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 lets the Home Affairs Minister, with written agreement from the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, stop groups of offshore temporary visa holders from travelling to Australia for up to six months after an overseas event such as a conflict. The debate took place during the conflict involving Iran and focused on how broad the power is, what safeguards apply, and how quickly the bill passed. Labor and the Coalition supported it, while the Greens and several crossbench members opposed it or moved amendments that were not agreed to.
Arguments made in support
The Government said a temporary visa means a temporary visit, and it needs a way to respond when large numbers of people may not intend to leave.
The Government said the only current option is cancelling visas one by one, which is slow and harsher than pausing travel.
Government members pointed to safeguards: a six-month limit, no effect on permanent visas or people already here, family exemptions, case-by-case exemptions and tabling in Parliament.
The Government said adding extra humanitarian places for each paused visa would be unworkable and disrupt planned settlement services.
Coalition speakers supported the bill as protecting border control, but asked why similar powers were not sought during the Gaza conflict.
Arguments made against, or for changes
Independents including Kate Chaney, Monique Ryan and Zali Steggall said the test was too low, the trigger event undefined, and decisions should be disallowable by Parliament.
Crossbench members said the bill was rushed, with little time to read it or hold a proper inquiry.
Crossbench members moved amendments to widen family exemptions, protect people in transit, pause visa expiry and pay compensation; none were agreed to.
The Greens said the bill would stop about 7,200 Iranians with valid visas from coming and seeking protection, and called for a larger humanitarian intake.
Greens and some independent senators said the power could be used unfairly against people from particular countries or religions in future.
73 speeches by 29 members in the House and Senate over 3 sitting days.
Hansard: House of Representatives, 11 Mar 2026 ›
The official Hansard (PDF), Parliament of Australia
Hansard: Senate, 11 Mar 2026 ›
The official Hansard (PDF), Parliament of Australia
Hansard: Senate, 12 Mar 2026 ›
The official Hansard (PDF), Parliament of Australia
Australia's Voice
0 Yes
1 No
The last column counts members who did not vote. Party counts are for current members.
2 votes were cast by people who have since left Parliament.
Every party member who voted went with the majority of their party.