What was debated in Parliament
Summarised using AI from the official Hansard transcript of the debate only. It is not a record of the debate and may leave things out. Read the Hansard below to check it.
This bill widens the legal meaning of 'vaccine' so that products giving ready-made antibodies, known as passive immunity, can be listed on the free National Immunisation Program. Speakers focused on Beyfortus, which protects babies from RSV, and on wider issues of falling vaccination rates and uneven vaccine funding between states.
Arguments made in support
The Government said new therapies like Beyfortus cannot be listed under the current definition, so Australians could miss out on products available overseas.
Coalition speakers supported the bill as a sensible technical change that gives families nationally consistent access to RSV protection for babies.
The Coalition noted the bill does not list any product automatically; products must still pass the usual safety, effectiveness and value assessments.
Independent member Monique Ryan supported the bill, saying it would help protect against preventable diseases and make the program more flexible.
Arguments made against, or for changes
Monique Ryan moved an amendment urging the Government to work with states on uneven vaccine funding, such as for meningococcal B and RSV. It was defeated.
Coalition speakers backed the bill but said medicines take too long to be listed and the Government had not acted on a health technology assessment review.
One Nation moved amendments in the Senate requiring vaccines to be tested against a saline placebo to an international standard before listing.
11 speeches by 8 members in the House and Senate over 5 sitting days.
Hansard: House of Representatives, 5 Feb 2026 ›
The official Hansard (PDF), Parliament of Australia
Hansard: House of Representatives, 10 Feb 2026 ›
The official Hansard (PDF), Parliament of Australia
Hansard: House of Representatives, 11 Feb 2026 ›
The official Hansard (PDF), Parliament of Australia
Hansard: House of Representatives, 12 Feb 2026 ›
The official Hansard (PDF), Parliament of Australia
Hansard: Senate, 1 Apr 2026 ›
The official Hansard (PDF), Parliament of Australia
Includes votes on amendments and procedure.