Statute Update 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 Attorney-General moved the second reading of the Statute Update Bill 2026, which proposes technical amendments to 42 Commonwealth acts and the repeal of 106 spent or obsolete acts. The legislation aims to correct errors, remove outdated provisions, and align references with modern drafting practices to improve legislative clarity. The member described such bills as traditionally non-controversial and essential for maintaining an accurate statute book. The debate was adjourned without further discussion.

   Outcome: The debate was adjourned.

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2. Wednesday 1 July 2026 · House of Representatives

   Reference to Federation Chamber
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3. Wednesday 1 July 2026 · House of Representatives

   Second Reading

   The House of Representatives debated the Statute Update Bill 2026, which aims to correct drafting errors, update terminology, and repeal obsolete acts within the Commonwealth Statute Book. The Shadow Assistant Minister for Employment and Industrial Relations supported the bill's principles but sought referral to the Senate Legal and Constitutional Affairs Legislation Committee to verify that amendments were purely technical. The member for Moore strongly supported the bill, detailing specific corrections in family law, electoral law, and the Freedom of Information Act, while emphasising the necessity of legislative maintenance. The member for Riverina also supported the bill, addressing concerns about veterans' entitlements and confirming that substantive rights remained unchanged. The bill was passed without amendment.

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

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4. Thursday 2 July 2026 · House of Representatives

   Third Reading
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5. Thursday 2 July 2026 · Senate

   First Reading
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6. Thursday 2 July 2026 · Senate

   Second Reading

   The Senate debated the Statute Update Bill 2026, which proposes technical amendments to 42 Commonwealth Acts and the repeal of 106 spent or obsolete Acts. The legislation aims to correct errors, remove outdated provisions, and align references with modern drafting practices to improve legislative clarity. Minister Tim Ayres moved the motion for the second reading, describing the bill as non-controversial and essential for maintaining an accurate statute book. No other members spoke during the debate.

   Outcome: The transcript does not state the final result of the vote.

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7. Thursday 10 September 2026 · Senate

   Limitation of Debate

   The Senate debated the Statute Update Bill 2026 under a limitation of debate order. The opposition moved a second reading amendment and committee stage amendments to protect veterans from monetary caps on allied health treatment, arguing that care should be based on clinical need rather than arbitrary financial thresholds. One Nation moved an amendment to redefine the term hors de combat in the Criminal Code. The opposition amendments were defeated, while the One Nation amendment was passed. The bill was subsequently passed.

   Outcome: The bill was passed after divisions on the amendments.

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8. Thursday 10 September 2026 · Senate

   Second Reading

   The Senate debated the Statute Update Bill 2026, a technical measure to clean up legislation, alongside significant amendments concerning veterans' affairs. The Coalition and crossbench members moved amendments to remove a proposed $5,000 annual cap on allied health services for veterans, arguing the policy was financially motivated and harmful to those with complex injuries. The government opposed these amendments, stating that consultations were underway and the bill was not the appropriate vehicle for such changes. One Nation also moved an amendment to remove retrospective application of war crime definitions. The debate highlighted deep divisions over the treatment of veterans and the government's refusal to withdraw the cap before implementation.

   Outcome: The transcript does not state the final result of the vote on the bill or amendments.

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9. Monday 14 September 2026 · House of Representatives

   Consideration of Senate Message
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