Competition and Consumer Amendment (Australian Energy Regulator Separation) Bill 2024

Stage by Stage

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

1. Tuesday 4 February 2025 · House of Representatives

   Second Reading

   The debate concerned the separation of the Australian Energy Regulator from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission to establish it as an independent Commonwealth entity. The Labor member supported the bill, arguing it resolved governance disconnects and aligned authority with responsibility for the regulator's growing workforce and budget. The Independent member raised concerns about the regulator's past effectiveness and questioned whether increased funding would translate to lower consumer prices or better enforcement of market rules. The debate concluded with the sitting suspended after these two speeches.

   Outcome: The debate was adjourned and the sitting was suspended.

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2. Thursday 6 February 2025 · House of Representatives

   Report from Federation Chamber
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3. Thursday 6 February 2025 · House of Representatives

   Second Reading

   The debate concerned legislation to separate the Australian Energy Regulator from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission to enhance its autonomy. Barnaby Joyce opposed the bill, arguing that current energy market mechanisms and government subsidies for intermittent power sources drive up costs for consumers and harm regional communities. Josh Wilson supported the bill, stating that the separation was a long-recommended reform that would improve energy security, reliability, and affordability. The bill was commended to the House.

   Outcome: The bill was commended to the House.

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4. Thursday 6 February 2025 · House of Representatives

   Third Reading
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5. Monday 10 February 2025 · Senate

   First Reading
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6. Monday 10 February 2025 · Senate

   Second Reading

   The Minister for Indigenous Australians moved the second reading of two bills in the Senate. The first bill proposes separating the Australian Energy Regulator from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission to enhance governance and autonomy. The second bill introduces a mandatory target-setting scheme for large employers to improve workplace gender equality. The Minister argued these reforms address regulatory inefficiencies and persistent gender pay gaps. The debate was adjourned without a final vote, with the bills listed for future consideration.

   Outcome: The debate was adjourned and the bills were ordered to be listed on the Notice Paper as separate orders of the day.

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