway to upgrade Richmond Road.”
“This budget reflects the clear priorities of the government in my portfolio. It strengthens institutions, while delivering practical protections that keep Australians safe. Proposed expenditure agreed to.”
“In this budget we've provided essential funding across the portfolio to strengthen institutions, uphold the rule of law, address gender based violence and help keep vulnerable Australians safe. Whilst time does not permit me to conduct an exposition of every measure, there are a few I'd like to highlight, including $37.3 million over two years to strengthen the capacity of the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions; $74.2 million to strengthen the integrity of the migration system, including investments in the Federal Court and the Federal Circuit and Family Court to improve efficiency, and a duty lawyer pilot to support access to justice; $10.8 million over four years and $2.7 million ongoing to support the Australian Law Reform Commission; and $27 million over four years and $5.7 million ongoing to the OAIC to strengthen privacy regulation and oversight across digital initiatives.”
“Combined with the Albanese government's significant reforms to the Family Law Act, these measures form part of a broader, ongoing commitment to ending this violence. Through the National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children, the Albanese government has also committed $4.4 billion to help prevent violence and reduce intimate-partner homicide. I'm mindful of time, but I mention that, in my portfolio, this includes $28.6 million to pilot new policing models targeting high risk offenders, $50.6 million to improve information sharing and $6.8 million to support children after separation. These are significant investments, but there is so much more to do.”
“This cutting edge training uses real-life case studies with immersive virtual reality to help improve responses to domestic violence, coercive control, technology facilitated abuse, trauma and misidentification. More than 10,000 frontline police officers are expected to undertake the training. Last year, the government piloted specialised, trauma informed sexual violence legal services in three jurisdictions. Following their success, we've now completed the rollout nationally. This helps ensure victim- survivors in every jurisdiction can access stronger support to navigate the justice system. We also continue to support the Family Violence and Cross-examination of Parties Scheme, with almost $36 million allocated since 2025 to ensure that victim-survivors are not directly cross-examined by perpetrators in family law proceedings.”
“I thank all honourable members for their contribution to this debate, and I do want to thank the member for Jagajaga for her comments relating to the government's priorities on women's safety and acknowledge her longstanding advocacy in this area. The government is committed to ending the scourge of family, domestic and sexual violence, which has such devastating impacts on individuals, families and communities. Tragically, at least 21 women and children have already been killed this year through intimate partner violence or domestic violence. Addressing this requires sustained, evidence based action, and that is exactly what the Albanese government is doing. In my portfolio, that includes investing in police capability through a world-leading $4.1 million national training package that's now available across all jurisdictions.”
“Communities impacted by PFAS contamination deserve transparency, accountability and ongoing support. Protecting Australians, including our defence personnel, our veterans, local communities and First Nations peoples is this government's No. 1 priority. Australians rightly expect their government to stand up for them and hold companies accountable when communities and the environment are impacted, and that is why we are bringing this action. The Commonwealth is a model litigant, and we will take steps to genuinely engage with 3M to resolve this claim as efficiently as possible. But let me be clear. We are not afraid to take on 3M in the interests of Australians. As I said this morning and will say again, this legal action against 3M is significant.”
“For the benefit of the House, PFAS are chemicals that have been contained in legacy firefighting foams for many years, including on Defence sites. Defence no longer uses legacy firefighting foams that caused PFAS contamination. The government's position is that 3M withheld a range of information and misrepresented the adverse environmental effects of this substance, including stating that the foam was biodegradable, nontoxic and could be disposed of safely. This misconduct has come at significant cost to the Australian taxpayer, including over $1 billion to date to investigate, remediate and mitigate PFAS contamination at Defence estate sites. I know, as does my excellent colleague, the Assistant Minister for Defence, that Australians have dealt with the consequences of PFAS contamination for many years.”
“I thank the member for her question. I also acknowledge her decade of strong advocacy in these matters and how important this is for her community and for others in this place. This morning the Commonwealth commenced legal action in the Federal Court of Australia against 3M Australia and 3M Company for allegedly withholding information and making false statements about the long-term environmental impacts of the use of 3M firefighting foam containing PFAS. The Commonwealth is seeking more than $2 billion in damages to recover significant past and future expenses incurred in investigating and managing contamination resulting from the historical storage and use of this foam. This is the largest legal claim ever brought by the Commonwealth.”
“Candidates are then referred for consideration to the cross-party Parliamentary Joint Committee on the National Anti-Corruption Commission, comprising members and senators from across the parliament, including the honourable member for Indi, who serves as its deputy chair. I also thank the member for Indi for her work on this very important committee. The committee's decision is then reported to the parliament. I note that all appointments made to the commission to date have been unanimously approved by the parliamentary joint committee. The merit based process for NACC appointments reflects the Albanese government's commitment to integrity and accountability in government, and I thank the honourable member for her positive engagement in this regard.”
“I thank the member for her question, which goes to the importance of the National Anti-Corruption Commission to Australia's integrity landscape, as delivered by the Albanese government following our election in 2022. I am pleased to confirm to the House that the government established a merit based selection process for all appointments to the NACC, which has been followed to date and which will be followed in future. The appointment process will be consistent with the Australian Government Appointments Framework and the NACC Act. Candidates for appointment are assessed by a selection panel following public advertisements. Only candidates assessed as suitable by the panel are presented to me as Attorney-General for appointment.”
“I encourage all locals in my community to head to michellerowland.com.au and click 'events' to register for my women's health forum.”
“The forum, which will be hosted online, is designed to inform and empower my community on key women's health issues, including the support our government is providing for Australian women. The Albanese government is delivering better health care for women, particularly through our landmark $792 million women's health package that's offering more choice, lowering costs and providing better care for Australian women. Since announcing our women's health package, more than 800,000 women have accessed more than three million cheaper scripts for new treatments listed on the PBS. This adds to our government's delivery of 33 endo and pelvic pain clinics, including at Rouse Hill Town Medical and Dental Centre, which is supporting women and girls in my community. This government will always back Australian women and girls.”
“This includes the Medicare urgent care clinic I was proud to open at Rouse Hill Town Centre late last year. For close to six months, highly trained doctors and nurses at the Rouse Hill Medicare Urgent Care Clinic have been supporting my community to access treatment for a range of conditions and injuries that need urgent attention but aren't life threatening—including cuts, viral infections or sprained ankles. The Albanese government is strengthening Medicare and delivering the critical services that north-west Sydney deserves. One of the things I hear most often from women in my community is how confusing and overwhelming the health system can feel. That's why I'm hosting a women's health forum with my most excellent colleague, the Assistant Minister for Women and Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care, Rebecca White MP.”
“Access to affordable health care for locals in my community in north-west Sydney is not a nice-to-have; it's essential. That's why our government has worked tirelessly to strengthen Medicare and ensure that more Australians can access reliable and affordable health care with their Medicare card, not their credit card. I'm proud to say that the latest quarterly data released just yesterday shows that, through our historic investment in Medicare, the national bulk-billing rate soared to 81.9 per cent. This is up 4.6 per cent on the same period last year. In New South Wales alone, bulk-billing has increased to over 85 per cent. Importantly, there are now over 3,800 Medicare bulk-billing practices. Of those, more than 1,400 were previously mixed billing clinics.”
“Our national security agencies have robust oversight, including by the Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security as well as the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security.”
“The non-publication direction limits communication of security classified information in the confidential report. The direction was considered necessary, such as the sensitivity of the information shared with the royal commission, which includes highly classified national security information and operationally sensitive information including as relevant to active investigations as well as the current prosecution. I know the honourable member will appreciate that it is critical to not disclose any operational information relating to the criminal investigation to avoid risk of prejudicing the prosecution. I can assure the member that the government takes this direction seriously and we take all the recommendations in the interim report seriously.”
“On the issue the member raises of oversight of confidential recommendations in the interim report, the member is correct. Recommendations eight to 12 of the interim report are indeed confidential. The government has accepted all recommendations relevant to the Commonwealth, and we will work with state and territory governments to adopt a national approach to implement all 14 of those recommendations, including those which are confidential. For the benefit of the house, two versions of the interim report were presented by the royal commission—firstly, a declassified version suitable for public release and a confidential version marked 'Top Secret' with a number of agency codewords and caveats. In addition, Commissioner Bell issued a non-publication direction under section 63 of the Royal Commissions Act for parts of the interim report.”
“I thank the member for her question. Indeed, the royal commission did deliver its interim report to government on 30 April. The final report will be delivered on 14 December. The first hearing block of witnesses commenced on 4 May, and the second block commenced yesterday. I also want to put on the record again the appreciation of this parliament to members of the Jewish community who've given valuable evidence on their personal lived experiences of antisemitism, and I thank those who have come forward in the now over 12,500 submissions that have been made. For the benefit of the member and the house, the royal commission has now established a dashboard tracking key elements of its proceedings, and I encourage members to visit that at asc.royalcommission.gov.au.”
“The government does not support this amendment. Subsection 122.5(4) of the Criminal Code provides a defence to the secrecy offences in the code where the conduct was engaged in for the purpose of disclosing information in accordance with the Public Interest Disclosure Act. To meet the defence, the defendant is required to point to evidence suggesting a reasonable possibility that they were disclosing in accordance with the PID Act. The burden then shifts to the prosecution to disprove the defence beyond a reasonable doubt. The government is committed to the second tranche of PID reform.”
“Secondly, notwithstanding the importance of establishing clear and robust safeguards around the prosecution of journalists, the government is not convinced that a periodic review as contemplated by the amendment is necessary given the infrequency with which secrecy offences are prosecuted. An independent statutory review is costly, and a five-yearly review may not present particularly useful insights for the parliament. The government remains committed to improving protections for press freedom and will consider whether further amendments are necessary in the future.”
“I thank the member for Curtin. I acknowledge the constructive approach she has taken to moving these amendments and note her long advocacy for reform in this area. The government will not be supporting these amendments. First, the proposed amendment to change the harm threshold is inconsistent with the recommendations of the AGD secrecy review, which recommended a broader offence that captured disclosures prejudicial to the working of government, including scenarios akin to the PwC incident. The proposed amendment would not sufficiently close gaps in secrecy laws that were identified following the PwC incident. The essential public interests in the list contained in the proposed amendments are matters covered by other general secrecy offences in the Criminal Code and in specific secrecy offences in other legislation.”
“This bill to reform secrecy laws and the government's considered and methodical approach to whistleblower reform are critical to supporting integrity and the rule of law. For these reasons, the government will be opposing the amendment. Australia's secrecy laws are essential. Without them, sensitive information could be exposed in ways that could damage public trust in government, cause real harm to our national security or put lives at risk. But equally, transparency and accountability are vital features of our democracy. These comprehensive and considered reforms are about getting that balance right. I commend the bill to the House.”
“The Albanese government is delivering on our commitment to implement comprehensive reforms to Australia's public sector whistleblowing framework. That's why we commenced a public consultation process last year on exposure draft legislation on a second stage of reforms to the Public Interest Disclosure Act 2013. I thank all stakeholders who provided submissions as part of this consultation process. The government has been considering those submissions and will introduce legislation on the second stage of reforms. These reforms will build on the government's significant improvements to whistleblower laws implemented in 2023 and provide a comprehensive response to the 2016 independent review of the Public Interest Disclosure Act by Mr Philip Moss AM.”
“The Secrecy Provisions Amendment (Repealing Offences) Bill 2026 delivers on the government's commitment to comprehensive secrecy reform. The objective of these reforms is clear: protect information that genuinely needs protecting while removing unnecessary barriers to transparency and public trust. The bill modernises Australia's secrecy laws by removing criminal liability from more than 300 secrecy provisions, ensuring criminal sanctions apply only where essential to protect genuinely sensitive information. It introduces a new targeted offence to address the improper use or communication of Commonwealth information to obtain benefit or causing detriment, closing gaps in the Commonwealth's secrecy framework and strengthening safeguards for press freedom. I note the member for Clark's second reading amendment.”
“We've delivered new parks and play spaces in the Ponds and Lalor Park, while construction has begun on a new park in Tallawong, with more set to get underway soon. Access to quality public education is vital for local families, and we opened a brand new public school in Tallawong and began construction on a new public primary school and preschool in the Gables, as well as a new public primary school, high school and preschool in Box Hill. But there's still more to do.”
“Just over 12 months ago, I reaffirmed to the good people of Greenway that, if I were given the honour of continuing to represent them in the 48th Parliament, I would work tirelessly to deliver the very best outcomes for their community. At the election, I promise to deliver a free, bulk-billed, local Medicare urgent care clinic, and I was proud to open the Rouse Hill Medicare Urgent Care Clinic. Construction has also begun on the new Rouse Hill Hospital, with early works underway and major construction set to begin soon. Over the past year, construction has begun on upgrades to Richmond Road and Bandon Road, with more to come. We also opened the new M12 Motorway, connecting Western Sydney to our new international airport.”
“The budget also delivers a new, permanent $250 tax cut for every worker because help with the cost of living is our No. 1 priority. Combined with our previous tax cuts, this will mean $2,800 back into the pockets of Australians on the average income, once fully rolled out. Importantly, the budget will also address pain at the bowser, with a $14.8 billion Strengthening Australia's Fuel Resilience package to secure more fuel, bolster our supply chains and build long-term resilience to protect Australians from future fuel shocks. The Albanese government's top priority is looking after Australians today and setting Australia up for a more secure future. I'm pleased to update the House on the government's year of delivery for locals in my community of Greenway.”
“Last night, the Albanese government handed down our fifth budget—the most ambitious in decades. This is a responsible budget focused on resilience and reform. It's a budget welcomed by stakeholders and economists. Eminent economic editor Ross Gittins said: … this is a good budget. … … … … it gets on with doing what needs to be done … For years, parents in my community have shared with me their concerns about the ability for their children to buy a home in our local area. We want young Australians to aspire to and achieve homeownership. That's why this budget will give them a fair crack at buying their first home, by making the tax rules fairer and by building more homes, because, if you work hard and save, you should be able to buy a home and build a better future for yourself and your family.”
“I thank Commissioner Bell and the royal commission for their work to date and note that a final report will be delivered by 14 December. As the Prime Minister has said, this royal commission is not the start or the end of what Australia must do to eradicate antisemitism. We'll continue to support the work of our Special Envoy to Combat Antisemitism, Jillian Segal, and work with states and territories to implement Australia's Counter-Terrorism and Violent Extremism Strategy 2025. We've taken action against hate crimes and we're delivering tougher gun laws. This royal commission strengthens our collective actions to help keep all Australians safe and ensure this tragedy never happens again.”
“I continue to encourage members of the public with experience or knowledge relevant to the royal commission to make a submission and to follow the proceedings. On 30 April, the royal commission delivered its interim report, which has been widely welcomed by peak Jewish groups, including the New South Wales Jewish Board of Deputies and the Australia/Israel & Jewish Affairs Council. While Commissioner Bell found no gaps in existing legal or regulatory frameworks impeded the ability of law enforcement and security agencies to prevent or respond to the Bondi attack, the commission did make 14 recommendations, including with respect to enhancing our national counterterrorism arrangements and capabilities. The government will adopt and implement all recommendations of the interim report as they relate to the Commonwealth.”
“This royal commission is an important opportunity for Australians, particularly Jewish Australians, to have their voices heard. I've been moved by the evidence given by individuals since the hearings commenced on 4 May, and I'm heartened to hear of the safe and respectful environment the commission has enabled for its witnesses. Appearing before a royal commission and sharing these deeply personal, often confronting experiences is significant, and we should acknowledge that as a parliament. I'm sure I speak for all members in this place when I thank those who've shown such bravery in appearing before the commission, and I note that more than 10,000 submissions have been made so far.”
“I thank the member for his question. I acknowledge this issue is one that is deeply personal to him and to others in this place. We will never forget that on 14 December last year the deadliest terrorist attack on Australian soil occurred, taking the lives of 15 innocent people and wounding dozens more. This must never happen again. It was an attack not only on Jewish Australians but on all Australians, and people in this country should not feel unsafe simply because of their identity. In the aftermath of this horrific attack, the government acted to address abhorrent incidents of hatred and ensure that our laws are effective against evolving threats. And, on 8 January, the government also established the Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion, led by former High Court justice the Hon. Virginia Bell.”
“It ensures Australia can responsibly adopt new technologies, derive better quality services in a more timely way and avoid the types of systemic failures identified by the robodebt royal commission. When I'm in a position to provide further information on the timing of these well advanced reforms, I'd be more than happy to engage with the honourable member and any other interested members.”