Secrecy Provisions Amendment (Sunsetting Provision) Bill 2026

Stage by Stage

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

1. Wednesday 1 April 2026 · House of Representatives

   Second Reading

   The Attorney-General moved the second reading of the bill, which extends the sunset date for section 122.4 of the Criminal Code until 29 December 2026. This provision criminalises Commonwealth officers who breach duties regarding sensitive information. The extension allows parliament time to consider broader reforms proposed in a separate repealing bill. No other members spoke, and the debate was adjourned.

   Outcome: The debate was adjourned.

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2. Tuesday 12 May 2026 · House of Representatives

   Reference to Federation Chamber
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3. Tuesday 12 May 2026 · House of Representatives

   Second Reading

   Julian Leeser spoke on behalf of the Coalition regarding two bills concerning Commonwealth secrecy laws. The Coalition supports the sunsetting bill, which extends the operation of section 122.4 of the Criminal Code by six months to prevent a legal vacuum. Regarding the repealing offences bill, the Coalition will not oppose it in the House but has significant concerns about its scope, particularly the lack of independent recommendations for the journalist consent mechanism and the removal of criminal liability for ideologically motivated leaks. The Coalition intends to finalise its position after Senate committee scrutiny.

   Outcome: The debate was adjourned.

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4. Wednesday 13 May 2026 · House of Representatives

   Second Reading

   The debate centred on reforms to Australia's Commonwealth secrecy framework, aiming to remove criminal liability from over 300 provisions and introduce a new targeted offence for improper use of information. Government members supported the bills as necessary modernisation that balances national security with transparency and press freedom. Opposition and independent members generally supported the reduction of secrecy offences but raised concerns about the vagueness of the new offence and the adequacy of whistleblower protections. An amendment moved by Andrew Wilkie calling for comprehensive whistleblower reforms was opposed by the Attorney-General.

   Outcome: The amendment moved by Andrew Wilkie was opposed by the government; the bills were referred to the Senate Legal and Constitutional Affairs Legislation Committee.

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5. Thursday 14 May 2026 · House of Representatives

   Third Reading
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6. Monday 22 June 2026 · Senate

   Second Reading

   Minister Tim Ayres introduced five bills to the Senate, seeking leave to incorporate his second reading speeches into the official record. The legislation addressed long service leave disputes in the coal mining sector, reforms to secrecy laws, consumer protections in telecommunications, and various tax administration updates. The Minister outlined the principles behind each bill, including debt resolution pathways for employers, the repeal of unnecessary secrecy offences, increased penalties for telecom misconduct, and adjustments to tax deductions and pension supplements. The debate was adjourned without a vote, and the bills were listed as separate orders of the day.

   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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7. Monday 22 June 2026 · Senate

   First Reading
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8. Monday 29 June 2026 · Senate

   Second Reading

   The Senate debated a bill to extend the operation of section 122.4 of the Criminal Code by six months, preventing a lapse in criminal protections for Commonwealth nondisclosure duties. The Coalition and Greens supported the extension to maintain legal continuity while broader secrecy reforms were scrutinised. The Greens criticised the government's previous reform attempts as lacking stakeholder support and whistleblower protections, while the Coalition highlighted the necessity of the extension due to the government's delayed legislative agenda. The Labor government welcomed the support, noting it allowed time for proper consideration of companion legislation. The bill was passed on second reading.

   Outcome: The bill was read a second time.

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9. Monday 29 June 2026 · Senate

   Third Reading
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