National Commission for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children and Young People Bill 2026

Stage by Stage

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

1. Thursday 5 February 2026 · House of Representatives

   Second Reading

   The Minister for Social Services introduced legislation to create a lasting, autonomous statutory body headed by a national commissioner. The bill aims to improve outcomes for Indigenous children by addressing systemic disadvantage and ensuring their voices are heard in policy decisions. It grants the commissioner powers to conduct inquiries, gather information, and hold governments accountable for Closing the Gap targets. The government committed significant funding to support the commission's operations. The debate was adjourned following the Minister's speech.

   Outcome: Debate adjourned.

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2. Tuesday 10 February 2026 · House of Representatives

   Second Reading

   The debate centered on the National Commission for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children and Young People Bill 2026, which proposed establishing an independent statutory commission to advocate for Indigenous children. Government and independent members supported the legislation as a necessary structural reform to address systemic failures, citing worsening Closing the Gap indicators such as high rates of youth detention and out-of-home care. Conversely, opposition members argued the bill created redundant bureaucracy that diverted funds from frontline services and eroded ministerial accountability without delivering practical impact. The discussion highlighted deep divisions over whether new institutions or targeted local interventions were the most effective path forward.

   Outcome: The debate was interrupted during the speech of Ash Ambihaipahar, with no final vote recorded in this transcript segment.

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3. Wednesday 11 February 2026 · House of Representatives

   Third Reading
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4. Wednesday 11 February 2026 · House of Representatives

   Second Reading

   The debate focused on establishing a permanent, independent national commissioner dedicated to the rights and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people. Members argued that current systems fail to address systemic issues and that legislative backing is necessary to ensure accountability and durability. The government committed significant funding to support the commissioner's functions. The bills passed the House of Representatives with a vote of 95 to 39.

   Outcome: The bills were passed by the House of Representatives with a division result of 95 votes in favour and 39 against.

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5. Tuesday 3 March 2026 · Senate

   Second Reading

   The Senate debated legislation to establish a permanent, independent statutory agency led by a National Commissioner for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people. Assistant Minister Anthony Chisholm moved the second reading, outlining the bill's powers to conduct inquiries, gather information, and hold governments accountable for systemic disadvantage. He highlighted that the measure responds to decades of advocacy and addresses off-track Closing the Gap targets. The government committed $33.5 million over four years to fund the commission. The debate was adjourned without further speeches recorded in the transcript.

   Outcome: The debate was adjourned.

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6. Tuesday 3 March 2026 · Senate

   First Reading
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7. Monday 23 March 2026 · Senate

   Second Reading

   The Senate debated legislation to establish an independent statutory national commission focused on the rights and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children. Government and Greens senators supported the bill as a necessary accountability mechanism and response to decades of advocacy, while Coalition and Country Liberal Party senators opposed it, arguing it created redundant bureaucracy that diverted resources from frontline services. Senator Waters moved a second reading amendment calling for the age of criminal responsibility to be raised to 14, which was noted but not supported by the government.

   Outcome: The second reading amendment moved by Senator Waters was not supported by the government, and the bills proceeded to consideration in detail.

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8. Wednesday 25 March 2026 · Senate

   In Committee

   The Senate debated the establishment of a national commissioner for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, with Greens senators supporting the bill but moving an amendment to compel government responses to recommendations. One Nation senator Malcolm Roberts opposed the legislation, arguing it added unnecessary bureaucracy and entrenched victimhood, while Minister Malarndirri McCarthy defended the bill as a response to community requests for accountability. The Greens amendment requiring the government to table a response to the commissioner's recommendations within 15 sitting days was put to the vote and defeated.

   Outcome: The Greens amendment requiring the government to respond to the commissioner's recommendations was defeated in a division of 14 to 29.

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9. Wednesday 25 March 2026 · Senate

   Third Reading
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10. Wednesday 25 March 2026 · Senate

    Second Reading
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