Crimes and Other Legislation Amendment (Omnibus No. 1) Bill 2026

Stage by Stage

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

1. Wednesday 11 March 2026 · House of Representatives

   Second Reading

   The Attorney-General moved the second reading of the bill, which aimed to modernise and clarify various pieces of crimes-related legislation. The proposal included updates to police powers, criminal code procedures, prosecution agency operations, extradition processes, and telecommunications oversight. The speaker argued these changes would improve efficiency and safety while maintaining safeguards. The debate was adjourned without further discussion or voting recorded in the transcript.

   Outcome: The debate was adjourned.

   Read the full summary

2. Wednesday 25 March 2026 · House of Representatives

   Second Reading

   The debate focused on the second reading of the Crimes and Other Legislation Amendment (Omnibus No. 1) Bill 2026, which proposes technical and procedural updates to various crime-related laws. Members supported the bill, arguing it modernises law enforcement powers, improves judicial efficiency, and aligns Commonwealth practices with state approaches. Key measures included extending police powers to the new Western Sydney airport, allowing electronic warrants, and changing how drug quantities are measured for prosecution. The Attorney-General commended the bill for ensuring agencies have the necessary tools to keep Australians safe.

   Outcome: The bill was commended to the House by all speakers.

   Read the full summary

3. Wednesday 25 March 2026 · House of Representatives

   Third Reading
   See who spoke

4. Wednesday 25 March 2026 · House of Representatives

   Reference to Federation Chamber
   See who spoke

5. Tuesday 11 August 2026 · Senate

   Second Reading

   The Senate debated an omnibus bill amending criminal justice, law enforcement, and prosecution legislation. The Coalition supported the bill's technical improvements and the extension of cyber disruption powers but moved amendments to ensure parliamentary review of expanded extradition arrest powers and to require that changes to the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission's capabilities be handled through separate legislation for proper scrutiny. The Greens opposed specific schedules regarding drug offence evidentiary rules and surveillance warrant extensions, citing concerns over fair trial rights and insufficient safeguards. One Nation moved an amendment to restore previous legal definitions regarding veterans' conduct in Afghanistan. Government senators supported the bill as necessary for law enforcement effectiveness.

   Outcome: The bill proceeded to further stages of debate with amendments moved by the Opposition and Greens.

   Read the full summary

6. Wednesday 12 August 2026 · Senate

   In Committee

   The debate focused on two main issues: a proposed post-implementation review of extradition arrest warrant powers and the rationale for new conflict of interest provisions for the Director of Public Prosecutions. The government moved an amendment to narrow the scope of the opposition's proposed review to focus solely on unintended consequences of Schedule 4, which the opposition accepted. A significant portion of the debate involved questioning whether the new conflict of interest provisions were drafted in response to the prosecution of Ben Roberts-Smith, which the minister denied. The Greens indicated support for the government's amendment regarding the review.

   Outcome: The government's amendment to the opposition's amendment was agreed to, and progress was reported.

   Read the full summary

7. Wednesday 12 August 2026 · Senate

   Second Reading
   See who spoke

8. Thursday 13 August 2026 · Senate

   In Committee

   The Senate committee debated the Crimes and Other Legislation Amendment (Omnibus No. 1) Bill 2026, focusing on conflict of interest provisions and surveillance powers. The Shadow Attorney-General and the Greens raised concerns about potential conflicts within the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions and the erosion of civil liberties through expanded surveillance and drug quantity assessment changes. The government defended these measures as necessary for operational efficiency and national security, with Senator Green clarifying that conflict management provisions were designed for efficient justice delivery. Senator Collins questioned the scope of the Attorney-General's discretion, while the Greens opposed the changes due to their impact on vulnerable individuals.

   Outcome: The committee reported progress on the bill.

   Read the full summary

9. Monday 17 August 2026 · Senate

   In Committee

   The Senate considered amendments to the Crimes and Other Legislation Amendment (Omnibus No. 1) Bill 2026. The government moved an amendment to extend the sunset date for account takeover and data disruption warrants to September 2029, which was agreed to. The Greens moved amendments to bring the sunset date forward to July 2027, arguing for stronger safeguards and a public interest monitor, but these were opposed by the government and coalition. One Nation moved amendments to restore the previous definition of hors de combat, which the coalition supported, citing concerns about the scope of earlier assurances. The Greens opposed the One Nation amendments, arguing the original changes aligned with international law. Significant debate also occurred regarding proposed changes to how conflicts of interest are managed within the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions, with opposition senators questioning transparency and appointment processes.

   Outcome: The government amendment to extend the sunset date was agreed to; the Greens' amendments to shorten the date were not carried; the One Nation amendments regarding hors de combat were not determined due to procedural conflicts and time constraints.

   Read the full summary

10. Thursday 20 August 2026 · House of Representatives

    Consideration of Senate Message
    See who spoke

11. Thursday 20 August 2026 · Senate

    Limitation of Debate
    See who spoke