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 makes about 20 small changes across 25 laws to cut red tape. It changes trademark and plant breeder rules, speeds some anti-dumping refunds, eases gender equality reporting, and takes 'tell us once' steps so people don't have to give government the same information twice. Debate focused on whether it goes far enough, a change to Human Rights Commission complaint notices, and a late change to the Compensation Scheme of Last Resort.
Arguments made in support
The government said the changes reduce compliance costs and form part of a plan to cut regulation costs by $10.2 billion a year.
Government members said 'tell us once' changes help pensioners overseas and people cancelling Centrelink nominee arrangements, including in family violence cases.
The government said ending compulsory Human Rights Commission notices spares uninvolved people stress, and the commission president can still notify people.
The government said shortening the parliamentary review period for a compensation levy gets money to victims of financial misconduct faster. The Greens supported this with a time limit.
Arguments made against, or for changes
The Coalition said removing compulsory notices means people named in discrimination complaints may not learn of allegations, and moved to remove that part.
The Coalition, Pocock and Spender said the bill is only a small step. Spender and Pocock moved motions calling for red tape reduction targets.
Helen Haines and the Coalition objected to dropping advertising spending reports from annual reports. The government removed that part.
One Nation raised privacy concerns about data sharing between agencies and sought Senate inquiries. The Greens moved to ask arrivals about foreign military service.
109 speeches by 30 members in the House and Senate over 8 sitting days.
Hansard: House of Representatives, 13 May 2026 ›
The official Hansard (PDF), Parliament of Australia
Hansard: House of Representatives, 24 June 2026 ›
The official Hansard (PDF), Parliament of Australia
Hansard: House of Representatives, 1 July 2026 ›
The official Hansard (PDF), Parliament of Australia
Hansard: Senate, 2 July 2026 ›
The official Hansard (PDF), Parliament of Australia
Hansard: Senate, 7 Sept 2026 ›
The official Hansard (PDF), Parliament of Australia
Hansard: Senate, 10 Sept 2026 ›
The official Hansard (PDF), Parliament of Australia
Hansard: House of Representatives, 14 Sept 2026 ›
The official Hansard (PDF), Parliament of Australia
Hansard: Senate, 14 Sept 2026 ›
The official Hansard (PDF), Parliament of Australia
Second and third reading votes. How each party's members voted:
Includes votes on amendments and procedure.