Treasury Laws Amendment (The Survivors Law) Bill 2026

Stage by Stage

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

1. Wednesday 25 March 2026 · House of Representatives

   Second Reading

   The debate concerned the introduction of legislation to allow victims of child sexual abuse to access perpetrators' superannuation to satisfy unpaid compensation orders. The bill also amends the Bankruptcy Act to ensure compensation debts survive bankruptcy proceedings. Assistant Treasurer Daniel Mulino moved the second reading, highlighting the bill's aim to close loopholes that allowed offenders to shield assets. The debate was adjourned following the minister's speech, with no other members speaking during this session.

   Outcome: The debate was adjourned.

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2. Tuesday 12 May 2026 · House of Representatives

   Second Reading

   Members debated the Treasury Laws Amendment (The Survivors Law) Bill 2026, which aims to close loopholes allowing perpetrators of child sexual abuse to protect superannuation funds and evade court-ordered compensation via bankruptcy. All speakers supported the bill, acknowledging years of advocacy by survivors and organisations such as Super for Survivors and Bravehearts. The legislation creates a court-supervised process for survivors to access perpetrator superannuation and ensures compensation debts survive bankruptcy proceedings. Speakers emphasised that swift passage was necessary to provide justice to victims who had waited nearly a decade for reform, with commitments made for future reviews to potentially broaden the scope.

   Outcome: The debate was adjourned.

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3. Wednesday 13 May 2026 · House of Representatives

   Second Reading

   Members debated the Treasury Laws Amendment (The Survivors Law) Bill 2026, which sought to close loopholes enabling those who committed child sexual abuse to protect superannuation assets or avoid compensation via bankruptcy. Speakers from across the political spectrum, including the Labor Party and National Party, backed the legislation to ensure justice and accountability for survivors. Independent member Allegra Spender moved an amendment to require an independent review of the legislation within two years to establish formal accountability mechanisms. The debate highlighted specific cases of offenders avoiding payment and the bill's provisions for accessing voluntary superannuation contributions.

   Outcome: The bill was read a second time.

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4. Wednesday 13 May 2026 · House of Representatives

   Third Reading
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5. Thursday 14 May 2026 · Senate

   First Reading
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6. Thursday 14 May 2026 · Senate

   Second Reading

   The Senate debated the Treasury Laws Amendment (The Survivors Law) Bill 2026, which allows victims of child sexual abuse to access perpetrators' superannuation to satisfy unpaid compensation orders and ensures such debts survive bankruptcy. The government introduced the bill to close loopholes that allowed offenders to shield assets, arguing it restores fairness and accountability. The Australian Greens and the Coalition both supported the legislation, with the Greens moving a second reading amendment to mandate a review of the law's effectiveness and scope within three years. The government accepted the amendment, and the bill was read a second time.

   Outcome: The bill was read a second time, with the second reading amendment moved by Senator Shoebridge agreed to.

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7. Thursday 14 May 2026 · Senate

   Third Reading
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