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 sets up a new consumer protection system for air travel, with an independent Aviation Consumer Ombudsperson for complaints, a charter of minimum standards for airlines and airports, and a regulator to enforce it. It also moves the Aircraft Noise Ombudsperson into the transport department, away from Airservices Australia. The debate focused on whether passengers should get automatic compensation for delays, how regional airlines and airports would be treated, and how much detail was left to regulations.
Arguments made in support
The government said the industry-run complaints body had failed and passengers now get a free, independent ombudsperson that can make binding decisions.
Government members said passengers will get cash refunds instead of forced credits and help with meals, transport and hotels when disruptions are the airline's fault.
The government said automatic compensation can push up fares and threaten thin regional routes without improving on-time performance.
Members from areas near airports welcomed a noise ombudsperson separate from Airservices Australia.
Arguments made against, or for changes
The Coalition said the bill adds bureaucracy but no direct compensation, and should cover Airservices Australia and protect unused COVID flight credits.
Coalition and crossbench members said the regional airport exemption should be written into the law, not left to the minister.
Crossbench MPs and the Greens said the charter was not in the bill and called for fixed compensation like in Europe and Canada.
The Greens said the noise ombudsperson is still not truly independent and called for action on Brisbane aircraft noise.
51 speeches by 37 members in the House and Senate over 4 sitting days.
Hansard: House of Representatives, 1 Apr 2026 ›
The official Hansard (PDF), Parliament of Australia
Hansard: House of Representatives, 25 June 2026 ›
The official Hansard (PDF), Parliament of Australia
Hansard: House of Representatives, 29 June 2026 ›
The official Hansard (PDF), Parliament of Australia
Hansard: Senate, 30 June 2026 ›
The official Hansard (PDF), Parliament of Australia
Includes votes on amendments and procedure.