Commonwealth Workplace Protection Orders Bill 2025

Stage by Stage

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

1. Thursday 31 July 2025 · House of Representatives

   Second Reading

   The debate concerned the reintroduction of legislation to establish a scheme for workplace protection orders for Commonwealth employees. The government argued the bill was necessary to address rising violence against public servants, citing a specific assault on a Services Australia worker. The legislation implements recommendations from a security review and allows courts to issue orders restricting contact or attendance at workplaces. No opposition speakers were recorded in the provided transcript, and the debate was adjourned following the minister's speech.

   Outcome: The debate was adjourned.

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2. Wednesday 27 August 2025 · House of Representatives

   Second Reading

   The House of Representatives debated the Commonwealth Workplace Protection Orders Bill 2025, which establishes a national scheme for protection orders to safeguard Commonwealth workers from violence and harassment. The legislation implements recommendations from the Ashton review, allowing agencies to apply for orders on behalf of staff rather than requiring individual applications. All speakers supported the bill, citing the need to protect frontline workers in Services Australia, border force, and other agencies from increasing aggression. The debate concluded with the adjournment of the discussion, indicating broad bipartisan support for the measure.

   Outcome: The debate was adjourned.

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3. Thursday 28 August 2025 · House of Representatives

   Second Reading

   The House of Representatives debated the Commonwealth Workplace Protection Orders Bill 2025, which establishes a scheme for workplace protection orders to safeguard Commonwealth employees from violence and harassment. Speakers from both the government and opposition supported the legislation, citing rising incidents of aggression against frontline workers at agencies such as Services Australia and the Australian Electoral Commission. The bill implements recommendation 17 of the Services Australia Security Risk Management Review, allowing authorised persons to apply for orders on behalf of workers. All speakers emphasised the need to balance worker safety with the public's right to access essential services. The bill was passed on second reading.

   Outcome: The bill was read a second time.

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4. Thursday 28 August 2025 · House of Representatives

   Third Reading
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5. Monday 1 September 2025 · Senate

   First Reading
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6. Monday 1 September 2025 · Senate

   Second Reading

   The Senate debated the Commonwealth Workplace Protection Orders Bill 2025, which aims to strengthen safety measures for Commonwealth employees and contractors. Assistant Minister Anthony Chisholm introduced the legislation, citing the assault on Services Australia staff member Joeanne Cassar as a catalyst for reform. The bill implements recommendations from the Services Australia Security Risk Management Review to allow courts to issue protection orders against individuals posing a risk of violence. The debate was adjourned without a final vote recorded in the transcript.

   Outcome: Debate adjourned.

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7. Wednesday 29 October 2025 · Senate

   Second Reading

   The Senate debated the Commonwealth Workplace Protection Orders Bill 2025, which establishes a framework for courts to issue protection orders against individuals who threaten or use violence against Commonwealth workers. The legislation implements recommendation 17 of the Ashton review, following the stabbing of Services Australia employee Joeanne Cassar in 2023. All speakers supported the bill, citing the need to protect frontline staff, including contractors and volunteers, from the nearly 1,700 serious incidents recorded at Services Australia in a single year. The bill allows agencies to apply for orders on behalf of workers, ensuring alternative service access remains available for those subject to restrictions. The legislation passed its second reading with bipartisan support.

   Outcome: The bill was read a second time.

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8. Wednesday 29 October 2025 · Senate

   Third Reading
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