Biosecurity Amendment (Improving Operational Efficiency) Bill 2026

Stage by Stage

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

1. Wednesday 1 July 2026 · House of Representatives

   Second Reading

   The Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry moved the second reading of the bill, arguing it modernises biosecurity operations through digital declarations and improved regulatory transparency. Collins highlighted the increasing complexity of border risks and the government's significant financial investment in strengthening the system. The bill aims to streamline decision-making at the border while maintaining high standards. No other members spoke, and the debate was adjourned without a recorded vote in the transcript.

   Outcome: The debate was adjourned.

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2. Tuesday 11 August 2026 · House of Representatives

   Second Reading

   The debate focused on the introduction of a digital travel declaration system to complement existing paper cards for biosecurity purposes. The National Party supported the bill as a sensible modernisation that maintains current legal protections and penalties. However, the speaker raised significant concerns about the government's broader biosecurity strategy, specifically citing budget cuts to on-ground pest control programs. The debate concluded with the adjournment of discussion, with the opposition indicating continued support for the bill while scrutinising its implementation and related funding issues.

   Outcome: The debate was adjourned.

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3. Tuesday 11 August 2026 · House of Representatives

   Reference to Federation Chamber
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4. Wednesday 12 August 2026 · House of Representatives

   Second Reading

   The debate focused on modernising Australia's border biosecurity system by replacing paper incoming passenger cards with a digital Australia Travel Declaration and improving procedural fairness for businesses under approved arrangements. Government members argued the reforms would increase efficiency and allow officers to target high-risk travellers without lowering biosecurity standards, citing successful pilot programs. The shadow minister raised concerns about the varroa mite outbreak, arguing it exposed weaknesses in the current system and called for better national frameworks for managing established pests. The bill was passed without amendment.

   Outcome: The bill was read a second time and reported to the House without amendment.

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5. Thursday 13 August 2026 · House of Representatives

   Third Reading
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6. Monday 17 August 2026 · Senate

   Second Reading

   The debate focused on the principles of the Biosecurity Amendment (Improving Operational Efficiency) Bill 2026. The sole speaker, Minister Tim Ayres, argued that the legislation was necessary to modernise Australia's biosecurity framework in response to increasing border pressures and complex risk environments. He highlighted the bill's provisions for digital travel declarations and improved procedural fairness for industry participants. No opposition or alternative viewpoints were presented in the transcript provided.

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7. Thursday 10 September 2026 · Senate

   Second Reading

   The Senate debated the Biosecurity Amendment (Improving Operational Efficiency) Bill 2026, which introduces a mandatory digital travel declaration alongside existing paper forms. The Shadow Special Minister of State supported the bill as a sensible modernisation but criticised the government for cutting funding for on-ground pest management programs. The Assistant Minister for Tourism defended the bill as a key step in border modernisation and highlighted significant government investment in biosecurity. The bill was passed on second reading.

   Outcome: The bill was read a second time.

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8. Thursday 10 September 2026 · Senate

   Third Reading
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