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.”
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“It will simplify workplace gender equality reporting and target-setting requirements by adding a 12-month window at the end of a target cycle. Right now, reporting at the end of a target cycle comes with additional regulatory burden for businesses. Not only must they finalise their data and reporting for the current cycle; they must also select new targets for the next cycle. This amendment will give employers more time to identify high-quality, meaningful targets by adding a 12-month window to identify and nominate them. This change means more time for employers to analyse and understand their performance in the previous cycle, leading to more considered targets and more sustainable progress towards gender equality in our workplaces.”
“This change will allow importers to receive faster refunds when they advise that they don't intend to appeal the decision. The commissioner's preliminary decision is subject to being finalised by the minister. When the decision is finalised, the importer can be paid the refund they are entitled to. However, even when an importer has no intention of appealing the decision, the commissioner must wait the full 30-day period before recommending that the minister finalise the decision. This amendment will allow the commissioner, on receiving confirmation from the importer that they don't intend to appeal, to immediately recommend that the decision be finalised. This change means faster cash flow for businesses by adding fit-for-purpose flexibility to an administrative process. The bill will also simplify business reporting requirements.”
“It will boost protections by allowing investigations and discipline of patent and trademark attorneys to continue, even if an attorney de-registers to try to avoid the process. It will also impose stricter requirements for re-registration where a patent and trademark attorney is found guilty of misconduct. Together, these changes will help businesses maintain confidence in the IP attorney profession. It will close an unintended loophole, while still allowing easy re-registration for attorneys with a clear conduct record. Beyond intellectual property, the bill will remove the mandatory 30-day appeal period for importers who advise they don't intend to appeal a negative preliminary decision by the Anti-Dumping Commissioner for a partial refund as part of the duty assessment process.”
“Giving the registrar more flexibility to determine costs will further build integrity into the oppositions process for businesses and deter poor behaviour intended to run up the costs of the other party. It will also introduce a six-month grace period for plant breeders to renew their plant breeder rights where they are late in paying the annual renewal fee. Under the current settings these rights are automatically lost if the fee is paid late, and the plant breeder must apply again to get them back. We know that life and business get hectic sometimes. This change means that plant breeders won't accidently lose valuable rights just because they missed a renewal payment deadline.”
“This bill continues the work from last year's omnibus act by further simplifying regulation, particularly for businesses, progressing additional measures to support the government's 'tell us once' agenda and making technical amendments to get regulation working better for Australians. In total, it amends 26 acts, repeals two acts and will improve the operations of 19 government agencies. First, the bill will update Australia's intellectual property laws. It will provide the Registrar of Trade Marks with more discretion over the amount of costs, prescribed by the regulations, to be awarded in a trademark opposition matter. Currently, the registrar can only award scheduled amounts regardless of how much a party spent in legal fees.”
“When our agenda is fully implemented, the gains delivered for Australians will include: Regulatory reform omnibus bills will be instrumental in delivering needed legislative reforms under this agenda. Last October, the Treasurer introduced the Regulatory Reform Omnibus Bill 2025, which was about better regulation, cutting compliance costs and launching the ambitious transition to a 'tell us once' approach to government service delivery. Today, I am proud to continue the government's regulatory reform agenda by introducing the Regulatory Reform Omnibus Bill 2026.”
“From road rules to housing construction, regulation sets the 'ground rules' which govern how individuals behave and how businesses and institutions operate. Last year's Economic Reform Roundtable highlighted the importance of getting regulatory settings right and the strong desire from businesses and community organisations for better regulation. The government is delivering an ambitious regulatory reform agenda to facilitate investment, protect Australians from harm and reduce unnecessary regulatory costs across the economy. Through this agenda, we have been identifying and implementing continuous improvements to regulatory settings on a government-wide basis.”
“I move: That this bill be now read a second time. Australians have faced extraordinary economic challenges over the last few years, driven by events beyond our shores. This week's budget outlined the government's strategy to respond to these challenges through responsible savings and supporting intergenerational equality and by building an economy that is more productive and more resilient. In particular, higher productivity is the key to boosting the real value of our wages and our standard of living. A more productive economy is a more resilient one, and reversing the decay to Australian productivity, which set in during the 2010s, is a key economic goal for the government. Better regulation is a key piece of this economic picture. Regulation touches on nearly every aspect of everyday life.”
“I move: That this bill be now read a second time. This bill seeks approval for appropriations from the Consolidated Revenue Fund of $1.1 billion for the 2025-26 financial year. These appropriations will support the following key items. The Department of Defence will receive $900 million brought forward to meet revised expenditure requirements under the 2024 National Defence Strategy and the Defence Integrated Investment Program. The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts will receive over $204 million for the Australian Rail Track Corporation to continue to deliver the Inland Rail project. Full details of the proposed expenditure are set out in the schedule to the bill, the explanatory memorandum, and the portfolio supplementary additional estimates statements.”
“The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing receiving approximately $643 million, including over $598 million for the National Disability Insurance Agency to provide reasonable and necessary supports for National Disability Insurance Scheme participants. Full details of the proposed expenditure are set out in the schedule to the bill, the explanatory memorandum, and the portfolio supplementary additional estimates statements. I commend this bill to the chamber. Debate adjourned.”
“I move: That this bill be now read a second time. Today, the government introduces the 2025-26 supplementary additional estimates appropriation bills. These bills are: Appropriation Bill (No. 5) seeks approval for appropriations from the Consolidated Revenue Fund of $2.7 billion. This would ensure there are sufficient appropriations to cover estimate variations related to existing programs, for example, changes in demand driven programs. These bills also pay for the 2025-26 financial year impact of decisions made since the 2025-26 MYEFO, including those in the 2026-27 budget. Key items in this bill include: The Department of Defence receiving over $1.8 billion in funding brought forward to address updated expenditure requirements under the 2024 National Defence Strategy and the Defence Integrated Investment Program.”
“Full details of the proposed expenditure are set out in the schedule to the bill, the explanatory memorandum, and the portfolio budget statements. I commend this bill to the chamber. Debate adjourned.”
“I move: That this bill be now read a second time. Appropriation (Parliamentary Departments) Bill (No. 1) provides appropriations for decisions taken by government in the 2026-27 budget for the operations of parliamentary departments. Together with appropriation bills 1 and 2, this bill forms part of the government's budget appropriation bills. This bill seeks approval for appropriations from the Consolidated Revenue Fund of $345.4 million. Funding provided through this bill will support the following significant items of parliamentary departments. The Department of Parliamentary Services will receive close to $274 million to support the work of the Australian parliament, through services to parliamentarians and as custodians of Parliament House. The bill also includes an advance to the responsible presiding officer of $1.9 million.”
“This bill also sets debit limits for payments under the Federal Financial Relations Act that will apply in 2026-27, and they are: Full details of the proposed expenditure are set out in the schedules to the bill, the explanatory memorandum, and the portfolio budget statements. I commend this bill to the chamber. Debate adjourned.”
“This includes funding for the Australian Rail Track Corporation for the Inland Rail project; WSA Co for the Western Sydney International Airport; the National Intermodal Corporation for the development of intermodal projects; NBN Co for the National Broadband Network updates; and funding for the Roads to Recovery Program. The bill also contains an Advance to the Finance Minister (AFM) provision of $3.6 billion to provide the government with the capacity to allocate additional appropriations for urgent and unforeseen expenditure. The AFM comprises: Strong transparency and accountability safeguards will apply to the AFM allocations. This includes publication of a ministerial media release for each allocation and consultation with the shadow minister for finance for any proposed AFM allocation over $1 billion.”
“The Department of Finance will receive approximately $6.4 billion, including funding for Australian Naval Infrastructure Pty Ltd and Snowy Hydro Ltd. The Department of the Treasury will receive over $4.2 billion to provide funding for loans to support social and affordable housing, including concessional loans for housing projects under the Housing Australia Future Fund and loans for the Australian Housing Bond Aggregator. The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts will receive $3.6 billion to continue to deliver projects and programs.”
“We are reforming trusts to level the playing field between workers and families who earn a living through wages and salary and people who live off income from assets held in trusts. We are helping more Australians own their own home with changes to capital gains tax and negative gearing. These reforms will mean more Australians have the opportunity to buy a home, help millions of Australian workers earn more and keep more of what they earn, and ensure our tax system is simpler and more sustainable for the long term. I now outline the most significant items provided for in this bill. The Department of Defence will receive $15.3 billion to support the implementation of the 2026 National Defence Strategy and the 2026 Integrated Investment Program, including through investments in military capacity.”
“I move: That this bill be now read a second time. This bill, Appropriation Bill (No. 2) 2026-2027, along with Appropriation Bill (No. 1) 2026-2027 and Appropriation (Parliamentary Departments) Bill (No. 1) 2026-2027, are the budget appropriation bills for 2026-27. Appropriation Bill (No. 2) seeks approval for appropriations from the consolidated revenue fund of $33.7 billion. This bill provides appropriations for services that are not the ordinary annual services of government for the 2026-27 financial year. This budget is all about taking pressure off ordinary Australians by reforming the tax system to make it fairer for everyone. We are helping people keep more of what they earn, with more than 13 million Australian workers benefiting from a new $250 working Australian tax offset.”
“For the information of honourable members, I present the following documents in connection with the budget of 2026-27: Budget strategy and outlook—Budget paper No. 1—2026-27. Budget measures—Budget paper No. 2—2026-27. Federal financial relations—Budget paper No. 3—2026-27. Agency resourcing—Budget paper No. 4—2026-27. I also present the following ministerial statements: the Women's budget statement 2026-27 , 12 May 2026, and Regional ministerial budget statement 2026-27 : Investing in Australia's regional growth and prosperity , 12 May 2026. Documents made Parliamentary Papers.”
“To ensure these savings are passed on, we've backed that up by increasing maximum penalties for price gouging to $100 million so unfair and illegal profiteering is met with real consequences. Today we also welcomed efforts by regulators and industry—”
“I thank the amazing member for Holt, who has been an absolute champion for consumers throughout her time in this place. We know that Australian families, Australian workers, farmers and businesses are doing it tough right now. Conflict in the Middle East means higher fuel costs, higher inflation and supply pressures. That's why the Albanese government is focused on strong practical action that makes a real difference to household budgets and helps Australians deal with cost-of-living pressures right now. We've acted to make fuel cheaper for the people who need it by halving the fuel excise and reducing the road user charge for heavy vehicles to zero, cutting costs for families at the bowser and for truck drivers moving goods across the country.”
“We're also backing increases to minimum and award wages, delivering cheaper energy and free TAFE, and boosting government funded paid parental leave. We are closely monitoring events in the Middle East and their impact on the Australian economy. We will continue to take action to ensure that our markets operate fairly and competitively, and we will continue to roll out responsible, targeted cost-of-living relief.”
“We have also extended the ACCC's petrol price monitoring program for a further five years and ensured it can issue infringement notices where it suspects misleading conduct. The ACCC has put the sector on notice and made clear it will not hesitate to act if laws are broken, moving quickly to safeguard supply through tightly controlled supply coordination while stepping up price surveillance and enforcement. We know that it's not just petrol and that things can be tough. That's why our government continues to roll out responsible, targeted cost-of-living relief. This includes two rounds of further tax cuts for every Australian taxpayer, cuts to student debt, cheaper medicines and cheaper child care. We're making it easier and more affordable to see a doctor. Almost all of those measures were voted against by those opposite.”
“And yesterday the Treasurer introduced legislation—after having worked with the Assistant Minister for Productivity, Competition, Charities and Treasury—which again will increase the maximum penalty the ACCC can hand down, taking it from $50 million to $100 million. Today we passed that legislation through the House. Unfortunately, as always, the opposition has been confused and opportunistic. They said that we needed to act quickly, but now they're also claiming that we're rushing things. And it's not the first time we've heard this. Well, we make no apologies for acting swiftly on these matters. I have a message for any fuel retailers who seek to make Australians pay more than they should: it is those who are trying to make a quick buck who will ultimately pay the most.”
“I thank the member for Moore for his question and acknowledge that he's been a champion for consumers and for cost-of-living supports throughout his time in this chamber. Many Australians are under pressure, and recent global events are adding further stress and uncertainty. The rising cost of fuel, in particular, is a major challenge. Nobody—and I mean nobody—should be trying to take advantage of the conflict in the Middle East to price gouge and profiteer. I urge all businesses to operate responsibly and to treat their fellow Australians with respect. We are taking action to protect Australian motorists. In 2022 we increased the maximum penalty for anticompetitive behaviour fivefold to $50 million.”
“The inclusion of the wording is important to putting it beyond doubt that the regulations can override the primary law, particularly where there is overlap. Without the wording, there could be confusion as to whether the primary law or the regulation takes priority, and it may ultimately limit the ability of the legislation to keep pace with ongoing advances in health and medical technology. Importantly, any regulations made under the proposed bill would be subject to disallowance, ensuring parliamentary oversight and control over delegated legislation is maintained and in this case, including any impacts on the operation of the primary law. Justification for the inclusion of the wording is in the explanatory memorandum at paragraphs 1.71 to 1.73 for subsection 33E(2) and paragraphs 163 to 165 for subsection 33F(5).”
“I begin by acknowledging the contribution of the member for Mackellar on this subject matter over a period of time. I make clear that the government will not be supporting this particular amendment. The government recognises the importance of this legislation in futureproofing the ban and ensuring it continues to operate effectively, particularly as health and medical technology continue to advance. The purpose of the regulations is to enable the legislation to promptly respond to health and medical advancements which might necessitate modifications to the operation of the ban. The legislation establishing the ban is complex and it is important that it is futureproofed, particularly in the early stages of its implementation.”
“The government supports the need for reviews and the benefit of reviews, but does not support this particular amendment. Three-yearly reviews may not be sufficient to adequately assess the impact of the ban. Once the ban is implemented, it will take time for its impact to fully develop, and three years may not provide enough time for this to occur. Additionally, undertaking a statutory review every three years is likely to give rise to a significant administrative burden with potentially less than commensurate benefits. Three years is likely not enough time to effectively implement and monitor the impacts of any legislative changes arising from recommendations in prior reviews.”
“Further, the operation of stage 1 registration has proven sufficient to meet the policy objectives of a functioning and effective disciplinary system. I commend the bill to the House.”
“These changes will also allow Australia to formalise agreements with the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank announced as part of the 2024-25 MYEFO. Schedule 4 of the bill repeals schedule 2 of the Financial Sector Reform (Hayne Royal Commission Response—Better Advice) Act 2021 and implements the government's decision to no longer proceed with stage 2 of the registration process for financial advisers. This would have otherwise required individual financial advisers to register themselves annually with ASIC from 1 July 2026. This maintains the current system, which requires Australian Financial Services licensees to apply to ASIC to register their authorised financial advisers, and is consistent with the objective of removing unnecessary regulatory burden for individual advisers.”
“ASIC will also be empowered with civil penalty provisions and other oversight and enforcement tools. With the schedule allowing ASIC to gain enhanced regulatory powers, ASIC can engage in stronger oversight of foreign financial service providers. The government is taking action to provide investors with access to global investment opportunities and increased competition in the Australian market. Schedule 3 to the bill streamlines and modernises Australia's legislative framework for multilateral development banks and the IMF. The schedule reduces administrative and legislative burden and ensures that Australia does not fall behind in its ability to participate in future financing arrangements within these important institutions.”
“It is intended that the ban will lead to the uptake of genetic testing and therefore maximise the opportunity to realise the extensive individual public health and scientific benefits of genetic testing. As a number of speakers have indicated in the debate, the benefits of this testing for the individual and for society more broadly are expanding all the time. Schedule 2 to the bill delivers on the government's commitment to ensuring that Australian professional and wholesale investors have access to the cross-border financial advice services they need by providing licensing exemptions to foreign financial service providers. The exemptions are designed to encourage the offering of foreign financial products and services in Australia to diversify investment opportunities for Australian professional and wholesale investors.”
“I want to acknowledge that we have a range of members in this place and acknowledge the thoughtful contribution from the member for Makin but also that the other members who are here have also contributed to this issue. Schedule 1 of the bill implements the government's decision to ban life insurers from using information about an individual's genetic test results to inform the offer of life insurance cover or the terms and conditions of the cover that is offered. This provides certainty to individuals that undertaking genetic testing, either for personal medical reasons or as a participant in medical research, will not impact their ability to obtain life insurance cover or the terms and conditions of that cover.”
“His views carry a great deal of weight in this area. I also acknowledge that we have, in the chamber, members from across a range of parties. We have the member for Makin, who has just given a very thoughtful contribution; the member for Kooyong, who I know has an interest in this; and the member for Cowper, who I've worked with on this issue and others. Indeed, when we gave a major press conference to announce the imminent release of exposure draft legislation, we had members from across all the parties, and that to me reflected the fact that, on issues like this, this place operates well and best when we work together and draw on the expertise from right across this place.”
“I also say that, through acknowledging Dr Tiller, there are many other experts and organisations who have contributed experts in medicine, in the law and in public policy, and I'm not in a position to acknowledge all of them. But, through her work, I want to acknowledge all of the others, and there are probably some of them in the gallery and in the building today. I acknowledge my predecessor Stephen Jones and his work on this. He made a lot of groundwork, as the previous speaker indicated, but also made key decisions, and that is extremely important. I acknowledge the member for Macarthur, who spoke very eloquently on this. I acknowledge his advocacy on this particular measure but also the great expertise and depth of knowledge and passion that he brings to issues right across the spectrum in this area.”
“Firstly, I would like to thank those members who have contributed to this debate, and I briefly acknowledge a few people who are in the chamber and also in the gallery for their contribution. I echo the words of previous speakers and acknowledge the work of Dr Jane Tiller, who has been working on this measure for many, many years. I remember first encountering this issue when I was on the Joint Committee on Corporations and Financial Services, and Dr Tiller, along with her colleague Paul Lacaze, gave a very detailed and compelling briefing. She had been working on this for a long time before that and has continued her advocacy along with other colleagues. Jane Tiller is an example of advocacy that is very impactful.”
“That's why a carve-out applies for research and development activities that are conducted for the sole purpose of harm minimisation, such as stopping addiction. The carve-out is designed to ensure that only truly harm-minimising research and development related to gambling and tobacco remains eligible to receive support. Full details of the measure are contained in the explanatory memorandum. Debate adjourned.”
“The Legislative and Governance Forum on Corporations was notified in relation to amendments in schedule 3 of the bill in accordance with clauses 506 and 507 of the Corporations Agreement 2002. Schedule 4 to this bill amends the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 to exclude activities related to gambling and tobacco from research and development tax incentive eligibility. This will ensure the community is not subsidising this kind of research and development, which can exacerbate serious health risks, addiction and associated harms. The exclusions will apply broadly, capturing research and development related to all types of gambling and any tobacco, from 1 July 2025. The government recognises the importance of minimising the harms from gambling and tobacco.”
“These changes are part of modernising tax administration systems to reduce compliance costs for trustees, beneficiaries and their agents. They streamline how trustees report tax file numbers, removing reporting on a separate form. The amendment will strengthen the integrity of the tax system, helping to ensure the right amount of tax is being paid by trustees and beneficiaries on trust income. Schedule 3 to the bill makes minor and technical amendments to legislation within the Treasury portfolio. These amendments reflect the government's ongoing commitment to the care and maintenance of Treasury laws. The amendments ensure that Treasury portfolio legislation remains current, fit for purpose and continues to work for relevant stakeholders and the broader public.”
“I move: That this bill be now read a second time. This bill amends the Treasury legislation to support philanthropic giving and strengthen the integrity of tax administration systems. Schedule 1 to the bill 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. Removing this threshold updates the tax treatment of gifts to reflect modern fundraising practices and supports philanthropic giving. Schedule 2 to the bill amends the Income Tax Assessment Act 1936to require trustees of closely held trusts to report in the trust's income tax return the quoted tax file numbers of beneficiaries when they have an entitlement, from 1 July 2026.”
“I thank members from across the chamber, across all political parties and the crossbench, who have offered their support for this bill and who, this morning, stood alongside me and alongside survivors when we announced this bill's introduction. Today's show of unity has been a demonstration of the parliament at its best. Full details of the measure are contained in the explanatory memorandum. Debate adjourned.”
“Our approach must continue to be informed by the voices of survivors, advocates, legal experts and practitioners. When survivors tell us where the system still falls short, it is our responsibility to listen and act. Ultimately, this measure is about restoring fairness and dignity. It is about ensuring that the law does not inadvertently protect those who have caused profound harm, while leaving victims and survivors without recourse. It aligns our financial and legal systems with our values that perpetrators must be held accountable and that victims and survivors deserve meaningful support and redress.”
“It risks perpetuating a system where the burden continues to fall on those who were harmed, rather than those who caused the harm. These reforms help restore balance and fairness. The regime established by the bill will be subject to a review after it commences full operation, to ensure that it is operating effectively for victims and survivors of child sexual abuse. This bill should be understood as a significant and necessary foundation. It closes a clear loophole, sends a strong signal about the direction of reform and establishes a framework that can be built upon in the future. Reviewing these measures after implementation will be critical. It ensures that this parliament remains engaged with how the law operates in practice and whether it is truly delivering for victims and survivors.”
“Unfulfilled historical compensation orders brought into existence before the schedule's commencement will be eligible if they remain legally enforceable. These changes recognise that there are survivors right now who are being denied justice under the existing framework. By applying to both future and current bankruptcies, this bill seeks to address not only future harm but present inequity. These reforms are intended to strengthen victim-survivors' ability to enforce court ordered compensation and prevent superannuation being used by perpetrators to shield their assets. When offenders retain substantial retirement savings while victims struggle financially, often as a direct result of the abuse they suffered, it undermines confidence in the justice system.”
“Under this bill, victim-survivors will be able to apply to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO), with appropriate safeguards, to identify any potential eligible superannuation to inform their decision as to whether to seek a court order. These reforms are a practical and targeted step to address that injustice. They introduce a mechanism to ensure that perpetrators cannot simply wait out their obligations while their financial position remains protected. Importantly, by allowing compensation debts to survive bankruptcy, this bill sends a clear and necessary message: financial manoeuvring must not override moral and legal responsibility. Bankruptcy should not be a refuge from accountability for such serious harm.”
“Too many survivors face barriers to stable employment and financial security, meaning the consequences of abuse can shape every aspect of their lives. This bill also amends the Bankruptcy Act, allowing compensation debts to survive perpetrators' bankruptcies, improving the ability of victims and survivors to enforce such debt. There is a growing recognition that justice is not only about securing a conviction but about ensuring meaningful redress. For too many survivors, a conviction has not translated into real-world outcomes. They have endured the trauma of legal proceedings, often reliving deeply painful experiences, only to face further distress when compensation orders go unpaid. That compounds the harm and undermines confidence in the justice system.”
“This bill aims to prevent superannuation being used to shield a perpetrator's assets from compensation, improve transparency and reduce uncertainty in pursuing compensation. Child sexual abuse causes profound and often lifelong harm. Its impacts extend far beyond the period of abuse itself, in many cases affecting mental health, physical wellbeing, relationships, education, and a person's ability to participate fully in work and community life. For many survivors, the trauma does not end when the abuse ends. It is something they carry into adulthood, often navigating its effects daily, and too often without adequate support. The harm is not only emotional and psychological but also deeply material.”
“This bill will enable victims and survivors of child sexual abuse offences to seek access to a perpetrator's superannuation to satisfy unpaid compensation orders, where a criminal conviction has been made. 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. For too long, a deeply unjust loophole has allowed convicted offenders to shield assets in superannuation while victims and survivors are left without the compensation they are owed. This bill closes that loophole and affirms that financial systems must not operate in a way that undermines justice.”
“I also acknowledge the many organisations that have advocated for the introduction of this bill over a long period of time, including, but certainly not limited to, Super for Survivors, Bravehearts, the Grace Tame Foundation, Fighters Against Child Abuse Australia, and the Carly Ryan Foundation. I won't be able to give an exhaustive list, but can I acknowledge a few people who are in the chamber. The member for Boothby and the member for Eden-Monaro have advocated for this measure for a very long period of time. I also see that the member for Lyne is here, and there are others in the chamber for this speech today. These reforms have not emerged in isolation. They are the result of sustained advocacy, lived experience, and the determination of survivors and their supporters to improve a system that has too often failed them.”
“I move: That this bill be now read a second time. In beginning this speech, I wish to acknowledge the survivors and advocates, and their families, who have joined us in the gallery for the introduction of this bill. I recognise: Their presence here today is deeply significant. It reflects not only courage, but their enduring commitment to justice, advocacy, and hope. I acknowledge the bravery of the victim-survivors who spoke at a media conference that we held before the commencement of proceedings today. Their words were incredibly powerful and eloquent, and I thank all those who were there.”