How government works

The bill amends the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency Act 2011 so the higher education regulator can collect and administer the National Student Ombudsman levy, with unpaid amounts treated as a breach of a provider's registration conditions.

The bill would move the $11 million annual running cost of the National Student Ombudsman from the federal government to higher education providers through a levy, with penalties for late or non-payment.

The Knox Class Action (Facilitation) Bill 2026 was introduced in September 2026 to support the implementation of the record robodebt class action settlement known as Knox v The Commonwealth.

The Albanese government has introduced a bill to modernise the Customs Act 1901 so prosecutors no longer have to prove an accused person knew illicit tobacco was unlawfully imported.

A private senator's bill reintroduced in September 2026 would give companies a tax offset for donating surplus food to registered food charities, after the government rejected an earlier version of the measure.

A Nationals private member's bill introduced in the House of Representatives would repeal the National Gun Buyback Scheme and unwind parts of the firearms law Parliament passed in January 2026.

A Senate private member's bill from Senator Fatima Payman would impose a 10-year cooling-off period on former parliamentarians taking designated diplomatic posts and require independent selection committees to recommend candidates on merit.

A private member's bill from independent MP Kate Chaney would bar Commonwealth agencies from automating decisions that require judgement, require high risk systems to be published and reviewed, and guarantee human override and review rights.

A private member's bill from independent MP Andrew Gee would require providers of covered advanced AI systems to keep the ability to restrict, suspend or shut them down, and would place a moratorium on new AI data centre construction and expansion.

A private senator's bill adding overseas organ transplant questions to incoming passenger cards, introduced 20 August 2026.

The House on 20 August 2026 passed five bills, agreed to a Senate amendment to the Cash Distribution Framework Bill and reported gambling bills.

A government bill introduced on 20 August 2026 that would create seven Commonwealth offences for match-fixing and related conduct, following the Wood Review.

A government bill introduced on 20 August 2026 that would overhaul ACCU Scheme governance, native title consent, carbon purchasing and NGER transparency.

A review of the House of Representatives sitting of 19 August 2026: the News Media Bargaining package was debated and passed the House, and several bills…

A private senator's bill, introduced 19 August 2026, requiring Housing Australia to report quarterly on spending, dwellings, consultants and guarantees.

A private senator's bill, introduced 19 August 2026, removing the five-year limit on disciplinary action available to the CFMEU administrator.

A review of the proof Hansard for the House of Representatives sitting of 18 August 2026, covering question time, the gambling reform package and other bills.

A private senator's bill would amend the Crimes Act 1914 to prohibit the strip searching of children under 18; introduced in the Senate on 18 August 2026.

A private senator's bill would amend the Crimes Act 1914 to prohibit the restraint of people giving birth, introduced in the Senate on 18 August 2026.

A Senate bill that would create an ACMA-run Register of Media Interests requiring media entities and staff to disclose interests that could bias reporting.

The levy bill to fund ACMA's enforcement of new wagering advertising reforms passed both houses on 19 August 2026 and was awaiting Royal Assent as of 21 August 2026.

A private member's bill to require medical care for children born alive after a termination, with an offence for breaching that duty.

A review of the proof Hansard for the House of Representatives sitting of 17 August 2026, covering question time, an attempted censure motion and bills.

A private senators' bill to preserve grandfathered tax concessions when jointly held investment property transfers on death or divorce.

A government bill making consequential amendments to tax and review legislation to support the new News Media Bargaining (Administration) Act 2026.

A government bill imposing a news media bargaining charge on large digital platforms that provide significant social media or search services.

A government bill to administer the News Media Incentive charge on large digital platforms, complementing the news media bargaining charge and payment…

A government bill establishing a statutory payment scheme that distributes news bargaining incentive revenue to eligible news organisations.

A government bill making consequential amendments to the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 to support the new News Journalism Payment Scheme.

A private senator's bill to repeal the National Gun Buyback Scheme and restore Commonwealth firearms law to its pre-2026 position.

A private senator's bill to clarify that telehealth consultations for voluntary assisted dying under state and territory laws are not federal offences.

A private senator's bill to extend the superannuation guarantee to workers under 18 who work fewer than 30 hours a week.

A private senator's bill to create foreign terrorist fighter exclusion orders and strengthen passport and bail laws for terrorism-related offences.

A government bill to extend and amend Commonwealth counter-terrorism powers; its second reading debate resumed in the House on 19 August 2026.

A government bill to extend the ECEC worker retention payment special account and add child safety funding for the sector.

A government bill to raise the passenger movement charge to $80; its second reading debate resumed in the House on 19 August 2026.

A review of the proof Hansard for the House of Representatives sitting of 11 August 2026, covering business rearrangement, bills, divisions and statements.

Follow the committee's terms of reference, deadline and guidance. Address the questions with evidence, identify confidentiality concerns before submitting.

A federal referendum can approve a constitutional change through a double majority. It does not automatically enact all policy detail.

How the High Court and other federal courts exercise judicial power under Chapter III of the Constitution, separately from Parliament and the Executive.

The Governor-General performs constitutional, ceremonial and community functions as the King's representative in Australia, mostly on ministerial advice.

Cabinet makes government decisions, the ministry includes all ministers, and caucus is the meeting of a party's parliamentary members under party rules.

Ministers are politically accountable for portfolios and make decisions under law. Departments provide administration and advice under the Public Service Act.

The PM leads the government and chairs Cabinet but acts within constitutional, parliamentary, party and federal constraints. Powerful, not presidential.

What majority, minority and hung parliaments are in Australia, how each is formed after a federal election and what they mean for governing.

Step through the constitutional mechanics, conventions and practical steps that determine who forms government after a federal election in Australia.

Question Time is a daily forum where ministers answer without notice, governed by standing orders and political practice rather than sworn testimony.

Privilege protects Parliament's ability to function, including protected proceedings and powers over interference — not a licence to ignore ordinary law.

Read the bill's clauses with the existing Act, then use the explanatory memorandum for meaning. The memorandum assists interpretation, not enacted law.

How parliamentary committees examine legislation, spending and policy through public submissions and hearings, and how their reports inform Parliament.

A step-by-step guide to the Commonwealth legislative process, from a bill's introduction through parliamentary stages to Royal Assent and commencement.

Australia's bicameral Parliament blends population-based House representation with equal state Senate representation, requiring most laws to pass both.

The upper house of federal parliament. Reviews legislation, conducts inquiries and scrutinises executive actions. Government control is not automatic.

The House makes laws, scrutinises the executive, controls spending and determines who forms government. It is more than the Question Time chamber.

How legislative, executive and judicial powers are divided across the Australian Parliament, the government and the courts, and where the boundaries overlap.

Understand Commonwealth, state or territory, and local government responsibilities in Australia whether you are checking a policy claim or chasing a service.

Australia's federal system divides powers between the Commonwealth and states, with the Constitution granting specific powers and states retaining the rest.

The Constitution establishes the federal system and its core institutions, distributes selected powers and sets the rules for changing itself by referendum.

How representative democracy, constitutional monarchy and federalism combine, with the Constitution dividing power between Parliament, Executive and courts.

Companion bill to the Cash Distribution Framework Bill 2026 — gives the ACCC transitional powers to safeguard cash distribution while the new framework tak...

The cash distribution framework bill passed both Houses on 20 August 2026 after the House agreed to a Senate amendment, and it now awaits Royal Assent.

Senator Pocock's bill would require 30% affordable housing on Commonwealth land sold to private developers, managed by non-profit community housing providers.

Government bill restricting gambling ads, expanding BetStop and banning online keno; passed both houses on 19 August 2026; awaiting Royal Assent.

Reviews the proposed expansion of BetStop cost recovery to cover promotion and Department expenses, part of the government's broader gambling reform

The Therapeutic Goods (Charges) Amendment Bill 2026 enables annual charges for grouped biological entries in the ARTG, reducing regulatory costs. Here's wh…

The Therapeutic Goods Amendment (Medicines Shortages and Other Measures) Bill 2026 would strengthen medicines shortage reporting, create common biologicals.

A Treasury bill introduced 2 July 2026 would tighten tax adviser accountability and change foreign resident CGT and merger rules. Before the House.

The Administrative and Judicial Review Legislation Amendment Bill 2026 proposes changes to how individuals can challenge government decisions.

Establishes an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Aged Care Commissioner and permanent system rules for provider refunds and accommodation payment choice.

Bill to strengthen national-interest oversight of foreign arrangements; PJCIS advisory report presented and second reading debate resumed on 19 August 2026.

Would update traveller biosecurity information requirements and approved arrangement processes under the Biosecurity Act 2015, supporting the digital Australia Travel Declaration.

The Social Security and Other Legislation Amendment (Technical Changes No. 2) Bill 2026 makes technical and administrative amendments to social security law.

A private senator's bill would create a Trade Advisory Group, require independent analysis of free trade agreements, and mandate public accountability.

A government bill before the Senate would amend the Wine Australia Act 2013 for industry surveys and information use, add a mandatory wine grape code, and amend levies collection laws.

A private senator's bill introduced 30 June 2026 would amend the Sex Discrimination Act 1984 to establish a dedicated LGBTIQA+ discrimination commissioner.

Monique Ryan's private member's bill would move the HECS indexation date from 1 June to 1 November so repayments made during the year are credited first.

Reviews the proposed strengthening of enforcement powers for Australia's social media minimum age framework, which passed both houses in September 2026 and awaits Royal Assent.

Dai Le's private member's bill would amend the PGPA Act so domestic manufacturers are considered before non-domestic firms in specified Commonwealth tenders.

Responds to Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide: information sharing, health services, family support and ADF eligibility; before the Senate.

This bill would let future major events, including Brisbane 2032, be protected by legislative rules rather than a new Act for each event.

A health bill introduced 25 June 2026 would modernise the private health insurance rebate. Referred to a Senate committee reporting by October 2026.

Government bill making minor technical amendments to Commonwealth legislation. Passed the House; Senate committee reported 7 August 2026.

Tax Reform No. 2 Bill 2026: loss carry-back for businesses, a permanent $20,000 instant asset write-off, and a PNG employment tax exemption.

$3.6B for managed growth and needs-based university funding, creating 16,000+ extra Commonwealth supported places yearly for disadvantaged students.

Bill 2026 would move safeguard inquiries from the Productivity Commission to the renamed Australian Trade Remedies Commission.

Senator Hume's bill would let the FWC dismiss vexatious applications, decide matters on the papers, and set thresholds for road transport contractors.

Cross-party bill clarifying that aged care needs assessors may use professional discretion passed the Senate on 2 July 2026.

Independent MP Alison Penfold's bill would require the Minister to weigh integrity matters before approving carbon offset methodologies.

Zali Steggall's private member's bill would ban misleading or deceptive electoral matter and add transparency rules for political advertising.

Allegra Spender's private member's bill would bar the Commonwealth from contracting with businesses that pay small suppliers late.

The Customs Tariff Amendment Bill would set about 500 nuisance tariffs to free, extend the 35% additional duty on Russian and Belarusian goods to October 2.

This bill would create health incentive payment programs and rename the Health Insurance Act to the Medicare Act. Passed the House, now before the Senate.

Private member's bill proposes a commission of inquiry into the Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder's management, performance and environmental outcomes.

Independent MP Andrew Wilkie's Human Rights Bill 2026 proposes to give effect to Australia's international human rights obligations in domestic law and exp.

Alison Penfold's bill would redefine Sex Discrimination Act terms to recognise biological sex and protect women-only spaces under proposed new section 32A.

Independent MP Helen Haines's private bill requires minimum backup power at high-risk mobile sites, enables temporary disaster roaming, and makes disaster.

An NDIS reform bill passed the House with 30 amendments. It would tighten eligibility, introduce plan end dates and expand fraud enforcement. Before Senate.

Greens Senator's bill for mandatory packaging EPR scheme shifting waste costs from councils to producers. Before Senate, committee reports 6 Aug 2026.

The Regulatory Reform Omnibus Bill 2026 proposes to amend or repeal 28 Commonwealth Acts to cut red tape, expand tell-us-once data sharing and make

Companion to the aviation consumer bill, amending 18 Acts to create the Aircraft Noise Ombudsman and transition from the Airservices Australia noise office.

Government bill establishing airline passenger rights: cash refunds for cancellations, delay compensation, independent ombuds. Passed House, before Senate.

The Aviation Consumer Protection Levy (Collection) Bill 2026 proposes a levy on airline operators to fund the new aviation consumer protection framework.

The Aviation Consumer Protection Levy Bill 2026 imposes an annual levy on airlines and airports to fund Australia's new consumer watchdog for air travel. H…

What the Defence Force Discipline Amendment Bill 2026 proposes: Royal Commission suicide prevention reforms, a new Defence Mental Health Tribunal, and expu.

Senator Hanson-Young's private bill would require platforms to offer algorithm opt-outs and impose risk-management obligations. Before the Senate.

The government's Secrecy Provisions Amendment Bill proposes replacing criminal offences for unauthorised disclosures by Commonwealth officers with a n.

Senator Ross Cadell's private bill proposes a commission of inquiry into the Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder's management of environmental water ho...

Barnaby Joyce's private member's bill would let courts strip dual nationals of Australian citizenship upon conviction for terrorism offences. Here is what…

Kate Chaney's private member's bill proposes a phased ban on advertising for licensed interactive wagering services across broadcast, digital and stadium m.

The Government's bill would increase illicit tobacco penalties, enable interception warrants for tobacco crime, and expand unexplained wealth order powers.

A companion to the ACIC Bill 2026, this Home Affairs portfolio measure would impose a national charge on criminal history checks coordinated by the Au.

The government's bill continues the ACIC as Australia's national criminal intelligence agency with realigned functions, including expanded powers around se...

Independent MP Gee's private bill prohibiting non-agricultural use of prime farmland, responding to renewable energy and mining concerns. Before the House.

Government bill expands AUSTRAC's powers to restrict high-risk services, updates terrorism financing definitions, and makes technical fixes to AML/CTF laws.

What the government's omnibus bill proposes across six schedules: AFP powers at Sydney West Airport, drug quantity threshold reforms, DPP conflict rules, e.

Nationals Senator Canavan's private bill would establish a framework to identify and protect prime agricultural land from development. Before the Senate.

Senator Hanson's bill requiring offshore gas producers to reserve domestic supply via mandatory Commonwealth agreements. Before Senate, referred to committee.

Senator Fatima Payman's private senator's bill proposes lowering the threshold for adult cyber abuse complaints to the eSafety Commissioner after only 6% o.

Monique Ryan MP's private member's bill would require the Australian CDC to treat gambling harm as a public health matter.

Alison Penfold's private bill would protect prime agricultural land from incompatible development through a statutory framework and commissioner.

Independent MP Scamps' bill for Independent Selection Panels, a Public Appointments Commissioner and parliamentary committee for merit-based appointments.

Would require publication of specialist fees and out-of-pocket costs, and give the health minister power to block private health insurance premium rises.

Rebekha Sharkie MP's private bill would create a Commonwealth offence for mistreatment of the Australian, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags.

Nationals MP Pat Conaghan's private member's bill would criminalise the burning or desecration of the Australian flag with fines up to $16,500 or 12 months…

Greens Senator Steph Hodgins-May's private senator's bill proposes banning political donations from specified industries, capping all donations at $3,.

Senator Canavan's private bill would remove federal prohibitions on nuclear power by amending the ARPANS Act and EPBC Act. A private senator's bill before...

Senator Jacqui Lambie's private bill would establish a Sexual Assault Prevention, Intervention and Response Commission as an independent statutory

The Universal Outdoor Mobile Obligation Bill 2025 would guarantee baseline outdoor mobile coverage for all Australians. Here's what it proposes and the scr…

Senator Antic's bill would amend family assistance law to allow conscientious objection and age exemptions from immunisation rules for the child care subsidy.

Senator Hume's bill lowering downsizer contribution age to 50, extending the window to one year, and raising the maximum from $300k to $500k under super law.

A private senators' bill to remove minimum age requirements for social media from the Online Safety Act 2021 — what it proposes, who backs it, and where it.

Senator David Pocock's private bill creates a complaints regime for non-consensual deepfakes and a privacy tort for wrongful use of digitally altered content.

Would give employees a right to request working from home up to 2 days a week under the Fair Work Act. Before the Senate after committee referral.

Independent Senator Tammy Tyrrell's private bill seeks to make regulation impact statements a legal requirement for certain bills and legislative inst.

Senator Hume's private bill would remove Australia's nuclear energy moratorium and let ARENA and the CEFC support nuclear technologies. Before the Senate.

Senator Andrew Bragg's private bill would subject the Housing Australia Investment Mandate — including the Home Guarantee Scheme — to parliamentary

Greens Senator Barbara Pocock's private senator's bill would ban Commonwealth procurement contracts with suppliers who have engaged in unethical conduct. H…

Senator Canavan's private bill would repeal five climate-related Acts including the Climate Change Act 2022 and Net Zero Economy Authority Act 2024, and am.

Henry Pike's private bill would legislate Australia Day on 26 January as the national day, setting the date in Commonwealth legislation for the first time.

Independent MP Scamps' bill to classify e-bikes as road vehicles with national safety standards covering speed, power output and battery requirements.

A government bill to create a carriage service provider registration scheme and give ACMA direct enforcement powers over industry codes — what it means for.

Senator Allman-Payne's private bill implements Robodebt Royal Commission recommendations by amending social security laws on debt recovery and information .

Zali Steggall's private bill would create a national climate adaptation authority, mandatory risk assessments and rolling adaptation plans. Before the House.

Independent MP Dai Le's private bill proposes reducing maximum student contributions for society and culture subjects, challenging the Job-ready Gradu.

Andrew Wilkie's private member's bill would legislate outstanding Robodebt Royal Commission recommendations on debt recovery, automated decisions and crisi...

Independent Senator David Pocock's bill would ban materially misleading electoral matter including deepfakes, require AI disclosure, create an Electoral Co…

Senator Colbeck's bill would create an 8-member joint committee to scrutinise Commonwealth consultancy contracts, with mandatory referral for contracts ove.

Independent MP Kate Chaney's private member's bill would create new Commonwealth offences for using a carriage service to generate child abuse material

Government bill making ASIO compulsory questioning powers permanent, expanding adult warrant scope, requiring retired judges for post-charge questioning.

A minor technical amendment to the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989 under the Prime Minister's portfolio, making administrative corrections without policy change.

Greens Senator Mehreen Faruqi's private bill removes mandatory minimum sentences from the Crimes Act 1914, restoring judicial sentencing discretion.

A Greens bill proposing 12 days of paid reproductive health leave and flexible work for menopause — what it would change and where it stands.

Greens Senator Mehreen Faruqi's bill would require publicly funded universities to disclose and divest from partnerships with weapons manufacturers, f.

Senator Shoebridge's bill would recognise a statutory right to peaceful protest and override inconsistent state and territory anti-protest laws.

Senator Pocock's bill would put lobbying regulation on a statutory footing with enforceable rules for lobbyist-government dealings. Before the Senate.

Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young's bill would ban mining in the Great Australian Bight and require the government to seek UNESCO World Heritage listing. H…

This cross-bench bill would create an independent Whistleblower Protection Authority with a Commissioner, enforcement powers, and an advisory board — a new.

Senator Lambie's bill would cap senior public office holder salaries at five times average weekly earnings, amending the Remuneration Tribunal Act 1973.

Greens Senator McKim's bill raising firefighter and paramedic superannuation guarantee rate by 4.4% to match ADF base rates. Before Senate.

Senator Jacqui Lambie's private bill would amend tertiary education laws to restrict for-profit providers' access to Commonwealth funding and student

David Pocock's bill to increase ACT and NT Senate representation — what it proposes, why it matters, and where it stands in the parliamentary process.

Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young's private bill proposes a staged ban on advertising for licensed interactive wagering services under the Interactive Gamb.

Six crossbench senators propose repealing the Digital ID Act 2024, arguing the 'voluntary' system would become effectively mandatory.

Senator Henderson's bill would establish a royal commission-style inquiry into antisemitism at Australian universities. Before the Senate as of July 2026.

Independent Senator David Pocock's bill would create a statutory National Housing and Homelessness Plan, a Consumer Council, and an independent Advoca.

Senator McKim's bill would let courts order corporations to divest assets for misusing market power, but the Senate negatived the second reading on 26 June.

Independent Senator Lidia Thorpe's bill would require all Commonwealth legislation to include a Statement of Compatibility with UNDRIP. Here's what it mean…

Greens Senator Larissa Waters' bill would ban political donations from corporations with government contracts or grants, and their close associates.

Senator Pocock's bill removing Copyright Tribunal caps on radio royalties, enabling market-rate determination for sound recording owners and the ABC.

Senator Steele-John's bill would lower the federal voting age from 18 to 16, with voluntary voting for 16-17 year olds and expanded provisional voting access.

Sarah Hanson-Young's long-running bill to add a climate trigger to Australia's national environment law — how it would work and where it stands after years.

Greens Senator Mehreen Faruqi's bill prohibits export and import of greyhounds for racing, breeding and commercial purposes under customs regulations.

Senator Steele-John's bill would require both houses of Parliament to approve ADF overseas deployments, with emergency exceptions and regular reporting.

Pauline Hanson's long-running private bill seeks to mandate 'balanced presentation of opposing views' in school education and tie Commonwealth school .

Senator Steele-John's bill would require broadcasters to provide minimum audio description for blind and vision-impaired viewers. Before Senate since 2019.

Senator Pauline Hanson's 2018 private bill proposed a national plebiscite on whether immigration is too high, to be held alongside the next federal election.

Greens Senator Larissa Waters' bill, first introduced in 2015 and restored to the 48th Parliament, would give landholders the right to refuse gas and coal…