Aviation Consumer Protection Bill 2026

Stage by Stage

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

1. Wednesday 1 April 2026 · House of Representatives

   Second Reading

   The Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government introduced the Aviation Consumer Protection Bill 2026 to establish a new framework for handling consumer complaints in the aviation sector. The legislation creates an independent Aviation Consumer Ombudsperson scheme and a regulator within the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts to enforce a new charter. The Minister argued that existing voluntary industry arrangements, specifically the Airline Customer Advocate, had failed to provide effective dispute resolution for passengers. The bill aims to improve transparency regarding flight delays and cancellations while ensuring the aviation sector remains competitive. The debate was adjourned following the Minister's speech.

   Outcome: The debate was adjourned.

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2. Thursday 25 June 2026 · House of Representatives

   Second Reading

   The debate centred on whether the proposed aviation consumer protection framework provided sufficient rights for passengers or imposed undue costs on regional operators. Coalition members opposed the bill, arguing it lacked direct compensation, excluded Airservices Australia from accountability, and threatened regional aviation viability. Independent members expressed mixed views, welcoming stronger protections but criticising the lack of automatic compensation and concerns over regional exemptions. Labor members supported the legislation as a necessary reform to replace ineffective industry-led complaints handling with independent oversight and clear minimum standards. The debate concluded with the moving of amendments by the Coalition and an Independent member.

   Outcome: The second reading amendment moved by Michael McCormack was recorded, and Monique Ryan moved a separate amendment.

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3. Monday 29 June 2026 · House of Representatives

   Third Reading
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4. Monday 29 June 2026 · House of Representatives

   Second Reading

   The debate focused on the Aviation Consumer Protection Bill 2026 and associated legislation, which proposed establishing an independent ombudsperson and regulatory authority to improve consumer rights in the aviation sector. Government members argued the reforms were necessary to address weak accountability and service failures, while opposition and independent members raised concerns regarding regional reliability and the lack of monetary compensation for delays. The Greens moved an amendment for stronger protections and noise curfews, which was not passed. The bills were ultimately defeated in a division.

   Outcome: The bills were not passed, with a division result of 47 votes in favour and 86 against.

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5. Tuesday 30 June 2026 · Senate

   Second Reading

   The Senate debated a package of four bills aimed at strengthening consumer protections in the aviation sector. The legislation establishes an independent ombudsperson scheme and a regulatory authority to handle complaints and enforce standards. The government argued that existing voluntary arrangements were ineffective and that new measures were needed to address poor service and flight disruptions. The debate was opened by the Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme, who moved the second reading. No other members spoke during this session, and the debate was adjourned.

   Outcome: The debate was adjourned after the minister sought leave to continue remarks later.

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6. Tuesday 30 June 2026 · Senate

   Returned from the House of Representatives
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