Question Time AU

Bill Debate · Second Reading

Social Security and Other Legislation Amendment (Technical Changes No. 2) Bill 2025; Second Reading

House of Representatives · Thursday 4 September 2025

Official Hansard for this day (APH) · Read this debate on OpenAustralia

At a glance

The Minister for Social Services introduced the bill to reform social security debt management and address historical calculation errors. Key measures included raising the debt waiver threshold to $250, indexing it annually, and expanding waivers for victims of financial abuse. The legislation also validated the historic practice of income apportionment to avoid recalculating millions of old debts, while establishing a resolution scheme offering compensation of up to $600 to affected individuals. The debate concluded with the bill being commended to the House.

Outcome

The debate was adjourned after the minister commended the bill to the House.

Summary in reported speech - not a transcript. AI-generated, so check the official record before quoting.

How the debate unfolded

Opened the debate

Tanya Plibersek (Sydney) (Australian Labor Party) ALP

Plibersek argued that the bill strengthens the social safety net by making debt recovery more efficient and humane. Plibersek stated that raising the waiver threshold to $250 would eliminate nearly half of the undetermined debt backlog, sparing Australians from stress over small, accidental debts. The minister highlighted that expanding special circumstances waivers would better protect victims of coercive control and financial abuse from being penalised for debts arising from their abuser's actions. Regarding income apportionment, she contended that validating the historic practice prevents the distress and cost of recalculating millions of old debts, while the new resolution scheme offers fair compensation to those affected.

Government response

Tanya Plibersek (Minister for Social Services) ALP Sydney

Plibersek emphasised that the government is committed to implementing all recommendations from the Royal Commission into the Robodebt Scheme, with three-quarters already completed or progressed. Plibersek explained that the bill addresses the legacy of income apportionment by validating past calculations to avoid diverting billions of dollars from frontline services. The minister noted that the Income Apportionment Resolution Scheme provides a clear pathway for compensation, with payments ranging from full repayment for small debts to $600 for larger ones, without forcing participation. Plibersek concluded that these changes protect system integrity while ensuring dignity and respect for those seeking support.