Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Amendment Bill 2026

Stage by Stage

Summaries in reported speech - not a transcript. In date order, both chambers.

1. Thursday 12 March 2026 · House of Representatives

   Second Reading

   The debate focused on the government's proposal to empower AUSTRAC to restrict high-risk financial mechanisms, specifically targeting cryptocurrency ATMs linked to scams and money laundering. The Assistant Minister argued that these devices were exploited by criminal groups to coerce individuals into moving illicit funds, causing significant harm to the community. The bill also included technical amendments to align Australian law with international standards and previous reforms. As no other members spoke, the debate concluded with the motion being adjourned.

   Outcome: The debate was adjourned.

   Read the full summary

2. Tuesday 11 August 2026 · House of Representatives

   Report from Committee

   Andrew Wallace presented the advisory report from the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security regarding the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Amendment Bill 2026. The committee broadly supported the bill's objectives to strengthen Australia's financial crime framework but recommended specific changes to enhance accountability and transparency. Key recommendations included requiring ministerial oversight for new regulatory powers, prioritising restrictions on cryptocurrency automated teller machines, and delaying the commencement of new obligations until 1 July 2027. The report was commended to the House.

   Outcome: The report was made a parliamentary paper and commended to the House.

   Read the full summary

3. Wednesday 9 September 2026 · House of Representatives

   Second Reading

   The debate centered on strengthening Australia's anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing laws, particularly regarding high-risk mechanisms like cryptocurrency ATMs. Government members argued the bill was essential to combat organised crime and scams, while Coalition members supported the objectives but insisted on amendments for ministerial accountability and delayed commencement. All speakers agreed that the legislative framework needed to adapt to sophisticated criminal methods, though they differed on the necessity of additional safeguards. The Coalition agreed to allow the bill to pass the House of Representatives, intending to move amendments in the Senate.

   Read the full summary

4. Thursday 10 September 2026 · House of Representatives

   Second Reading

   The debate centered on the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Amendment Bill 2026, which aimed to empower AUSTRAC to restrict high-risk financial mechanisms like crypto ATMs. Labor members and Anne Stanley supported the legislation as a necessary measure to protect vulnerable Australians from fraud and terrorism financing, while a Liberal member criticized the government for neglecting broader organized crime issues. Speakers commended the bill to the House, highlighting its role in closing national security gaps and updating definitions regarding terrorism financing. The discussion concluded with the adjournment of the debate.

   Outcome: The bill was commended to the House and the debate was adjourned.

   Read the full summary

5. Wednesday 16 September 2026 · House of Representatives

   Consideration in Detail

   The debate concerned the consideration in detail of the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Amendment Bill 2026. Assistant Minister Julian Hill moved 25 government amendments to incorporate recommendations from the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security. These changes transferred powers from the AUSTRAC CEO to the Minister, mandated consultation reporting, and delayed commencement to reduce regulatory burden. The amendments were agreed to, and the bill passed as amended.

   Outcome: The amendments were agreed to and the bill, as amended, was agreed to.

   Read the full summary

6. Wednesday 16 September 2026 · House of Representatives

   Second Reading

   The debate focused on reforms to strengthen Australia's anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing framework, specifically targeting high-risk mechanisms like cryptocurrency ATMs. Labor members argued that the bill addresses the convergence of serious crime threats and provides necessary tools for AUSTRAC to restrict risky financial channels. The legislation also updates definitions regarding state sponsors of terrorism and clarifies obligations for reporting entities. The bill was passed at the second reading stage, with the Assistant Minister noting that government amendments based on committee recommendations would follow.

   Outcome: The bill was read a second time.

   Read the full summary

7. Wednesday 16 September 2026 · House of Representatives

   Third Reading
   See who spoke