Telecommunications and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2025

Stage by Stage

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

1. Wednesday 27 August 2025 · House of Representatives

   Second Reading

   The debate concerned the Telecommunications and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2025, which sought to update electronic surveillance and law enforcement frameworks. Tony Burke moved the second reading, arguing the bill provided necessary technical clarifications for agencies to operate effectively amidst rapid technological change. The legislation addressed disclosure duties, regulatory transfers, testing authorisations, international orders, and controlled operation safeguards. No other members spoke, and the debate was adjourned without a recorded vote in the transcript.

   Outcome: The debate was adjourned.

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2. Tuesday 7 October 2025 · House of Representatives

   Second Reading

   The debate concerned technical amendments to telecommunications interception laws, surveillance devices, and controlled operations to address technological changes and machinery-of-government shifts. All speakers supported the bill, citing the need for law enforcement to combat online child exploitation, cybercrime, and national security threats. Key issues included transferring the Communications Access Coordinator role to Home Affairs, allowing access to stored communications for testing, and clarifying international data sharing agreements. The bill was passed without amendment.

   Outcome: The bill was read a second time and passed without amendment.

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3. Tuesday 7 October 2025 · House of Representatives

   Third Reading
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4. Wednesday 29 October 2025 · Senate

   In Committee

   The Senate debated amendments to Schedule 4 of the Telecommunications and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2025, which proposed changing terminology from 'intercepting' to 'accessing' in international production orders. Senator Shoebridge moved an amendment to oppose Schedule 4, citing concerns from the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Human Rights that the changes would broaden data sharing with the United States, including for non-target individuals. Assistant Minister Chisholm defended the bill as necessary technical updates to align with operational realities and existing legislative intent, denying that it expanded surveillance powers. The government opposed the amendment, and the division resulted in the amendment being defeated.

   Outcome: The amendment to oppose Schedule 4 was defeated in a division of 30 to 12.

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5. Wednesday 29 October 2025 · Senate

   Second Reading

   The Senate debated the Telecommunications and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2025, which proposed amendments to surveillance and interception laws. The Liberal Party supported the bill as necessary technical corrections to ensure law enforcement agencies could operate effectively. The Australian Greens opposed it, arguing it expanded surveillance powers without adequate safeguards or consultation, and moved an amendment to postpone consideration. The Labor Party supported the bill, stating it remedied defects in existing legislation. The Greens' amendment was defeated, and the bill was subsequently passed.

   Outcome: The Greens' amendment to postpone consideration was defeated, and the bill was passed on the second reading.

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6. Wednesday 29 October 2025 · Senate

   Third Reading
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