Bills — Major Sporting Events (Indicia and Images) Protection Amendment Bill 2026; Second Reading

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 changes how major sporting events get protection for their logos and images against fake merchandise and 'ambush marketing'. Instead of parliament passing a new law for each event, the minister would list events in rules that parliament can still disallow. The debate focused less on the protections themselves, which all sides supported, and more on whether this moves too much power from parliament to the minister.

Arguments made in support

Government members said the change removes the need to pass a new law each time Australia hosts a major event, such as Brisbane 2032.

Supporters said protecting sponsors from ambush marketing keeps private investment in events and reduces the cost to governments.

Government members said clear criteria, such as international significance, and parliament's power to disallow the rules provide safeguards.

Supporters said fans should know they are buying genuine merchandise, and exemptions for reporting and commentary remain.

One Nation supported the bill, saying it cuts red tape and cost while the Senate can still vote down an instrument.

Arguments made against, or for changes

Coalition speakers said the protections already exist and the bill only shifts the decision from parliament to the minister.

The Coalition said parliament would only see decisions after they become law, which reduces transparency and scrutiny.

Coalition members said no stakeholders asked for the change, there was no urgency, and events are announced years ahead.

In the Senate, the Coalition said it would oppose the bill as a solution without a clear problem.

25 speeches by 18 members in the House and Senate over 6 sitting days.