Competition and Consumer Amendment (Australian Energy Regulator Separation) Bill 2025

Stage by Stage

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

1. Wednesday 23 July 2025 · Senate

   First Reading
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2. Wednesday 23 July 2025 · Senate

   Second Reading

   The Minister for Health and Aged Care introduced two bills to 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 aims to improve Medicare integrity by shortening claim timeframes, strengthening investigative powers, and updating therapeutic goods regulations. The Minister argued these measures would protect consumers and ensure the reliability of health and energy systems. The debate was adjourned with the bills listed as separate orders.

   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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3. Thursday 4 September 2025 · Senate

   Second Reading

   The debate concerned the separation of the Australian Energy Regulator from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission. The sole speaker argued that the legislation was a bureaucratic reshuffle that failed to address the cost-of-living crisis or energy affordability. The member contended that the government had failed to meet its 2022 election promises regarding power bill reductions and renewable energy targets. The speech concluded by asserting that the bill offered no relief to households or businesses struggling with high costs.

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4. Wednesday 29 October 2025 · Senate

   Third Reading
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5. Thursday 30 October 2025 · House of Representatives

   Second Reading

   The debate concerned legislation to separate the Australian Energy Regulator from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission. The government argued this reform was necessary to provide the regulator with greater operational autonomy and governance clarity to manage the energy transition. The opposition supported the bill but criticised the government for prioritising bureaucratic restructuring over addressing rising energy costs and broken election promises regarding bill reductions.

   Outcome: The bill was supported by the opposition after assurances were received that it would not increase energy costs, though the government's handling of energy policy was heavily criticised.

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6. Monday 3 November 2025 · House of Representatives

   Second Reading

   The debate concerned legislation to separate the Australian Energy Regulator from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission to improve governance and independence. Government members argued the reform was necessary due to the AER's significant growth in staff and budget since 2005, and to resolve accountability mismatches. Opposition members opposed the bill, arguing the government should prioritise lowering energy costs and criticising broader renewable energy policies as harmful to industry and consumers. The bill passed its second reading.

   Outcome: The bill was read a second time and the question was agreed to.

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7. Monday 3 November 2025 · House of Representatives

   Third Reading
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