Daniel Mulino
Fraser · Australian Labor Party · Australia
“Second, the amendments introduce a mechanism for merger parties to seek extensions from the ACCC for the period in which they can put an approved acquisition into effect. The extensions can be up to six months each. Multiple extensions may be granted.”
“The reforms complement a broader suite of government reforms to strengthen integrity and accountability across the tax system and professional services sector.”
“The bill also establishes criminal and civil penalties and provides information gathering and enforcement powers to regulators to support compliance. Together, these powers create a coherent framework to support the continued availability and long-term viability of cash as a means of payment in Australia.”
“These amendments also reflect the government's commitment to listening and responding to stakeholder experiences to ensure the merger regime continues to promote competition and economic activity in the interests of Australians.”
“The second enables the ACCC to oversee designated entities, including fair and efficient pricing of cash distribution services, which is essential to maintaining access to cash. ACCC oversight will support fair, transparent and reasonable pricing outcomes, while helping maintain the long-term economic viability of the sector.”
“It also enables up to $400 million in funding support to ensure the continuity of critical cash distribution services. Funding support is intended as a last resort, limited to situations where an entity's resources and recovery tools are insufficient to address losses or threats to cash availability.”
The complete record
Every one of 412 lines we hold for Daniel Mulino, in date order, each linked to its source. Free to read, in full, without an account. Page 2 of 9.
“54 Point SCH6-BA3 of Schedule 6 (heading) Repeal the heading, substitute: Amount if no election in force 55 Point SCH6-BA4 of Schedule 6 (heading) Repeal the heading, substitute: Amount if election in force 56 Point SCH6-BA5 of Schedule 6 Repeal the point. 57 Application provision (1) In this item: commencement day means the day on which this Schedule commences. (2) The amendments of the Veterans' Entitlements Act 1986 made by this Schedule apply to a person: (a) who is absent or temporarily absent from Australia for a continuous period beginning on or after the commencement day; or (b) who is not residing in Australia on or after the commencement day.”
“51 Subpoint SCH6-A1(8) of Schedule 6 (method statement, step 2) After "pension supplement", insert "(if any)". 52 Subpoint SCH6-A1(9) of Schedule 6 (method statement, step 3) After "pension supplement", insert "(if any)". 53 Points SCH6-BA1 and SCH6-BA2 of Schedule 6 Repeal the points, substitute: Pension supplement SCH6-BA1 A pension supplement amount is to be added to the person's maximum basic rate if the person is residing in Australia and: (a) is in Australia; or (b) is temporarily absent from Australia and has been so for a continuous period not exceeding 12 weeks. SCH6-BA2 The person's pension supplement amount is: (a) if an election by the person under subsection 60A(1) is in force—the amount worked out under point SCH6-BA4; and (b) otherwise—the amount worked out under point SCH6-BA3.”
“(4B) If subclause 31(3) or (4) is relevant to the person on a relevant day, this Act applies in relation to the person's service pension or income support supplement as if each reference in the table in subsection 5GA(4) to $426.40 were a reference to: (a) that reference as modified by paragraph (4)(b) of this clause on the relevant day; less (b) the amount subtracted under step 3 of the method statement in subclause 31(3) or (4) (as the case may be) on the relevant day. 48 Subpoint SCH6-A1(2) of Schedule 6 (method statement, step 1A) After "pension supplement", insert "(if any)". 49 Subpoint SCH6-A1(3) of Schedule 6 (method statement, step 2A) After "pension supplement", insert "(if any)". 50 Subpoint SCH6-A1(6) of Schedule 6 (method statement, step 1A) After "pension supplement", insert "(if any)".”
“47 After subclause 34(4) of Schedule 5 Insert: (4A) If subclause 31(3) or (4) is relevant to the person on a relevant day, this Act applies in relation to the person's service pension or income support supplement as if each reference in the table in subsection 5GA(4) to $509.60 were a reference to: (a) that reference as modified by paragraph (4)(a) of this clause on the relevant day; less (b) the amount subtracted under step 3 of the method statement in subclause 31(3) or (4) (as the case may be) on the relevant day.”
“42 Subparagraph 31(3)(b)(ii) of Schedule 5 Omit "6", substitute "12". 43 Subclause 31(3) of Schedule 5 (method statement) At the end of the method statement, add: Step 3. Subtract the amount of the person's pension supplement basic amount (disregarding subclause 34(4)) on the relevant day. 44 Subparagraph 31(4)(b)(ii) of Schedule 5 Omit "6", substitute "12". 45 Subclause 31(4) of Schedule 5 (method statement) At the end of the method statement, add: Step 3. Subtract the amount of the person's pension supplement basic amount (disregarding subclause 34(4)) on the relevant day. 46 Subclause 34(4) of Schedule 5 Omit "This", substitute "Subject to subclauses (4A) and (4B), this".”
“35 Subparagraph 58A(8)(b)(ii) Omit "6", substitute "12". 36 After subsection 58K(1) Insert: (2) However, the reference in subsection (1) to a person's right to continue to be paid a pension or supplement not being affected by the fact that the person leaves Australia does not imply that the person's rate of payment cannot be affected because of the absence from Australia. Note: A person's rate of payment is worked out in accordance with the Rate Calculator. 37 Subparagraph 60(1)(b)(ii) Omit "6", substitute "12". 38 Subclause 30(4) of Schedule 5 (note 4) Omit "6", substitute "12". 39 Subclause 30(4) of Schedule 5 (note 5) Omit "6", substitute "12". 40 Subparagraph 31(1)(c)(ii) of Schedule 5 Omit "6", substitute "12". 41 Subparagraph 31(2)(c)(ii) of Schedule 5 Omit "6", substitute "12".”
“(2) The amendments of the Social Security Act 1991 made by this Schedule apply to a person: (a) who is absent or temporarily absent from Australia for a continuous period beginning on or after the commencement day; or (b) who is not residing in Australia on or after the commencement day. (3) The amendments of the Social Security Act 1991 made by this Schedule apply to a person who is absent or temporarily absent from Australia for a continuous period: (a) beginning before the commencement day; and (b) ending on or after the commencement day; in relation to the part of the period occurring on or after the commencement day. Veterans' Entitlements Act 1986 33 Subsection 5Q(1) (definition of pension supplement amount ) After "the amount", insert "(if any)". 34 Subparagraph 58A(7)(b)(ii) Omit "6", substitute "12".”
“(4B) If subclause 147(3) or (4) is relevant to the person on a relevant day, the social security law applies in relation to the person's pension as if each reference in the table in subsection 20A(5) to $423.80 were a reference to: (a) that reference as modified by paragraph (4)(b) of this clause on the relevant day; less (b) the amount subtracted under step 3 of the method statement in subclause 147(3) or (4) (as the case may be) on the relevant day. 32 Application provision (1) In this item: commencement day means the day on which this Schedule commences.”
“31 After subclause 149(4) of Schedule 1A Insert: (4A) If subclause 147(3) or (4) is relevant to the person on a relevant day, the social security law applies in relation to the person's pension as if each reference in the table in subsection 20A(5) to $507 were a reference to: (a) that reference as modified by paragraph (4)(a) of this clause on the relevant day; less (b) the amount subtracted under step 3 of the method statement in subclause 147(3) or (4) (as the case may be) on the relevant day.”
“27 Subclause 147(3) of Schedule 1A (method statement) At the end of the method statement, add: Step 3. Subtract the amount of the person's pension supplement basic amount (disregarding subclause 149(4)) on the relevant day. 28 Subparagraph 147(4)(b)(ii) of Schedule 1A Omit "6", substitute "12". 29 Subclause 147(4) of Schedule 1A (method statement) At the end of the method statement, add: Step 3. Subtract the amount of the person's pension supplement basic amount (disregarding subclause 149(4)) on the relevant day. 30 Subclause 149(4) of Schedule 1A Omit "The", substitute "Subject to subclauses (4A) and (4B), the".”
“20 Paragraph 1068B-DA1(b) Omit "6", substitute "12". 21 After section 1216 Insert: 1216A Rate of payment may be affected during absence from Australia A reference in this Division to a person's right to continue to be paid a payment not being affected merely by the person's absence does not imply that the person's rate of payment cannot be affected because of the absence. Note: A person's rate of payment is worked out in accordance with the relevant Rate Calculator in Chapter 3. 22 Subclause 146(4) (note 4) of Schedule 1A Omit "6", substitute "12". 23 Subclause 146(4) (note 5) of Schedule 1A Omit "6", substitute "12". 24 Subparagraph 147(1)(c)(ii) of Schedule 1A Omit "6", substitute "12". 25 Subparagraph 147(2)(c)(ii) of Schedule 1A Omit "6", substitute "12". 26 Subparagraph 147(3)(b)(ii) of Schedule 1A Omit "6", substitute "12".”
“1068A-BA2 The person's pension supplement amount is: (a) if the person has reached pension age: (i) if an election by the person under subsection 1061VA(1) is in force—the amount worked out under point 1068A-BA4; and (ii) otherwise—the amount worked out under point 1068A-BA3; and (b) if the person has not reached pension age—the amount worked out under point 1068A-BA5. 16 Point 1068A-BA3 (heading) Repeal the heading, substitute: Amount if person of pension age and no election in force 17 Point 1068A-BA4 (heading) Repeal the heading, substitute: Amount if person of pension age and election in force 18 Point 1068A-BA5 (heading) Repeal the heading, substitute: Amount if person has not reached pension age 19 Point 1068A-BA5 Omit "If the person is not covered by point 1068A-BA2, the", substitute "The".”
“9 Point 1065-BA3 (heading) Repeal the heading, substitute: Amount if no election in force 10 Point 1065-BA4 (heading) Repeal the heading, substitute: Amount if election in force 11 Point 1065-BA5 Repeal the point. 12 Paragraph 1067L-BA1(b) Omit "6", substitute "12". 13 Paragraph 1068-BA1(b) Omit "6", substitute "12". 14 Point 1068A-A1 (method statement, step 1A) After "pension supplement", insert "(if any)". 15 Points 1068A-BA1 and 1068A-BA2 Repeal the points, substitute: Pension supplement 1068A-BA1 A pension supplement amount is to be added to the person's maximum basic rate if the person is residing in Australia and: (a) is in Australia; or (b) is temporarily absent from Australia and has been so for a continuous period not exceeding 12 weeks.”
“7 Point 1065-A1 (method statement, step 2A) After "pension supplement", insert "(if any)". 8 Points 1065-BA1 and 1065-BA2 Repeal the points, substitute: Pension supplement 1065-BA1 A pension supplement amount is to be added to the person's maximum basic rate if the person is residing in Australia and: (a) is in Australia; or (b) is temporarily absent from Australia and has been so for a continuous period not exceeding 12 weeks. 1065-BA2 The person's pension supplement amount is: (a) if an election by the person under subsection 1061VA(1) is in force—the amount worked out under point 1065-BA4; and (b) otherwise—the amount worked out under point 1065-BA3.”
“3 Points 1064-BA1 and 1064-BA2 Repeal the points, substitute: Pension supplement 1064-BA1 A pension supplement amount is to be added to the person's maximum basic rate if the person is residing in Australia and: (a) is in Australia; or (b) is temporarily absent from Australia and has been so for a continuous period not exceeding 12 weeks. 1064-BA2 The person's pension supplement amount is: (a) if an election by the person under subsection 1061VA(1) is in force—the amount worked out under point 1064-BA4; and (b) otherwise—the amount worked out under point 1064-BA3. 4 Point 1064-BA3 (heading) Repeal the heading, substitute: Amount if no election in force 5 Point 1064-BA4 (heading) Repeal the heading, substitute: Amount if election in force 6 Point 1064-BA5 Repeal the point.”
“14 Application provision The amendments made by this Schedule apply in relation to assessments for the 2025-26 year of income and later years of income. (2) Clause 2, page 2 (at the end of the table), add: (3) Page 16 (after line 20), at the end of the Bill, add: Schedule 6 — Pension supplement while overseas Social Security Act 1991 1 Subsection 23(1) (definition of pension supplement amount ) After "the amount", insert "(if any)". 2 Point 1064-A1 (method statement, step 1A) After "pension supplement", insert "(if any)".”
“4 Subsection 3(1) (paragraph (a) of the definition of threshold amount ) Omit "$43,020", substitute "$44,268". 5 Subsection 3(1) (paragraph (c) of the definition of threshold amount ) Omit "$27,222", substitute "$28,011". 6 Subsection 8(5) (definition of family income threshold ) Omit "$45,907", substitute "$47,238". 7 Subsection 8(5) (definition of family income threshold ) Omit "$4,216", substitute "$4,338". 8 Subsections 8(6) and (7) Omit "$45,907", substitute "$47,238". 9 Subsection 8(7) Omit "$59,886", substitute "$61,623". 10 Paragraph 8D(3)(c) Omit "$27,222", substitute "$28,011". 11 Subparagraph 8D(4)(a)(ii) Omit "$27,222", substitute "$28,011". 12 Paragraph 8G(2)(c) Omit "$27,222", substitute "$28,011". 13 Subparagraph 8G(3)(a)(ii) Omit "$27,222", substitute "$28,011".”
“I present a supplementary explanatory memorandum to the bill. I seek leave to move government amendments 1 and 2 on sheet EY102 and government amendments 2 and 3 on sheet VS117 as circulated together. Leave granted. I move the amendments: (1) Clause 2, page 2 (at the end of the table), add: (2) Page 16 (after line 20), at the end of the Bill, add: Schedule 5 — Increasing the Medicare levy low-income thresholds A New Tax System (Medicare Levy Surcharge Fringe Benefits) Act 1999 1 Paragraphs 15(1)(c) and 16(2)(c) Omit "$27,222", substitute "$28,011". Medicare Levy Act 1986 2 Subsection 3(1) (paragraph (a) of the definition of phase-in limit ) Omit "$53,775", substitute "$55,335". 3 Subsection 3(1) (paragraph (c) of the definition of phase-in limit ) Omit "$34,027", substitute "$35,013".”
“Schedule 6 to the bill includes changes to better target payment of the pension supplement for recipients who travel or live overseas and ensure it remains sustainable into the future. The pension supplement is designed to assist with certain living costs in Australia. These changes balance providing increased support for pensioners who travel overseas for short periods but still have ongoing costs in Australia and ceasing this support for those who are absent from Australia on a long-term or permanent basis and no longer have the same costs. This bill delivers a more efficient and fair framework for Australia's tax and pension systems. I commend the bill to the House.”
“The government is taking decisive action to tackle concerns associated with gambling across the board, including through schedule 4 of this bill. The government has also circulated two amendments to this bill which act to further strengthen the integrity and fairness of our financial ecosystems. As per these amendments, schedule 5 to the bill will increase the Medicare levy low-income thresholds for singles, families and seniors and pensioners by 2.9 per cent. These changes ensure low-income households continue to be exempt from paying the Medicare levy or pay a reduced levy rate from 1 July 2025 if their incomes have increased in line with or less than recent movements in the consumer price index.”
“The government takes seriously our responsibility to protect Australians, particularly children and young people, from the harms of online gambling. New reforms announced by the government earlier this year will minimise children's exposure to the harms of wagering advertising, break the link between sports and wagering, and reduce the saturation and targeting of wagering advertising. This builds on reforms our government has already delivered by legislating a ban on the use of credit cards for online wagering, implementing monthly activity statements so Australians who gamble online can clearly see their wins and losses, and establishing mandatory preverification to prevent children and people who have self-excluded from placing an online bet.”
“Schedule 3 to the bill makes minor and technical amendments to legislation within the Treasury portfolio. These amendments ensure that Treasury portfolio legislation remains fit for purpose and continues to work for relevant stakeholders and the broader public. Schedule 4 to the bill will amend eligibility for the research and development tax incentive to exclude activities relating to gambling and tobacco from 1 July 2025. The exclusions will ensure that the community is not subsidising this type of research and development. Activities that are conducted solely for harm minimisation remain eligible to receive support. Regarding schedule 4, I acknowledge the amendment moved by the member for Mayo.”
“I thank those members who have contributed to this debate. Schedule 1 to the bill, the Treasury Laws Amendment (Delivering an Efficient and Trusted Tax System) Bill 2026, removes the requirement that a donation to a deductible gift recipient be valued at $2 or more before the donor may claim an income tax deduction. This threshold is an anachronism that does not reflect innovations in fundraising. The government has an ambition of doubling giving by 2030, and this will contribute towards that. Schedule 2 to the bill requires trustees to report, in the trust's income tax return, the quoted tax file number of beneficiaries when they have an entitlement. These changes, which apply from 1 July 2026, are part of modernising tax administration systems, helping to ensure the right amount of tax is paid by trustees and beneficiaries.”
“But the other test for those opposite will be do they support changes to the way in which the tax system is distorting our housing market or not? These changes have been called upon by so many experts. So many have said for decades that we need to address these distortions, that we need to address the way in which trusts are taxed. If you listen to the speeches here of those opposite, the questions in question time and what they say outside this chamber, they have become the party of the status quo. They say that nothing's wrong, the housing market is fine, and the tax system is operating with the housing market in a way that's AOK. That's not what I'm hearing from the community. It's not what the experts are saying, and that's why this government is doing something about it.”
“So we are designing an additional way in which we can cut income so that it applies to those earning income from labour. Again, this was one of the core themes that was identified in the three-day Economic Reform Roundtable. It is one of the core themes that has been identified in any number of tax reviews over recent decades. This government is delivering. When you add up all the different tax reforms that we have delivered, the five different tax cuts in three different ways, somebody earning the average income will see up to $2,800 a year taken off their tax bill. This is meaningful change being delivered in a responsible way. The test for those opposite tomorrow will be do they support the WATO or not?”
“That is exactly what is contributing to keeping young people out of the market, and that's exactly what underpins the fact that the modelling from Treasury shows that 75,000 families will shift from renting to being owner-occupiers. Let's look at another key component. I talked about the three overarching themes. One of the key themes is this working Australians tax offset. This is a significant component. What it will represent, along with the instant deduction, is that this government will have cut income taxes five different times in three different ways over the course of its first four years. This will represent a $250 annual offset that will only be applied to earned income and will not apply to other forms of income, such as investment income.”
“But when we talk about the tax experts, what they're asking for is to remove distortions from the tax system that were introduced in 1999, which have had the opposite effect of what they were supposed to. Let's look at the comments from Westpac's chief economist, Luci Ellis, an extremely accomplished economist: 'The tax system did overly encourage leveraged investment in property over investing in other things, whether that was the stock market or a business or something else that produced income.' Luci Ellis has identified exactly what happened after the 1999 changes; it led to a boom in investment in highly-leveraged standalone houses.”
“The goal of that indexation method is the sound 'neutral across different asset classes' method, whereby we are identifying real gains—that is the capital gain that will be taxed, the real gain. We're taking away inflation. That is the rational way to do this. A number of commentators have discussed this way of taxing capital gains. Let's look at UBS chief economist Richard Schellbach: From a 'big picture' point of view, equities would become a relatively more competitive investment proposition— under the approach we are supporting. Let's look at the comments from Sally Auld, the chief economist at NAB: 'By the principles of optimal tax policy, this CGT change should deliver an efficient, fair and robust regime once fully implemented.' The speech before contained a lot of hyperbole when it came to risk-taking and investing.”
“Our approach, when it comes to negative gearing and a more rational way of indexing the cost base of capital gains, is modelled to increase, over the medium term, the number of owner-occupiers by 75,000. That is 75,000 individuals and families owning their own home rather than renting. That is 75,000 houses with individuals or families as owner-occupiers, rather than being investor owned. That is a significant change in the housing market as a result of removing tax distortions that have been there for too long. It is the interaction of negative gearing and this artificial 50 per cent reduction on nominal gains that is distorting the housing market. We are returning to the indexation method that was originally in place as introduced by the Hawke-Keating government.”
“The 1999 changes that the Howard government brought in were supported on the basis that they would encourage more people into share ownership. What has happened in those 25 years? We have seen a significant drop in the proportion of Australians owning shares. We've seen, instead, a significant increase in the proportion of Australians owning highly-leveraged standalone houses. It has introduced significant distortions in the way in which assets and capital are taxed in our country. It hasn't worked the way it was supposed to. It hasn't led to an increase in share ownership; it has led to a decrease, and it has distorted the housing market in a way that is adding to barriers to young people getting into houses.”
“In a period of uncertainty, this is a big change. We're also increasing the maximum asset cap on venture capital limited partnerships and early-stage venture capital limited partnerships, so that more entities can receive these important tax incentives. We're providing small start-ups that generate a loss in either of their first two years of operation with the option of a refundable tax offset. We're also better targeting the R&D tax incentive in light of the conclusions from the SERD report. So there is a lot of serious reform in this budget when it comes to small business, start-ups and venture capital. Let's look at the capital gains tax. This is an area that has been calling out for change for over two decades.”
“When I talk to young people in the community, they all say that the tax system is not working for them. Those opposite face a big test. Are they going to stand with the status quo? From the speech you just heard, the answer is yes. Now when it comes to small businesses, when it comes to business in general, this budget helps small businesses in a number of ways. Firstly, we're making the $20,000 instant asset write-off for small businesses permanent. They've been calling for that for years. This is a longstanding source of uncertainty for small businesses. Those opposite had almost a decade to do this. They sat on their hands. We're doing it. That's a big change for small businesses. We're reintroducing permanent loss carry back from 1 July 2026 so that business is better placed to withstand shocks from global uncertainty.”
“What is it they're saying about the need for change? We had a three-day economic reform roundtable. We had a three-day economic reform roundtable in which experts from right across the tax system—policy experts, academics, business leaders, union leaders, leaders from civil society—all agreed that we need more intergenerational fairness in our tax system. We need reform in our tax system to make it easier for young people to get into a house. They all agreed that we need to rebalance our tax system away from relying so much on income taxes and towards other sources, and this budget addresses those big themes. There's an agreement from that three-day economic reform roundtable from all the experts. There's also an agreement from the conversation in the community.”
“The opposition tomorrow are going to face two tests. The first test is whether they are going to vote against tax cuts yet again. They went to the last election opposing the two tax cuts for all Australian taxpayers that we took to the last election. They're going to face a test tomorrow. Are they going to vote against the working Australian tax offset and the instant deduction? The other test they're going to face is whether they are going to say that the tax system is just fine when it comes to young Australians and the housing market? Are they going to say the tax system is just fine when it comes to the balance between those paying income on labour versus those paying income from other sources? Those opposite come in here and they crack jokes for five minutes about CVs, but what is it they're saying about our tax system?”
“This budget deals with three big issues. Firstly, it deals with the fact that the tax system is not working for young Australians and is working against their aspirations to get into the housing market, and it deals with those issues. Secondly, it delivers another big set of tax cuts. It delivers the working Australian tax offset and the instant deduction. Thirdly, it deals with some very longstanding issues in our tax system in terms of better aligning taxes coming from capital and those receiving income from trusts versus those earning income from labour. Now, if you heard the speech from those opposite just then, you would think that this is a topic that warrants a lot of mirth and merit. Look, humour has a place in this chamber. But if you listen to that speech from those opposite, you'd think the tax system is just fine.”
“For the shadow Treasurer, who asked a question that was clearly based not in fact but in a misunderstanding of what was in the budget, to come in here and, out of his embarrassment, misrepresent what the Prime Minister said is, frankly, quite pathetic. Other than that, I would like to thank all members, and I commend these bills to the House. Question agreed to. Bill read a second time.”
“I would like to thank all members who have contributed to the debate on the 2025-26 supplementary additional estimates appropriation bills. I won't speak at length on this debate, but I do want to briefly correct the record when it comes to what is frankly a shameful and inaccurate characterisation of question time by the shadow Treasurer when it came to a question he asked the Prime Minister about the way trusts for vulnerable people will be treated moving forward. As the Prime Minister clearly said in his answer, arrangements were set out in the budget that vulnerable children, special discretionary trusts and other kinds of arrangements like that will be exempted from changes in the budget.”
“I move: That so much of the standing and sessional orders be suspended as would prevent the whole debate time limit on the motion to take note of Regional Ministerial Budget Statement 2026-27—Investing in Australia's growth and prosperity being removed. Question agreed to, with an absolute majority.”
“It is directed at preventing superannuation being used to shield a perpetrator's assets from compensation, which can delay or deny compensation and add further distress to victims and survivors. This bill closes that loophole and affirms that financial systems must not operate in a way that undermines justice, and its passage is a testament to the strength and hope of survivors of child sexual abuse and their families. At its core, this bill is guided by a simple but fundamental principle: perpetrators of child sexual abuse should not be able to hide behind financial structures to avoid accountability. I commend this bill to the House. Question agreed to. Bill read a second time. Message from the Governor-General recommending appropriation announced.”
“As the member rightly indicated in her speech, the government has committed to reviewing the legislation following its implementation. While we cannot support the member's substantive amendment to the bill, we remain committed to reviewing this legislation and to affirming that commitment in a way that can ensure confidence for survivors. I look forward to continuing to engage with the member on this measure and looking for all possible opportunities to strengthen it in the future. This bill establishes a framework for victims and survivors of child sexual abuse and other similar offences to seek visibility and release of certain amounts from a perpetrator's superannuation to satisfy unpaid compensation orders.”
“I would also like to acknowledge the member for Sydney, the Minister for Social Services, who just spoke powerfully on this issue; the Assistant Minister for Social Services, the member for Cooper; and the Attorney-General. I'd also like to thank the shadow assistant treasurer, the member for Page, and the former shadow assistant treasurer, the member for Cowper, for their engagement on this issue, along with the member for Fisher. Members across this chamber and senators in the other place from all political parties have contributed to the strength of this measure. This is truly a bill which the parliament has united behind. I note the amendment of the member for Wentworth and thank her for her positive engagement on this issue.”
“Firstly, I would like to thank the many members from across this chamber who have contributed to this debate, and I acknowledge the conviction and the compassion with which this important policy has been advocated for within the parliament. The Treasury Laws Amendment (The Survivors Law) Bill 2026 represents the best of this place, and I hope that our demonstration of unity and solidarity sends a powerful message to victims-survivors that the parliament is listening and that we are acting. In particular, I want to thank the member for Boothby and the member for Eden-Monaro, who have advocated for this measure over a very long period of time.”
“It takes further steps towards a wider 'tell us once' approach across all of government. It will support the government's work to build an economy that is more dynamic, more resilient and more productive for all Australians. We understand that there is more work to do and expect to introduce further omnibus bills in the future. This bill is another step forward towards delivering the better regulation that Australians deserve. Full details of all the bill's measures are contained in the explanatory memorandum. Debate adjourned.”
“Katy Gallagher, Minister for Finance, Minister for Women, Minister for the Public Service and Minister for Government Services. I want to acknowledge her and thank her for her work in bringing this bill together. It is a reflection on the commitment of this government to continued regulatory reform that we are able to introduce another regulatory reform omnibus bill so soon after the first. As the Treasurer said when he introduced the 2025 omnibus bill, regulation should be there to protect Australians and empower them, not weigh them down. This bill is about making sure regulation supports businesses to get the most out of their investment and their hard work. It is about sensible changes that simplify regulations while maintaining essential safeguards for the community.”
“This change will mean more time for the commission to spend supporting complainants and less stress for people who would otherwise receive these notices. The bill will also allow eligible Defence Force Superannuation Scheme members to access an account based pension from CSC when they retire. This will give former ADF members more choice to manage their money in retirement and has support from serving and former ADF members. Finally, the bill will also make various technical amendments to improve the operation of existing regulations. It will repeal acts that have become redundant. It will clarify and align legislative definitions and concepts to support more efficient and timely administrative decision-making. I am introducing this bill into the House on behalf of my colleague in the other place Senator the Hon.”
“The bill will also make changes that will get government working better for Australians. It will improve the Australian Human Rights Commission complaints process by removing excessive mandatory complaint notification requirements. These requirements were introduced in an attempt to increase procedural fairness. In practice, they have only applied to people who play no role in the resolution of complaints and aren't able to formally respond. Receiving a notification can be a confusing and stressful experience for these people, and they may contact the commission for support even though there are no legal consequences for them. The notification process has also not helped complainants get better outcomes.”
“This change will ensure that nominee arrangements are simple to cancel on a 'tell us once' basis and can be actioned by Services Australia as soon as possible with minimal impost on the nominee. The bill will also make it easier for recipients of some Commonwealth pensions to comply with their proof of life obligations and reduce duplication of effort by Services Australia. These obligations apply to Australians aged 80 years or over who have been away from Australia for at least two continuous years. These amendments will allow Services Australia, in some cases, to rely instead on information it has already collected from other places. This is a significant change that will reduce the regulatory burden not just on elderly pensioners but also on Australia's consular officials, who often help prepare the certificates.”
“The bill will make it easier for people who are 'nominees' under the social security law to cancel their nominee arrangements by removing the requirement to cancel in writing. Nominees are appointed to assist social security, family assistance and paid parental leave recipients who need help interacting with Services Australia. Currently, when nominees want to cancel their nominee appointment they must notify Services Australia in writing, even if they've already said they want to cancel their appointment over the phone. This adds administrative burden and can cause delays in the cancellation of arrangements that may no longer be appropriate or tenable (for example due to the presence of family or domestic violence).”
“A core part of the 2025 omnibus act was supporting a shift towards a 'tell us once' approach to how government works for Australians. A realised 'tell us once' approach across government means Australians and businesses won't have to enter the same information more than once when interacting with government. This bill will advance the government's efforts to embed a 'tell us once' approach across a wider range of government activities and services. For importers, it will allow goods that are covered by a tariff concession order to be exempt from dumping and countervailing duties in certain circumstances, without requiring a further administrative decision. This removes administrative delays in exempting some goods from dumping and countervailing duties and means importers can get on with business more quickly.”
“The amendment also reduces the administrative burden for employers that comes at the end of a target cycle. The bill will also align the reporting period for public and private sector employers to ensure comparable data on gender equality in the workplace is available for both Commonwealth and private sector employers. Another improvement to business reporting made by the bill is to move reporting under the new eligible drama expenditure scheme from a financial-year to calendar-year basis. This aligns these reporting requirements for subscription television broadcast licensees and channel providers with other Australian content reporting schemes. This change will make it easier for businesses who are reporting under multiple schemes to prepare, compare and lodge the required information.”