The question is that amendment (2), put forward by the honourable member for Warringah, be agreed to.
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 bundles seven changes, including tighter rules on disclosing who owns shares in listed companies, letting the charities regulator speak publicly about investigations, and reviewing ASIC and APRA every five years instead of every two. It also extends energy market misconduct rules to 2031 and the $20,000 instant asset write-off for small business to June 2026. Debate centred on the review cycle for regulators and on making the write-off permanent.
Arguments made in support
Government members said clearer ownership disclosure will show who really controls listed companies and help tackle tax avoidance and financial crime.
Labor speakers said letting the charities regulator confirm investigations will protect public trust and encourage more giving.
The government said five-year reviews of ASIC and APRA would be more thorough and give regulators time to act on recommendations.
Government members said an independent review found the energy misconduct rules worked, so extending them protects households and businesses.
Speakers from all sides, including the Greens and independents, supported extending the instant asset write-off to help small business cash flow.
Arguments made against, or for changes
Coalition speakers said fewer reviews of ASIC and APRA would reduce accountability, especially after investors lost over $1 billion in the First Guardian and Shield collapses.
Independents Sophie Scamps and Allegra Spender questioned the five-year review cycle, noting a Senate committee had recommended keeping two-year reviews.
Independents said extending the write-off one year at a time creates uncertainty and moved amendments to make it permanent and raise it to $50,000.
The Greens said the ownership changes were only a small step and called for a full public register covering private companies and trusts.
The Coalition and Greens supported the bill in the House but reserved their final position pending a Senate committee inquiry.
32 speeches by 22 members in the House over 3 sitting days.
Hansard: House of Representatives, 4 Sept 2025 ›
The official Hansard (PDF), Parliament of Australia
Hansard: House of Representatives, 7 Oct 2025 ›
The official Hansard (PDF), Parliament of Australia
Hansard: House of Representatives, 8 Oct 2025 ›
The official Hansard (PDF), Parliament of Australia
Every party member who voted went with the majority of their party.