Corporations Amendment (Digital Assets Framework) Bill 2025

Stage by Stage

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

1. Wednesday 26 November 2025 · House of Representatives

   Second Reading

   The debate concerned the introduction of a regulatory framework for digital assets and tokenised custody platforms in Australia. The Assistant Treasurer argued that the bill addresses risks associated with unregulated intermediaries by extending existing financial services obligations to these new entities. The legislation aims to protect consumers, ensure market integrity, and support innovation through clear licensing requirements and transitional provisions. No other members spoke during the session, and the debate was adjourned without a final vote recorded in the transcript.

   Outcome: The debate was adjourned.

   Read the full summary

2. Tuesday 3 February 2026 · House of Representatives

   Reference to Federation Chamber
   See who spoke

3. Tuesday 3 February 2026 · House of Representatives

   Second Reading

   Simon Kennedy supported the bill as a necessary step to provide legal clarity for the digital assets sector, which had previously operated in a regulatory grey area. He argued that while the legislation was welcome, it was significantly delayed and insufficient to prevent Australia from losing investment and jobs to other jurisdictions. Kennedy called for further reforms, including stablecoin frameworks and licensing flexibility, to ensure Australia could compete globally in fintech and blockchain technologies.

   Outcome: The debate was adjourned.

   Read the full summary

4. Wednesday 4 February 2026 · House of Representatives

   Second Reading

   The debate centred on introducing a regulatory framework for digital asset platforms and tokenised custody platforms to protect consumers and support innovation. Labor members argued the bill closes regulatory gaps exposed by collapses like FTX, applying existing financial services standards to new technologies. The Liberal Party supported the principle but sought Senate committee scrutiny, partly due to concerns about ASIC's oversight and a separate retrospective validation of fees. The Greens and an Independent member supported the bill, with the Greens raising concerns about bank branch closures. The bill was passed without amendment.

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

   Read the full summary

5. Wednesday 4 February 2026 · House of Representatives

   Third Reading
   See who spoke

6. Thursday 5 February 2026 · Senate

   First Reading
   See who spoke

7. Thursday 5 February 2026 · Senate

   Second Reading

   The Senate debated the Corporations Amendment (Digital Assets Framework) Bill 2025, which aims to regulate digital asset and tokenised custody platforms. The Minister for Industry and Innovation argued that the legislation addresses regulatory gaps by extending existing financial services obligations to these emerging markets. The bill introduces new product categories and licensing requirements to protect consumers while maintaining flexibility for innovation. It includes exemptions for small-scale operators and an 18-month transition period. The debate concluded with the Minister moving that the bill be read a second time.

   Outcome: The Minister moved that the bill be now read a second time.

   Read the full summary

8. Wednesday 1 April 2026 · Senate

   Limitation of Debate

   The Senate debated the Corporations Amendment (Digital Assets Framework) Bill 2025, with Senator Katy Gallagher tabling an addendum to the explanatory memorandum. Senator Jonathon Duniam moved two amendments on behalf of the opposition, one requiring an independent review of the framework after two years and another mandating written reasons for refusing financial services. Senator David Pocock indicated support for the review amendment. The debate concluded with a division on the amendments, which were not passed.

   Outcome: The amendments were put to a division and were not passed, with 25 votes against and 34 votes in favour.

   Read the full summary