Major Sporting Events (Indicia and Images) Protection Amendment Bill 2026

Stage by Stage

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

1. Thursday 25 June 2026 · House of Representatives

   Second Reading

   The Minister for Sport introduced legislation to modernise the framework for protecting commercial rights associated with major sporting events. The bill replaces the current system, which requires primary legislation amendments for each event, with a rules-based framework allowing the minister to prescribe events via legislative instrument. This change aims to improve responsiveness and reduce legislative burden while maintaining protections against ambush marketing. The Minister highlighted recent government investments in sport and the social benefits of hosting major events. The debate was adjourned without further speeches recorded in the transcript.

   Outcome: The debate was adjourned.

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2. Tuesday 30 June 2026 · House of Representatives

   Reference to Federation Chamber
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3. Tuesday 30 June 2026 · House of Representatives

   Second Reading

   The debate centred on whether to amend the legislative process for recognising major sporting events from primary legislation to delegated instruments. Coalition members opposed the bill, arguing it reduced parliamentary transparency and concentrated power in the executive without justification, while also criticising the government's record on sports funding. Labor and National Party members supported the bill, stating it modernised the framework, protected sponsors from ambush marketing, and ensured efficient protection for upcoming events like the 2032 Brisbane Olympics. The debate concluded with the adjournment of the second reading.

   Outcome: The debate was adjourned.

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4. Wednesday 1 July 2026 · House of Representatives

   Third Reading
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5. Wednesday 1 July 2026 · Senate

   First Reading
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6. Wednesday 1 July 2026 · Senate

   Second Reading

   The Minister for Youth introduced two bills to modernise sporting event protections and strengthen online safety enforcement. The first bill replaces legislative schedules with a rules-based framework for protecting major sporting event intellectual property. The second bill increases penalties for social media platforms failing to enforce age restrictions and expands the eSafety Commissioner's information-gathering powers. Both bills were supported by the government, with the Minister highlighting recent successes in reducing underage social media access and boosting sports participation. The debate concluded with the consideration of both bills being adjourned to future dates.

   Outcome: Further consideration of the Major Sporting Events bill was adjourned until 11 August 2026, and the Online Safety bill was adjourned until 25 August 2026.

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7. Monday 7 September 2026 · Senate

   Second Reading

   The debate concerned a bill to shift the recognition of major sporting events from primary legislation to delegated legislation. The sole speaker argued that this change reduced parliamentary scrutiny without addressing any identified problem with the existing process. The speaker contended that the government was prioritising administrative convenience over transparency and accountability. The coalition indicated it would oppose the bill on these grounds.

   Outcome: The coalition announced it would oppose the bill.

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8. Monday 14 September 2026 · Senate

   Second Reading

   The Senate debated the Major Sporting Events (Indicia and Images) Protection Amendment Bill 2026, which sought to replace the legislative listing of protected events with a flexible rules-based framework using legislative instruments. Senator Malcolm Roberts supported the bill's administrative efficiency but conditioned his party's support on the exclusion of events allowing biological males to compete in women's sports. Assistant Minister Nita Green defended the bill as a modernisation that maintains parliamentary scrutiny and protects commercial interests for upcoming events like the Brisbane 2032 Games. The bill passed the Senate with a vote of 31 to 18.

   Outcome: The bill passed the Senate with a division result of 31 votes in favour and 18 against.

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9. Monday 14 September 2026 · Senate

   Third Reading
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